P1 1.20 PT 1 Solar power Describe how electricity can be generated using solar power
Generating electricity from the Sun
Q. Why does a satellite still need batteries?
Solar cells convert light Generating electricity from the Sun Solar cells convert light energy directly into electricity. * EXPENSIVE * 12% EFFICIENT Useful for: - remote places - low power devices Sun light intensity depends on: * time of day * season * global location
A solar thermal power station 500 C Mirrors reflect the sun’s energy to a collector at the top of the tower. They are controlled by computer to track the sun Water is converted to steam which drives a turbine and generator.
The eternal plane
Generating electricity from the Sun
Heating water using the sun Panel design features: * Panel faces south * copper piping covering large area * insulation between panel and roof * shiny surface at back of panel
( About 800 Watts per square metre in the South of England)
Solar energy Radiation Geothermal energy Solar energy Q2. a. X cells generate 0.2 W from each cell = 300 W 300W/ 0.2W = 1500 cells Q2. b. Batteries are used when the satellite is in the earth’s shadow.