What total solar cell area would you need to provide energy needs? Mastering Physics problem?
Solar cells convert the energy of incoming light to electric energy; a good quality cell operates at an efficiency of 15%. Each person in the United States uses energy (for lighting, heating, transportation, etc.) at an average rate of 11 kilowatts . Although sunlight varies with season and time of day, solar energy falls on the United States at an average intensity of 200 W/m^2.
Assuming you live in an average location, what total solar-cell area would you need to provide all of your energy needs with energy from the sun?
The correct rate is 11kWhr per day. 11kw would be a horrendous amount of power.(maybe Al Gore uses it at this rate)
I will calc it at your rate for problem sake. (this is not real life by the way, there are lots more variables, length of day, etc)
200W/m^2 * 15% = 30w/meter
11kw / 30w/meter = 366m^2
On a side note I think mastering physics is a crappy program, made for lazy physics teacher that dont ever care about application of knowledge.
February 9th, 2010 at 4:13 am
The correct rate is 11kWhr per day. 11kw would be a horrendous amount of power.(maybe Al Gore uses it at this rate)
I will calc it at your rate for problem sake. (this is not real life by the way, there are lots more variables, length of day, etc)
200W/m^2 * 15% = 30w/meter
11kw / 30w/meter = 366m^2
On a side note I think mastering physics is a crappy program, made for lazy physics teacher that dont ever care about application of knowledge.
References :
If you want to know the real calculation visit: http://www.aurorapower.net/alternative-energy/solar-electric.aspx