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What are the environmental consequences of using solar energy instead of fossil fuels?
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, decreased air pollution, and less reliance on finite resources.
What is the effect of high upfront costs on solar energy adoption?
High costs can deter individuals and businesses from investing in solar energy, slowing its adoption.
What is the effect of limited sunlight on solar energy production?
Reduced electricity generation, necessitating energy storage or alternative power sources.
What is the impact of solar panel manufacturing on the environment?
The production of PV cells require fossil fuels.
What is the effect of increased solar energy use on electricity bills?
Lower electricity bills.
Define solar energy.
Renewable energy derived directly from the sun.
What are photovoltaic (PV) cells?
Cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity.
Define the photovoltaic effect.
The process where sunlight hitting PV cells knocks electrons loose, creating an electrical current.
Define renewable energy source.
An energy source that is naturally replenished and sustainable.
What are semiconductors?
Materials with electrical conductivity between conductors and insulators, used in PV cells.
What are the steps of solar energy conversion in PV cells?
1. Sunlight strikes PV cells. 2. Electrons are knocked loose. 3. Electrons flow through a circuit. 4. Electricity is produced.
Describe the process of electricity generation from solar panels.
Photons strike PV cells, electrons are excited, current flows, electricity is produced and used to power homes/businesses.