1) Compare our consumption of nonrenewable fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas) to our consumption of renewable sources like wind and solar energy. That is, how does the amount of nonrenewable energy sources that we use compare to the amount of renewable energy that we use? Why do you think there is such a big difference? Support your response with specific data, and answer in your own words.
2) Consider where you live: would installing a photovoltaic system be worthwhile? Why or why not? Would installing a small wind electric system be worthwhile? Why or why not? In particular, consider the environmental conditions (i.e., the amount of wind, sunlight) of the area in which you live. Include specific facts/data from the lesson to support your response. Answer in your own words.
3) What are photons? What are electrons? What roles do they play in PV cells and the generation of electricity via PV systems? Answer in your own words.
4) What are two benefits and two challenges associated with installing and maintaining a small wind electric system? Describe each benefit and challenge in your own words.
5) Approximately what proportion of renewable energy consumption in the U.S. does windpower represent?
Select one:
a. 2%
b. 9%
c. 24%
d. 43%
6) What are some applications of PV systems? Describe at least four. Answer in your own words.
7) What is a PV, or photovoltaic, cell? What is it designed to do, and what are three important components of a PV cell? Describe what each component does. Answer in your own words.
8) When inspecting a PV system as part of regular maintenance, what would you want to check with respect to the PV modules?
Select one:
a. Check for dust and debris on the module
b. Check for physical damage to the module
c. Check cable connections
d. All of the above
9) What are 2-3 common uses/applications for windpower generated by a small wind electric system? Answer in your own words, and be specific.
10) What are the two main types of wind turbines? Describe two similarities and three differences between these two types of turbines. Be specific, and answer in your own words.
11) How tall are modern utility-scale wind turbines, on average?
Select one:
a. 5-10 meters
b. 80-100 meters
c. 200-300 meters
d. 600-800 meters
12) What are three factors that help determine how much electricity a wind turbine can generate? Explain each factor. Answer in your own words.
13) Of the following states, which one generates the most electricity from wind?
Select one:
a. California
b. Utah
c. Texas
d. Wyoming
14) Federal, state, and local efforts are required to coordinate the widespread adoption of alternative/renewable energy policy. Briefly research current efforts being made in legislation regarding solar energy (tax incentives, policies, green energy targets, and so forth) and answer the following questions:
a) Is solar a viable source of energy where you live (New Mexico)? Why or why not? To answer this question, select your state (New Mexico) at the following websites:
– https://www.eia.gov/state/
– https://www.nationalgeographic.com/climate-change/carbon-free-power-grid/
b) Where in the United States is solar power a particularly viable option? Explain your response using specific data, statistics, and/or other relevant information.
c) What are three recommendations you would make to encourage the adoption of solar energy, in areas where it is a viable option?
(answer sections a, b, and c of this final question in a combined total of approximately 300 words).
References/Sources (more are attached):
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/renewable-sources/
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/solar/
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/solar/photovoltaics-and-electricity.php
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/planning-home-solar-electric-system
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/wind/history-of-wind-power.php
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/wind/electricity-generation-from-wind.php
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/wind/where-wind-power-is-harnessed.php
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/wind/types-of-wind-turbines.php
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/small-wind-electric-systems
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/planning-small-wind-electric-system
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/installing-and-maintaining-small-wind-electric-system
https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/what-is-aerodynamics-58.html
https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/wind-power.htm#pt3
https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/how-do-wind-turbines-work
Note: It is essential to properly credit sources in each applicable answer, whether the source is included in the materials or is an external resource. Quoted, summarized, and paraphrased content cannot stand alone. Quotes do not speak for themselves. All sourced information must be accompanied by at least 3-4 lines of original text, explaining each line of quoted content. Quoted, summarized, or paraphrased material, derived from a source must always be cited/referenced. Properly credit the author per APA citation guidelines both in-text and as a reference at the end of the response.
