Question

Which of the following statements about solar thermal energy is most accurate?

a. It conveniently provides energy at any distance from the point of collection.
b. It collects the same amount of energy in all seasons and all weathers.
c. It is more reliable than other renewable energies.
d. It directly converts solar energy to electricity.
e. It must be used near the place it is collected (because heat is carried by water or other liquid to the place where it's needed).

Answer 1

Answer: e. It must be used near the place it is collected (because heat is carried by water or other liquid to the place where it's needed).

Explanation: Solar thermal energy is energy harnessed from solar energy which after some processes, converts the solar energy harnessed to heat energy and finally electrical energy.

Heat is transferred via water or liquid substances to heat exchangers where it is converted to electrical energy.

Solar thermal generators uses heat exchangers that are strategically designed for constant working conditions, to provide heat exchange.

Basically, heat in the solar thermal generators is guided by the principle of heat gain, heat transfer, heat storage, heat transport and heat insulation.