Solar Energy Knowledge Check

What is another name for a solar panel?

• photon

• heliostat

• photovoltaic panel

• photon panel

A solar panel or PV panel creates energy by:

• energizing excess electrons to move through wire

• turning a turbine

• heating water to create steam

• heating up silicon material

Tiny packets of energy that come from the sun are called:

• rays

• photons

• protons

• electrons

The Ivanpah Power Plant, located in California, is what kind of energy power plant?

• solar

• wind

• hydro power

• fossil fuel

The sun is best suited for solar use in what part of the United States?

• It is the same throughout

• north

• northeast

• southwest

A solar panel is made up of what type of material?

• copper

• plastic

• gold

• silicon

What does it mean to have "n" type silicon?

• there is no silicon

• electrons are added or doped to the silicon atom

• electrons are removed or stripped away of the silicon atom

• there is no difference between "n" and "p" type silicon

This is a solar power showing what?

• solar panels (PV)

• solar troughs

• solar power tower

• satellite communication transmitters

The Ivanpah Power Plant ran into issues related to wildlife. What are 2 of the creatures that were addressed?

• birds and tortoise

• birds and lizards

• lizards and birds

• lizards and tortoise

How long did it take for the stick to catch fire when the sun hit the parabolic dish (reflective surfaces)?

• The dish exploded from the heat

• it never lit on fire

• it took over 5 minutes to catch on fire

• it was almost instantaneous (less than a second)