Question

A solar panel measures 80 cm by 50 cm. In direct sunlight, the panel delivers 4.8 A at 15 V. If the intensity of sunlight is 1 000 W/m2, what is the efficiency of the solar panel in converting solar energy into electrical energy?

Answer 1

The solar panel efficiency in converting solar energy in electrical energy is 18%.

Step-by-step explanation:

The solar panel's efficiency can be defined as:

`n= (Pe)/(Ps)*100\%`

Where Pe and Ps are the output electrical power and input solar power respectively. The electrical is computing in terms of the voltage and current delivered:

`Pe=I.V`

`Pe=4.8 A * 15 V`

`Pe= 72 AV = 72 W`

The net solar power of panel is found by multiplying the solar intensity by the panel area in square meters:

`Ps = Is.Ap`

`Ps = 1000 W/m^2 *(0.8 m * 0.5 m)`

`Ps = 1000 W/m^2 *(0.40 m^2)`

`Ps = 400 W`

Finally the panel efficience n is:

`n= (72 W)/(400 W)*100\%`

`n= 0.18*100\% = 18\%`