Question

Each group of solar cells is arranged in a rectangle 1.2 m × 2.8 m. The solar cells are situated in a region where 260 W of solar energy is received per square metre of the cells. The electrical output of each group of solar cells is a current of 2.5 A with a potential difference of 86 V. Calculate the efficiency of the solar cells.

Answer 1

The efficiency of the solar cells is approximately 24.63%.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the efficiency of the solar cells, we need to consider the power output and the solar energy received by the cells. The power output of each group of solar cells is given as a current of 2.5 A with a potential difference of 86 V, which means the electrical power output is:

Power = Current × Voltage

Power = 2.5 A × 86 V = 215 W

The area of each group of solar cells is 1.2 m × 2.8 m = 3.36 m². The solar energy received per square meter is 260 W. Therefore, the solar energy received by each group of cells is:

Solar Energy = Area × Solar Energy per Square Meter

Solar Energy = 3.36 m² × 260 W/m² = 873.6 W

Now we can calculate the efficiency:

Efficiency = (Power Output / Solar Energy Received) × 100%

Efficiency = (215 W / 873.6 W) × 100%

Efficiency ≈ 24.63%