AP Environmental Science : Solar Energy
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Environmental Science
All AP Environmental Science Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #362 : Ap Environmental Sciences
Charlie lives off-grid and gets his electricity from a 5,000 watt gasoline generator, but with the rising cost of fossil fuel, Charlie is looking to convert to solar energy. If a standard solar panel can generate 200 watts, how many panels would Charlie need to purchase if he wants to get the same energy output that he does with his gas generator?
Wattage is a measurement of electricity being generated over time. When compared to the 5,000 watt output of a conventional generator, a single solar panel generating 
This calculation tells us that Charlie will need 25 standard solar panels to generate the same amount of electricity as one gasoline generator.
Example Question #1 : Other Energy Sources
An important renewable energy source is solar power. Solar power works by storing sunlight in batteries using which type of cells?
Eukaryotic cells
Radiation cells
Thermal cells
Photovoltaic cells
Photovoltaic cells
The correct response is photovoltaic cells. These photovoltaic cells are the reason we can capture and use sunlight to power our homes and cars. Technological advances in photovoltaic cells have made solar energy economically viable over the past decade. Eukaryotic cells are a type of living organisms, while thermal and radiation cells are made-up terms.
Certified Tutor
Certified Tutor
All AP Environmental Science Resources
