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What defines renewable energy?
Energy that comes from natural resources like the sun, wind, water, and biomass, which replenish faster than they are consumed.
What is the primary source of renewable energy?
The sun, with the exception of geothermal energy.
What is a patchwork quilt approach in renewable energy?
Utilizing multiple sources of energy rather than relying on a single one.
What are the ideal characteristics of a truly sustainable renewable energy source?
It should not be depleted by continuous use, should not emit significant pollutants, and should not perpetuate health hazards or social injustices.
What is a solar cell made of?
Silicon, and it is extremely thin.
How much energy does one solar cell produce?
Approximately 5 watts.
How long can solar modules emit power?
For upwards of 30-40 years.
How do LED bulbs compare to old bulbs in terms of energy usage?
Old bulbs used 60 watts, while current LED bulbs use only 8 watts, meaning old bulbs used 7 times more energy.
What is a watt?
A unit of power, often used to describe how much energy is used to power something.
What is a kilowatt-hour (kWh)?
A unit of energy that measures the amount of electricity used over time.
What is the global energy consumption equivalent to in terms of solar energy?
Energy from the sun in one hour is equivalent to total annual consumption.
What are the two main types of solar PV modules?
Crystalline Silicon (not very flexible) and Thin Film (flexible but more expensive).
What is the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels?
Monocrystalline panels are made from single silicon crystals, are more efficient, and appear black; polycrystalline panels are made from multiple silicon fragments, are less efficient, and typically blue.
What are bifacial solar modules?
Modules that take advantage of reflection energy (Albedo) from the ground, gaining additional energy in snowy climates.
What is the difference between string inverters and micro-inverters?
String inverters are larger, more prone to overheating, and last about 10 years; micro-inverters are smaller, last around 25 years, and are easier to scale.
What is the benefit of tracking arrays in solar setups?
They follow the sun throughout the day, potentially increasing energy production by up to 20%.
What are solar awnings?
Awnings that incorporate solar modules, serving a dual purpose as both shade and energy generation.
What is solar thermal energy primarily used for?
Heating water or simple hot water tanks.
What is the significance of silicon in solar panels?
Silicon is the second most abundant substance in Earth's crust and is crucial for the function of solar cells.
What is the typical lifespan of a solar module?
30-40 years.
What are the challenges of installing solar panels on different roof types?
Metal roofs are easiest, shingle roofs are harder, and cedar shingle roofs are not recommended for mounting.
What is the energy gain percentage from bifacial modules on different surfaces?
5% from soil, 10% on dirt or gravel, 16% on sand, 23% on snow, and 27% on white membranes.
What is the primary benefit of solar thermal systems in warmer climates?
They provide year-round heating.
What is a common characteristic of larger solar thermal systems?
They are complex and used to generate electricity.
What is the 'sweet spot' for solar thermal radiation?
700 nm (nanometers)
What does the Coefficient of Performance (COP) measure?
The efficiency of a system, calculated as power output divided by power input.
How is COP defined mathematically?
COP = power output / power input or energy out / energy in.
What percentage of energy consumption in an average Canadian home is used for heating?
82% (19% for water heating and 63% for space heating).
What is a tankless water heater and its advantage?
A compact water heater that uses electricity only when hot water is needed, saving energy.
What are air-to-air heat pumps also known as?
Mini-split or air source heat pumps.
What is the efficiency range of mini-split heat pumps?
They can be 400-600% more effective than traditional heating methods.
What is a solar pond and its efficiency?
A pond with high salt content used to collect heat, typically achieving ~10% efficiency.
What is a parabolic cooker?
A type of solar cooker with a disc-like design that generates heat based on its diameter.
What is a solar furnace and its components?
An air heater made with materials like polycarbonate or glass, featuring duct work to absorb and circulate heat.
Is burning wood considered renewable energy?
No, because it takes over 100 years for trees to grow to a significant size for burning.
What health issues are associated with smoke from wildfires?
Smoke can cause respiratory problems and has been linked to excess deaths due to air pollution.
What is PM 2.5 and why is it dangerous?
Toxic particles from combustion that penetrate deep into the respiratory system, increasing health risks.
What is the relationship between PM 2.5 exposure and health outcomes?
Every 10 micrograms/m3 increase in PM 2.5 is associated with a 14% increase in mortality.
What are the effects of wood smoke on health?
Breathing wood smoke is unhealthy and can create severe pollution hotspots.
Why are wood stove exchange programs considered ineffective?
They often do not reduce pollution as certified stoves can create more emissions than expected.
What toxic chemicals are generated from wood burning?
Dioxins and furans
How much deadlier is air pollution compared to car crashes?
Air pollution is 9 times deadlier than car crashes.
How many Canadians die prematurely each year due to air pollution?
Approximately 21,000 Canadians.
What is the estimated global death toll from air pollution each year?
5.5 to 7 million people.
Why do more women die from air pollution than men?
Women have smaller lungs and airways.
What are the two national PM2.5 indicators?
Annual average indicator and peak 24-hour indicator.
What does the World Health Organization recommend for PM2.5 levels?
The average should be less than 5 micrograms/m3.
How many air quality monitoring stations are there in BC?
Only 13 monitoring stations, with none in the North or small towns.
What does the Air Quality Index (AQI) measure?
It is a color-coded scale from 0 (best) to 500 (worst).
What percentage of outdoor air can enter a house?
80-90% of outdoor air gets inside.
What is the conclusion about woodstove change-out programs?
They don't work and may increase emission levels.
What is the primary source of electricity generation in Canada?
60% from hydroelectric power.
What is the capacity of BC Hydro's energy production?
43,000 GWh/year from 82 dams.
How do hydro generators convert water flow into electricity?
Water turns turbine blades, converting kinetic energy into electric energy.
What is the relationship between dam height and energy generation?
Higher flow speeds in high head dams generate more energy.
What historical significance does Niagara Falls have in hydroelectricity?
It supplies ¼ of all power used in New York State and Ontario.
What is the purpose of a hydro grid system?
Electricity can flow both ways, allowing excess energy to be sent back into the grid.
What are run-of-river systems best suited for?
Small communities that are diesel dependent.
What are very low head turbines and their capacity range?
They range from 1.4-4.2m and often have a capacity of 100-500 kW.
What is a Pelton turbine?
One of the oldest turbines used in electricity production.
What is a significant advantage of hydroelectricity?
It is dispatchable, meaning energy flow can be controlled.
What are some downsides of hydroenergy?
Loss of arable land, greenhouse gas emissions, and high construction costs.
How does BC plan to use Site C money for solar energy?
To subsidize solar installations for 900,000 homes.
What is the capacity factor of solar energy typically?
Around 20%.
What is the impact of drought on hydro dams?
Drought can render hydro dams useless.
What is the environmental impact of rotting vegetation in water bodies associated with dams?
It emits about a billion tonnes of greenhouse gases annually.