Most solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, during which they maintain significant efficiency before gradually degrading.
Which renewable energy technology benefits most from net metering?
A Solar photovoltaic systems
B Hydropower plants
C Wind farms
D Geothermal plants
Net metering allows solar PV system owners to receive credits for excess electricity sent to the grid, offsetting their energy costs.
What type of energy does a tidal power plant use?
A Thermal energy
B Kinetic and potential energy of tides
C Chemical energy in water
D Solar energy
Tidal power plants harness the kinetic and potential energy from the movement of tidal waters, driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun.
Which of these is a major advantage of renewable energy?
A High carbon emissions
B Long-term sustainability
C Limited availability
D High maintenance costs
Renewable energy is sustainable because it relies on natural processes that are constantly replenished, unlike finite fossil fuels.
What is the function of an energy storage system?
A Generate electricity directly
B Store surplus energy for later use
C Increase the efficiency of solar panels
D Reduce energy demand
Energy storage systems like batteries save excess energy generated by renewable sources and supply it when energy production is low.
What does energy efficiency measure?
A Total energy produced
B Amount of energy wasted
C Ratio of useful energy output to energy input
D The speed of energy generation
Energy efficiency is the percentage of energy input converted into usable energy, reducing waste and improving performance.
What is the purpose of a feed-in tariff?
A Penalize fossil fuel users
B Encourage renewable energy production
C Reduce renewable energy costs
D Lower electricity usage
Feed-in tariffs are policies that incentivize renewable energy by offering fixed payments for the electricity generated and fed into the grid.
Which energy source is used in combined heat and power (CHP) systems?
A Fossil fuels only
B Any energy source, including renewable ones
C Only solar energy
D Only geothermal energy
CHP systems generate electricity and capture waste heat for heating purposes, using both renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
What does the term “distributed generation” mean?
A Centralized power plants
B Small-scale energy production near the point of use
C Large-scale wind farms
D Hydropower reservoirs
Distributed generation refers to generating electricity locally, such as rooftop solar panels, reducing transmission losses and dependency on centralized grids.
What is the primary environmental benefit of wind energy?
A Requires minimal land
B Emits no greenhouse gases during operation
C Produces constant energy
D Stores energy naturally
Which of the following is an example of renewable energy?
A Oil
B Coal
C Wind
D Gasoline
Renewable energy sources are naturally replenished over time and are sustainable in the long term. Wind energy is renewable because it harnesses the natural movement of air caused by differences in atmospheric pressure. Unlike oil, coal, and gasoline, which are finite and release harmful greenhouse gases, wind energy is clean, sustainable, and does not produce emissions during operation.
What does “renewable” mean in renewable energy?
A Energy that is expensive to produce
B Energy that can be naturally replenished
C Energy that is created by humans
D Energy that is stored in batteries
The term “renewable” refers to energy sources that are continuously available or regenerate naturally over a short period. Examples include sunlight, wind, and water. These sources are not depleted when used, unlike fossil fuels, which take millions of years to form and are exhaustible. Renewable energy helps in reducing reliance on finite resources and minimizing environmental impact.
Which device is used to store energy in a renewable system?
A Generator
B Battery
C Wind turbine
D Solar panel
Batteries are used in renewable energy systems to store excess electricity generated during periods of high energy production. For example, during sunny or windy conditions, solar panels and wind turbines may produce more electricity than is immediately needed. Batteries allow this surplus energy to be stored and used later, ensuring a consistent power supply even when the renewable resource is unavailable (e.g., at night or during calm weather).
Which renewable energy source relies on the Earth’s internal heat?
A Wind energy
B Biomass energy
C Geothermal energy
D Tidal energy
Geothermal energy uses heat from the Earth’s interior to generate electricity or provide direct heating. This heat is sourced from the natural decay of radioactive elements and the residual heat from the planet’s formation. Geothermal power plants extract this heat from underground reservoirs, using it to produce steam that drives turbines. It is a reliable and low-emission source of energy, especially in regions with active tectonic or volcanic activity.
What is the purpose of a solar inverter?
