What is the primary function of photovoltaic (PV) systems?
A Generate heat
B Store energy
C Convert sunlight to electricity
D Reduce carbon footprint
Photovoltaic systems are designed to convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials. This process is essential for harnessing solar energy to power homes, businesses, and industries.
Which of the following is a key factor in improving energy efficiency?
A Reducing waste
B Expanding infrastructure
C Burning more fossil fuels
D Increasing consumption
Improving energy efficiency involves using less energy to perform the same task by reducing waste. This can be achieved by using energy-efficient appliances, optimizing processes, and adopting better insulation practices.
Which energy source produces the smallest carbon footprint?
A Oil
B Coal
C Natural gas
D Solar
Solar energy has the smallest carbon footprint because it produces no direct emissions during electricity generation. The carbon footprint from solar comes mostly from manufacturing and installation, which is still much lower than fossil fuels.
What is the role of an inverter in a photovoltaic system?
A Measure power output
B Store electricity
C Convert DC to AC
D Convert AC to DC
In photovoltaic systems, inverters convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is the standard form of electricity used by most household appliances.
Which of the following is a benefit of using energy-efficient appliances?
A Lower performance
B Reduced carbon emissions
C Higher energy costs
D Increased energy consumption
Energy-efficient appliances consume less electricity, which leads to lower carbon emissions. This helps reduce the overall environmental impact and contributes to the fight against climate change by conserving energy.
What is the main environmental impact of burning fossil fuels for energy?
A Soil degradation
B Habitat destruction
C Water pollution
D High carbon emissions
Burning fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change. This is the primary environmental impact of using fossil fuels for energy.
What is a common use of energy storage in renewable energy systems?
A Reduce electricity output
B Store excess energy
C Increase energy consumption
D Burn fossil fuels
Energy storage systems, such as batteries, store excess energy generated by renewable sources (e.g., solar or wind) during periods of low demand. This energy can then be used when production is low or demand is high.
Which of the following is an example of distributed generation?
A Solar panels on rooftops
B Gas-fired power plants
C Hydroelectric dams
D Large nuclear power plants
Distributed generation refers to small-scale energy production near the point of use. Solar panels on rooftops are a common example, as they generate electricity locally, reducing the need for large central power plants.
What is a carbon footprint?
A The amount of waste produced
B The amount of land needed for energy production
C The total greenhouse gas emissions
D The amount of water used
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by human activities. It is usually measured in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) and reflects the impact on climate change.
Which renewable energy source has the least environmental impact during operation?
A Solar energy
B Hydropower
C Biomass
D Wind energy
Solar energy has the least environmental impact during operation, as it produces no emissions or waste during electricity generation. Its main environmental impact comes from manufacturing, which is still much lower than fossil fuels.
What is the main function of an energy audit?
A Burn fossil fuels
B Install energy-efficient systems
C Assess energy usage and savings
D Increase energy costs
An energy audit involves assessing how much energy a building or system uses and identifying areas where energy efficiency can be improved. It helps reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs.
Which of the following is an important factor in the design of a photovoltaic system?
A Wind speed
B Temperature fluctuations
C Solar panel efficiency
D Water availability
Solar panel efficiency is a key factor in designing a photovoltaic system. Higher efficiency panels convert more sunlight into electricity, improving the overall performance of the system and ensuring better energy generation.
What does the term “net metering” refer to in renewable energy?
A Buying energy from the grid
B Selling energy to the grid
C Measuring solar panel output
D Returning excess energy to the grid
Net metering allows homeowners or businesses with renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, to send excess energy back to the grid. They receive credits that offset their electricity bills, promoting clean energy use.
What is the most common method used to reduce energy consumption in buildings?
A Increasing heating usage
B Improving insulation
C Using more appliances
D Installing solar panels
Improving insulation in buildings reduces energy consumption by minimizing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. This leads to lower heating and cooling costs, improving energy efficiency and comfort.
What is the primary purpose of a photovoltaic cell?
A Protect against weather
B Convert solar energy to electricity
C Increase sunlight absorption
D Store solar energy
Photovoltaic cells are designed to convert sunlight into electricity. They are the core component of solar panels and are used in renewable energy systems to produce clean, sustainable power from sunlight.