Test Your Solar IQ!

Solar cells use the power in the sun’s rays and convert it directly into what?

electrical energy
a sun tan
heat

All of the following variables need to be considered in defining the number of solar cells required for an application except one. Check the answer that does not belong.

The angle of the sun in the sky – geographic considerations and time of year
Cloudiness and overcast weather conditions
Ambient temperature
Buildings and vegetation obstructions
The strength of the wind

Most commercially economic solar cells today are made of what?

glass
metal
silicon
wood

Individual solar cells typically generate between _ and _ volts.

between .4 and .7 volts
between 5 and 15 volts
between .10 and 1.5 volts
between .1 and .3 volts

The main factor in the amount of power generated by solar panels is what?

the height of the panel
the size of the panel.
the color of the panel
the cost of the panel

Solar cells produce what kind electricity?

DC (Direct Current)
AC (Alternating Current)
Static

Since solar panels only produce electricity when sunlight is present what is needed to store the energy for use on a continuing basis?

a bright moon
wind energy
a battery

Specific battery types that have distinctive performance, cost and useful life characteristics need to be considered in each solar application. Select the battery type below that DOES NOT fit.

Lead Acid
Bunsen Cell
Nickel Hydride
Lithium Ion

Depending on the application, what may be required to convert 12 volt DC current to 120 volt AC current?

an inverter
a hand crank
jumper cables

Most panels produced today are rugged and are expected to last how long?

up to 20-25 years in normal operations
up to 100-200 years in normal operations
up to 10-15 years in normal operations