A To track the sun’s position
B To convert AC to DC
C To convert DC to AC
D To store energy
Solar panels generate electricity in the form of direct current (DC), which cannot be used directly by most household appliances or fed into the grid. A solar inverter converts this DC electricity into alternating current (AC), which is the standard form of electricity used in homes and businesses. The inverter is a critical component of solar energy systems, ensuring compatibility with the grid and enabling efficient energy use.
What is the primary raw material for photovoltaic (PV) cells?
A Plastic
B Copper
C Silicon
D Aluminum
Silicon is the main material used in photovoltaic cells due to its semiconducting properties. When sunlight strikes a PV cell, the silicon absorbs photons, which excite electrons and create an electric current. Silicon is abundant, durable, and efficient at converting sunlight into electricity, making it the preferred material for most solar panels. Other materials, like cadmium telluride and perovskite, are also used but are less common.
Which of these systems produces electricity from flowing or falling water?
A Solar system
B Wind turbine
C Hydropower system
D Biomass system
Hydropower systems generate electricity by harnessing the kinetic and potential energy of flowing or falling water. This energy is used to rotate turbines connected to generators. Common examples include large-scale dams and small hydro systems. Hydropower is a clean and renewable energy source, producing no emissions during operation. It is also highly reliable, as it can provide energy on demand, unlike solar and wind systems, which depend on weather conditions.
What is the main component of a wind energy system?
A Solar collector
B Rotor blades
C Storage tank
D Heat pump
Rotor blades are the most critical component of a wind energy system. They capture the kinetic energy of wind and transfer it to the rotor hub, causing the turbine to spin. This rotational motion drives a generator, converting mechanical energy into electricity. The efficiency of a wind turbine largely depends on the design and material of the blades, which are engineered to maximize energy capture even at low wind speeds.
Which of these is a key characteristic of renewable energy?
A Produces pollution
B Limited in supply
C Can replenish naturally
D Requires fossil fuels
Renewable energy sources are characterized by their ability to regenerate naturally and sustainably over time. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and emit pollutants when burned, renewable sources like sunlight, wind, and water are clean and environmentally friendly. This makes renewable energy critical for addressing global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity.
What is the primary benefit of using renewable energy?
A Low setup cost
B Unlimited supply and sustainability
C Requires no maintenance
D Works only in cities
Renewable energy sources are virtually inexhaustible and do not deplete over time, ensuring long-term sustainability. They also have minimal environmental impact, as they produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. While the initial setup cost may be high, renewable energy systems like solar panels and wind turbines have low operating costs and contribute to reducing dependence on finite fossil fuels.
Which renewable energy source uses turbines located underwater?
A Solar power
B Wind energy
C Tidal energy
D Biomass energy
Tidal energy systems use underwater turbines to harness the kinetic and potential energy of tidal movements. Tides are caused by the gravitational interaction between the Earth, moon, and sun. Tidal energy is highly predictable and reliable compared to other renewable sources, making it a valuable addition to the energy mix in coastal areas.
What is the main advantage of solar energy?
A Operates only during the night
B Produces greenhouse gases
C Has low maintenance costs
D Is a non-renewable source
Solar energy systems have few moving parts, which minimizes the risk of mechanical failure and reduces maintenance requirements. Additionally, solar energy is abundant and available worldwide, making it a practical and clean energy source for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
What is the unit used to measure electrical energy?
A Volt
B Watt
C Joule
D Kilowatt-hour
Electrical energy is commonly measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). One kWh represents the amount of energy consumed or produced when 1 kilowatt of power is used for 1 hour. This unit is widely used by utility companies to calculate electricity bills and by renewable energy systems to measure energy production. For example, if a 1 kW solar panel operates for 5 hours, it generates 5 kWh of energy.
Which energy source is primarily used in small hydroelectric systems?
A Ocean waves
B Flowing rivers
C Groundwater
D Wind currents
Small hydroelectric systems utilize the kinetic energy of flowing rivers or streams to generate electricity. These systems are often installed in remote or rural areas where large-scale hydropower plants are impractical. They are eco-friendly and do not require the construction of large dams, preserving the natural flow of rivers.
