Question

A solar panel measures 80 cm by 50 cm. In direct sunlight, the panel delivers 4.8 A at 15 V. If the intensity of sunlight is 1 000 W/m2, what is the efficiency of the solar panel in converting solar energy into electrical energy?

Answer 1

Answer:

The solar panel efficiency in converting solar energy in electrical energy is 18%.

Explanation:

The solar panel's  efficiency can be defined as:

$n= \frac{Pe}{Ps}*100\%$

Where Pe and Ps are the output electrical power and input solar power respectively. The electrical is computing in terms of the voltage and current delivered:

$Pe=I.V$

$Pe=4.8 A * 15 V$

$Pe= 72 AV = 72 W$

The net solar power of panel is found by multiplying the solar intensity by the panel area in square meters:

$Ps = Is.Ap$

$Ps = 1000 W/m^2 *(0.8 m * 0.5 m)$

$Ps = 1000 W/m^2 *(0.40 m^2)$

$Ps = 400 W$

Finally the panel efficience n is:

$n= \frac{72 W}{400 W}*100\%$

$n= 0.18*100\% = 18\%$