Solar Energy: Types, Systems, and
Photovoltaic Technology Questions and
answers
What is the primary source of solar energy? - ✅✅The Sun
How much more solar energy does the Sun provide compared to our demand? - ✅✅~10,000 times
our demand
What are the two main categories of solar energy systems? - ✅✅Solar-Thermal systems and Solar
Electric systems
What is the purpose of solar-thermal systems? - ✅✅To produce heat for electricity generation and
for residential or industrial heating
What is a common heat transfer medium used in solar-thermal systems? - ✅✅Molten salt (60%
NaNO3 and 40% KNO3)
What is a solar pond? - ✅✅A pool of water that captures heat through suppressed natural convection
What do photovoltaic cells do? - ✅✅Convert solar energy directly into electricity
What is the main advantage of photovoltaic devices over solar thermal systems? - ✅✅Photovoltaic
devices are more efficient and have lower operational costs
What is the role of silicon in photovoltaic cells? - ✅✅Silicon acts as a semiconductor that conducts
electricity when energized by sunlight
What are n-type and p-type semiconductors? - ✅✅N-type semiconductors have excess electrons,
while p-type semiconductors have fewer electrons