What is “energy efficiency”?
A Using renewable energy only
B Using less energy for the same output
C Generating energy from fossil fuels
D Storing energy in batteries
Energy efficiency refers to reducing the amount of energy required to perform a task or produce an output. For example, replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs reduces electricity usage while providing the same level of illumination. Improved energy efficiency lowers energy costs, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and helps conserve resources.
What does the term “grid integration” refer to?
A Isolating renewable systems from the grid
B Storing renewable energy in the grid
C Connecting renewable energy systems to the main grid
D Building a new energy grid
Grid integration involves connecting renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind, to the existing power grid. This allows surplus electricity generated by renewable systems to be supplied to the grid and distributed to consumers. Effective grid integration requires advanced technologies, such as smart grids and energy storage systems, to manage the variability of renewable energy sources and ensure grid stability.
What is the function of wind turbine towers?
A Store energy
B Support the blades and position them to capture wind
C Generate electricity directly
D Convert DC to AC
Wind turbine towers elevate the rotor blades to capture wind at higher altitudes, where it is typically stronger and more consistent. The height of the tower is crucial for maximizing energy output. Taller towers increase the efficiency of wind turbines by allowing access to faster and less turbulent wind.
Which renewable energy system uses heat pumps?
A Solar energy
B Biomass energy
C Geothermal energy
D Wind energy
Geothermal energy systems use heat pumps to transfer thermal energy from beneath the Earth’s surface for heating or cooling purposes. The heat is extracted from shallow ground or deep underground reservoirs and can be used for residential, commercial, or industrial applications. Geothermal heat pumps are highly efficient and environmentally friendly, making them an important technology in the transition to sustainable energy systems.
What is the main purpose of net metering?
A Measure grid failures
B Allow users to sell excess electricity to the grid
C Reduce the need for batteries
D Decrease electricity demand
Net metering is a billing mechanism that enables renewable energy system owners, such as those with solar panels, to send surplus electricity back to the grid. The utility company credits the system owner for this excess energy, which can offset their future electricity consumption. This policy encourages the adoption of renewable energy systems by reducing energy costs and ensuring that no energy is wasted.
What is “distributed generation”?
A Energy produced only in power plants
B Small-scale energy production near the point of use
C Large-scale renewable energy systems
D Power storage technology
Distributed generation refers to producing electricity on a smaller scale, often close to where it is consumed. Examples include rooftop solar panels, small wind turbines, and community-based microgrids. Distributed generation reduces energy losses during transmission and lowers dependency on centralized power plants. It also enhances energy reliability and supports the integration of renewable energy into the energy system.
What is the primary source of solar energy?
A Wind
B Sunlight
C Water
D Geothermal heat
Solar energy comes directly from sunlight, which can be captured using technologies like solar panels or solar thermal systems. It is an inexhaustible and sustainable energy source.
Which part of a solar panel generates electricity?
A Metal frame
B Glass cover
C Photovoltaic cells
D Insulation layer
Photovoltaic cells are the key components of solar panels that convert sunlight directly into electricity through the photoelectric effect.
What is the main purpose of a wind turbine generator?
A Store energy
B Convert wind energy into mechanical energy
C Convert mechanical energy into electrical energy
D Heat water
The generator in a wind turbine converts the mechanical energy from rotating blades into electrical energy using electromagnetic induction.
What is hydropower primarily dependent on?
A Heat
B Moving water
C Wind
D Sunlight
Hydropower relies on the kinetic and potential energy of moving or falling water to drive turbines connected to generators, producing electricity efficiently.
Which renewable energy source is available during both day and night?
A Solar energy
B Wind energy
C Biomass energy
D Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy is derived from the constant heat within the Earth’s crust, making it a reliable energy source regardless of weather or time of day.
What does the term “carbon footprint” refer to?
A Total energy usage
B Amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activities
C Efficiency of energy conversion
D Cost of energy generation
A carbon footprint measures the total amount of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, emitted directly or indirectly by an activity, product, or organization.
