Question

If a solar farm requires 42 acres in Iowa (140 sunny days per year), how much land would it require in Nevada (280 sunny days per year)?

a. 40 acres
b. 48 acres
c. 21 acres
d. 12 acres

Answer 1

To determine the land required for the solar farm in Nevada, we can use the concept of capacity factor and the ratio of sunny days.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the land required for the solar farm in Nevada, we can use the concept of capacity factor. Capacity factor represents the amount of electricity generated compared to the installed capacity of the solar panels. In this case, we can assume that the capacity factor remains the same in both states.

Let's denote the land required in Nevada as 'x'. Since Nevada has 280 sunny days per year compared to Iowa's 140 sunny days, the land required in Nevada would be proportional to the ratio of sunny days. Using the equation:

(140/280) = (42/x)

Cross multiplying, we get:

140x = 280 * 42

Simplifying, we find:

x = 2 * 42

x = 84 acres

Therefore, the solar farm would require 84 acres in Nevada.