Solar Energy Technologies and Concepts

Why are most traditional solar panels dark in color?

• To reflect more sunlight away from the panel.

• To absorb as much sunlight as possible.

• To make them blend in with dark-colored roofs.

• To make them look more modern and sleek.

What is a major disadvantage of covering the sides of buildings with traditional dark solar panels?

• They would be too expensive to install on tall buildings.

• They would make the inside of the building too dark.

• They would not generate enough electricity from vertical surfaces.

• They would make the buildings look unappealing.

What tiny particles are embedded in transparent solar windows to help them generate electricity?

• Silicon crystals

• Quantum dots

• Reflective coatings

• Nanotubes

After quantum dots absorb some light, how do the re-emitted light waves travel to the solar cells at the edge of the window?

• They pass directly through the window to the outside.

• They are absorbed by other quantum dots in the pane.

• They bounce along the window pane due to total internal reflection.

• They are converted into heat and then electricity within the pane.