Solar Energy Flashcard

Front

How much solar power does the Earth intercept?

Back

173 thousand terawatts

Front

What is the most common material used in solar cells?

Back

Silicon

Front

What type of silicon has extra electrons?

Back

n-type silicon

Front

What are the tiny particles of light called?

Back

Photons

Front

What happens when a photon strikes the silicon cell with enough energy?

Back

It knocks an electron from its bond.

Front

What collects the mobile electrons in a solar cell?

Back

Thin metal fingers

Front

How much voltage does each silicon cell produce?

Back

Half a volt

Front

What is a major physical challenge of relying completely on solar energy?

Back

Uneven distribution of solar energy

Front

What is the efficiency range of most commercial solar systems?

Back

15-20%

Front

What is the highest efficiency achieved by a solar cell so far?

Back

46%