Question

The annual average insolation (energy of sunlight per unit area) striking a fixed solar panel in Buffalo, New York, is 200 W*m^−2, while in Phoenix, Arizona, it is 270 W*m^−2. In each location, the solar panel converts 15% of the incident energy into electricity. Average annual electricity use in Buffalo is 6000 kW*h at an average cost of $0.15 kW*h, while in Phoenix it is 11,000 kW*h at a cost of $0.09 kW*h.

1. In each city, what area of solar panel is needed to meet the average electrical needs of a residence?

Answer 1

The area of solar panel needed in Buffalo is 22.83 m²

The area of solar panel needed in Phoenix is 31 m²

Step-by-step explanation:

FOR BUFFALO:

First we, calculate the the annual power requirement by dividing the energy by the time of 1 year.

Therefore,

Power Requirement = P = 6000 KWhr/(1 yr)(365 days/yr)(24 hr/day)

P = 684.93 W

Now, to calculate the area we use the formula:

Area = A = P/(Annual Insolation)(Conversion Factor)

A = 684.93 W/(200 W/m²)(0.15)

A = 22.83 m²

FOR PHOENIX:

First we, calculate the the annual power requirement by dividing the energy by the time of 1 year.

Therefore,

Power Requirement = P = 11000 KWhr/(1 yr)(365 days/yr)(24 hr/day)

P = 1255.7 W

Now, to calculate the area we use the formula:

Area = A = P/(Annual Insolation)(Conversion Factor)

A = 1255.7 W/(270 W/m²)(0.15)

A = 31 m²