Final answer:
If a 1 m2 solar panel could collect and use 100% of the solar irradiance, it would generate 1,000 W and could power ten 100 W light bulbs.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine how many 100 W light bulbs you can power with a 1 m2 solar panel, first, consider the energy available from the sun. The solar irradiance at Earth's surface is approximately 1,000 W/m2 under optimal conditions. At 100% efficiency, a 1 m2 panel could therefore generate 1,000 W. Since each light bulb requires 100 W, you could power ten 100 W light bulbs with this amount of energy.
It's important to note, however, that no solar panel operates at 100% efficiency. In reality, commercial photovoltaic (PV) panels tend to be around 15-20% efficient. Nevertheless, for the purpose of this hypothetical scenario, if you could collect and use 100% of the solar irradiance, a 1 m2 panel could power ten 100 W bulbs.
Therefore, you can power 10 100 W light bulbs with a 1 m² solar panel.