Topic 8: Energy production

Question 1

Describe the difference between photovoltaic cells and solar heating panels.

Answer 1

• solar heating panel converts solar energy into thermal energy
• photovoltaic cell converts solar energy into electrical energy

Question 2

Explain two reasons as to why a calculated number of turbines required is likely to be less than the actual amount of turbines required.

Answer 2

• Assumed all of the kinetic energy of the wind can be used
• Thermal energy would be lost due to the friction in the turbine