Solar Energy Quiz Questions with
Correct Answers
What is the function of heliostats in power tower CSP systems? - Answer- They focus
sunlight onto a receiver located at the top of a tall tower.
What heat-transfer fluid is sometimes used in power tower systems? - Answer- Molten
nitrate salt.
What is the maximum electricity output of individual commercial power tower plants? -
Answer- Up to 200 megawatts.
What was the capacity of the Solar One plant in California? - Answer- 10 MW,
producing over 38 million kWh of electricity.
What was the significant upgrade made to Solar Two compared to Solar One? -
Answer- It employed molten salt for heat transfer and thermal storage.
What is a major limitation of solar power generation? - Answer- Energy generation is
reduced under cloud cover and none at night.
What is the concept behind compressed air energy storage? - Answer- Electricity is
used to compress air, which is stored underground and released to generate electricity
on-demand.
What is a PV system made up of? - Answer- Several photovoltaic solar cells.
How much power does a single PV cell typically produce? - Answer- 1 or 2 watts.
What are the components of a PV system? - Answer- PV cells, modules, arrays, and
balance of system (BOS) components.
What is the purpose of balance of system (BOS) components in PV systems? - Answer-
They include structures to direct the system toward the sun, components to convert DC
to AC electricity, and batteries.
What is the most common design of PV arrays? - Answer- Flat plate systems.
What materials are typically used for the front surface of flat-plate PV modules? -
Answer- Tempered low-iron glass.
Correct Answers
What is the function of heliostats in power tower CSP systems? - Answer- They focus
sunlight onto a receiver located at the top of a tall tower.
What heat-transfer fluid is sometimes used in power tower systems? - Answer- Molten
nitrate salt.
What is the maximum electricity output of individual commercial power tower plants? -
Answer- Up to 200 megawatts.
What was the capacity of the Solar One plant in California? - Answer- 10 MW,
producing over 38 million kWh of electricity.
What was the significant upgrade made to Solar Two compared to Solar One? -
Answer- It employed molten salt for heat transfer and thermal storage.
What is a major limitation of solar power generation? - Answer- Energy generation is
reduced under cloud cover and none at night.
What is the concept behind compressed air energy storage? - Answer- Electricity is
used to compress air, which is stored underground and released to generate electricity
on-demand.
What is a PV system made up of? - Answer- Several photovoltaic solar cells.
How much power does a single PV cell typically produce? - Answer- 1 or 2 watts.
What are the components of a PV system? - Answer- PV cells, modules, arrays, and
balance of system (BOS) components.
What is the purpose of balance of system (BOS) components in PV systems? - Answer-
They include structures to direct the system toward the sun, components to convert DC
to AC electricity, and batteries.
What is the most common design of PV arrays? - Answer- Flat plate systems.
What materials are typically used for the front surface of flat-plate PV modules? -
Answer- Tempered low-iron glass.
