Sunpower for School Kids

A PV system can supply some of the energy your school needs, but may be even better as a teacher of physics, energy, and sustainability concepts.

January 2008

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By Deane Evans, FAIA

Instructions

Read the article "Sunpower for School Kids."
Complete the questions below, then fill in your answers .
Fill out and submit the AIA/CES education reporting form, securely online, to receive one AIA learning unit.

Questions:

Program Code: 081EDIT2

LU: 1

1. The first cell able to convert enough of the sun’s energy to power electrical equipment was created by which?
a. 1839 Becquerel
b. 1921 Einstein
c. 1954 Bell Laboratories
d. 1965 NASA

2. The amount of solar energy that is converted to electrical energy is known as which?
a. conversion energy
b. thermal efficiency
c. solar efficiency
d. conversion efficiency

3. When sunlight strikes a PV cell, what happens to form an electric current?
a. electrons are dislodged and gathered
b. protons are dislodged and gathered
c. electrons are multiplied on the cell
d. protons are diminished on the cell

4. A functioning PV system needs which to supply energy that can be used in the school?
a. a grid connection
b. batteries
c. an inverter
d. an adapter

5. The time when output from a PV array is at its highest often coincides with peak energy demand times, resulting in which for schools with a PV system?
a. Utilities charge higher rates during peak times
b. the school needs to buy less of the expensive energy
c. the school can sell energy back to the grid
d. any of the above

6. The electricity from a stand-alone PV system is either used as it is produced or which?
a. stored in the PV cells
b. sold back to the grid
c. stored in batteries
d. converted to energy credits

7. The difference between ballasted modules and frame mounted modules is which?
a. ballasted modules can only be used on a sloped roof
b. frame mounted systems don’t require fasteners to the roof
c. ballasted modules avoid roof penetrations
d. frame mounted systems are the only type used on a flat roof

8. The photoelectric effect is used as a teaching tool for all except which reason?
a. it has clear environmental benefits
b. it is intriguing to children
c. it is a scientifically compelling phenomenon
d. it is a benign lesson

9. The justification for incorporating solar curriculum in the schools includes which?
a. it gives the school bragging rights
b. it saves the school money
c. students monitor the equipment for extra credit
d. teachers can optimize the learning experience offered by the system

10. The current cost of generating power from photovoltaics is which?
a. $80 per watt
b. $3 per watt
c. ¼ that of conventional electricity
d. The same as conventional electricity

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