Solar Panels Flashcards

Flashcards about solar panels, their history, function, types, benefits, and drawbacks.

Who discovered the photovoltaic effect?

Edmond Becquerel in 1839

When did Charles Fritts install the first solar panel in NYC?

1884

What did Harry Reagan create in the early 1900s?

Thermal batteries to store solar energy

When was the first solar panel used to power a satellite radio in space?

1958

What is the Solar Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act?

An act passed by Congress in 1974

By how much have solar installation prices dropped over the last decade?

70%

What are photons?

Particles of light

How do solar panels generate electricity?

Photons knock electrons free from atoms

What are photovoltaic cells?

Smaller internal units inside solar panels that are linked together

What creates a polar electric field in a solar panel?

A positive and negative side

Which layer has extra electrons (negative) in a solar panel?

The phosphorous layer

Which layer has less electrons (positive) in a solar panel?

The boron layer

What is 'doping' in solar panel manufacturing?

Adding the boron and phosphorous to the silicon layers

What collects the free electrons in a solar panel?

Metal conductive plate

Name two materials found in solar panels.

Boron, Phosphorous

What material is the frame of a solar panel typically made of?

Anodized or powdered aluminum

What is the purpose of the backing material in a solar panel?

To insulate the panel and prevent electric shock

What material is commonly used in crystalline solar panels?

Silicon

What materials are used in bendable thin films?

Cadmium or copper

What is silicon nitride used for in solar panels?

As an antireflective coating

Name three common materials used in solar panels.

Glass, Plastic, Silicon

What is a key characteristic of thin film solar panels?

They are flexible and bendable

What is the thickness of Thin Film solar panels?

1.3 microns thick

Where can thin film panels be used?

wearable electronics and architecture

Which type of solar panel is more powerful and expensive?

Monocrystalline

What is a distinguishing visual feature of monocrystalline solar panels?

Small white diamond pattern

Which type of solar panel is the most common?

Polycrystalline

How are polycrystalline solar panels manufactured?

With molten silicon

Which type of solar panel is cheapest to buy?

Polycrystalline

What problems do clear glass solar panels address?

Land use and rooftop aesthetics

Where can clear glass solar panels be placed?

Home, office, car sunroof, even cellphone screen

Where was the clear glass solar panel invented?

Michigan State University (2014)

What part of the solar spectrum do clear glass solar panels use?

The part that is invisible (UV and infrared)

What do organic salts in clear glass panels absorb?

Invisible UV and infrared wavelengths

How do clear glass solar panels convert wavelengths into electricity?

Wavelengths are guided to the end of the strip, where their power is collected

What is the current anticipated efficiency of clear glass solar panels?

About 10%

What solar technology consideration creates higher electricity production?

Larger windows using the panels

In 2018, how many US homes could be powered by solar energy?

12.3 million

About what percentage of USA electricity generation is solar made up of?

1.6%

What amount of carbon emissions does USA solar offset annually?

70 million metric tons

How many trees would offset 70 million tons of carbon?

1.2 billion trees

How many solar panels do USA residential homes have on average?

20 panels

How many kilowatts can a residential home create?

5KW

Where is the largest solar park currently being constructed (City)?

City of Dubai

What will total capacity be of the City of Dubai solar park?

5,000 MW

What city is the current location of the largest solar park?

Ningxia, China

What is the capacity of the Ningxia, China solar park?

1,547 MW

Where is the solar park that is designed in the shape of 2 pandas?

Datong, China

What is an argument against the adoption of solar?

Reduce property values, negative health impacts

What is an argument against the adoption of solar?

Sunlight is intermittent – cloudy or rainy