A marine research buoy uses a solar panel to generate electricity, which is then stored in an onboard battery.
The solar panel is mounted horizontally on top of the buoy. Explain one disadvantage of having the solar panel fixed in this horizontal position.
The average current from the solar panel to the battery is 2.8 A2.8\text{ A}2.8 A. Calculate the charge flow to the battery in 5400 seconds5400\text{ seconds}5400 seconds. Use the equation: [charge flow=current×time[\text{charge flow} = \text{current} \times \text{time}[charge flow=current×time]
Write down the equation that links efficiency, total power input, and useful power output.
At one point during the day, the total power input from sunlight to the panel was 1800 W1800\text{ W}1800 W. The efficiency of the solar panel was 0.150.150.15. Calculate the useful power output of the solar panel.
The wasted energy that is not useful to the panel is dissipated into the environment. What happens to energy that has been dissipated? Select one option: - The energy is destroyed. - The energy becomes less useful. - The energy is completely converted back into sunlight.
Why is it currently impractical to meet all of a nation's energy needs using solar power alone? Select one option: - Solar energy is a non-renewable resource. - An extremely large land area would need to be covered with solar panels. - Solar panels have an efficiency that is too high.