Interpreting Graphs and Data: New Renewable Energy Alternatives

 

Of the new renewable energy alternatives, photovoltaic conversion of solar energy is one that most areas of the United States could adopt. The influx of solar radiation varies with time of day, time of year, and location, so all areas are not equally well suited. Todayâs photovoltaic technology is approximately 10% efficient at converting the energy of sunlight into electricity, but new technologies under development may increase that efficiency to as much as 40%.

The red line shows the average per capita residential use of electricity in the United States in 2004. The blue line shows the average influx of solar radiation per square meter for Topeka, Kansas. The dashed lines represent the yearly average values for each.

 

 

Part A

 

Based on the yearly average values, calculate one personâs residential electricity needs for a year.

1,560 kWh per year

4,440 kWh per year

370 kWh per year

130 kWh per year

 

Part B

 

Based on the yearly average values, calculate the solar radiation per square meter for one year.

370 kWh per year

4,440 kWh per year

130 kWh per year

1,560 kWh per year

 

Part C

 

Assume that photovoltaic conversion of solar energy has 10% efficiency. Calculate how many square meters of photovoltaic cells would be needed to supply one personâs electricity for the year, based on the yearly average values.

2.85 m²

28.5 m²

0.0285 m²

0.285 m²

 

Part D

 

If efficiency of photovoltaic cells improves to 40%, how many square meters of photovoltaic cells would be needed for one personâs yearly electricity use?

1.14 m²

2.85 m²

7.12 m²

11.4 m²

 

Part E

 

Commercially available household photovoltaic systems cost approximately $20,000. The average cost of electricity in the United States is approximately $0.09 per kilowatt hour. At these prices how long would it take for the photovoltaic system to generate $20,000 of electricity? Assume the system will produce enough kilowatt hours for a four-person household in Topeka, Kansas.

0.1 year

35 years

50 years

12.5 years

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