Which device is used to track the sun’s movement for solar panels?
A Solar inverter
B Battery storage system
C Solar tracker
D Charge controller
A solar tracker adjusts the position of solar panels to follow the sun’s path, maximizing sunlight capture and increasing energy production.
What does “tidal energy” use to generate power?
A Ocean waves
B Gravitational forces of the moon and sun
C Deep-sea currents
D Underwater volcanic activity
Tidal energy is generated by harnessing the movement of water caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on Earth’s oceans, using technologies like tidal barrages and underwater turbines.
Which renewable energy system often includes biogas production?
A Solar panels
B Biomass energy systems
C Wind turbines
D Hydropower plants
Biomass energy systems utilize organic materials such as agricultural waste, animal manure, and wood. These materials undergo anaerobic digestion, where microorganisms break them down in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas. This biogas can be used for electricity generation, heating, or cooking.
What is the function of a smart grid?
A To supply power only to homes
B To integrate and manage renewable energy sources
C To replace all fossil fuel systems
D To store excess solar power
A smart grid incorporates advanced technologies to manage energy flow efficiently, integrating renewable sources like solar and wind while ensuring a reliable power supply.
Which energy source powers wave energy systems?
A Wind
B Ocean tides
C Solar radiation
D Ocean waves
Wave energy systems harness the kinetic energy of ocean waves, which are formed due to wind blowing over the surface of the water. Technologies like oscillating water columns and point absorbers convert wave motion into electricity.
What is an advantage of renewable energy sources?
A They are unlimited and sustainable
B They have high operating costs
C They are dependent on fossil fuels
D They produce significant pollution
Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower are naturally replenished, making them sustainable and environmentally friendly, with little to no emissions.
What is the primary source of geothermal energy?
A Heat from the Earth’s surface
B Sunlight
C Heat from the Earth’s interior
D Friction from tectonic plates
Geothermal energy comes from heat within the Earth’s core, created by radioactive decay and residual heat from the planet’s formation, providing a consistent energy source.
What does “feed-in tariff” encourage?
A Using non-renewable energy
B Producing renewable energy and selling it to the grid
C Decreasing energy consumption
D Increasing fossil fuel reserves
A feed-in tariff (FIT) policy incentivizes renewable energy by offering fixed payments for electricity generated by renewable sources and fed into the power grid.
Which type of renewable energy uses anaerobic digestion?
A Solar energy
B Biomass energy
C Wind energy
D Hydropower
Biomass systems use anaerobic digestion to break down organic material without oxygen, producing biogas (methane) for energy and digestate for agricultural use.
What is the main role of an energy audit?
A To generate electricity
B To identify energy-saving opportunities
C To install renewable energy systems
D To measure the efficiency of batteries
An energy audit examines how energy is used in a building or system, identifies inefficiencies, and provides recommendations for reducing energy consumption and costs.
Which renewable energy system is best suited for remote areas without a power grid?
A Off-grid solar systems
B Large-scale hydropower plants
C Centralized wind farms
D Geothermal power plants
Off-grid solar systems generate and store electricity independently of the main power grid, making them ideal for remote areas where access to grid electricity is unavailable.
What is the role of rotor blades in a wind turbine?
A To store energy
B To capture wind energy and rotate the turbine
C To convert DC to AC electricity
D To track wind direction
Rotor blades in a wind turbine are responsible for capturing the kinetic energy of the wind and transferring it to the turbine, which generates mechanical energy for electricity production.
What is “wave energy”?
A Energy from ocean currents
B Energy from the motion of ocean waves
C Energy from underwater volcanic activity
D Energy from the tides
Wave energy captures the kinetic and potential energy of ocean waves, which are created by the wind blowing over the sea surface. Specialized devices convert this motion into electricity.
What is the main purpose of energy storage systems in renewable energy?
A To generate energy
B To store surplus energy for later use
C To improve grid voltage
D To decrease the efficiency of energy generation
Energy storage systems, such as batteries, allow renewable energy systems to save excess energy generated during peak production for use during low production or high demand periods.