Chapter 1: Introduction to Photovoltaics

TRUE/FALSE

	1.	A charge controller is used when charging a battery.

ANS:	T	PTS:	1	REF:	Glossary of Terms	

	2.	A solar photovoltaic (PV) system is made up of the components that convert solar energy into mechanical energy suitable for connection to a load.

ANS:	F	PTS:	1	REF:	Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

	3.	The world PV market is estimated to be less than 10 billion dollars.

ANS:	F	PTS:	1	REF:	The Photovoltaic Market

	4.	While the United States demand for photovoltaic systems is strong, the global market, especially in Germany and Japan, is much larger.

ANS:	T	PTS:	1	REF:	The Photovoltaic Market

	5.	The fact that photovoltaic systems are expensive is an advantage.

ANS:	F	PTS:	1	
REF:	Photovoltaic System Advantages and Disadvantages

COMPLETION

	1.	A complete, environmentally protected unit consisting of solar cells, optics, and other components designed to generate dc power when exposed to sunlight is called a(n) ____________________.

ANS:	module

PTS:	1	REF:	Glossary of Terms	

	2.	A solar cell is the basic ____________________ device that generates electricity when exposed to light.

ANS:	photovoltaic

PTS:	1	REF:	Glossary of Terms	

	3.	Perhaps the biggest advantage of a photovoltaic system is a(n) ____________________ in the future.

ANS:	investment

PTS:	1	REF:	Photovoltaic System Advantages and Disadvantages

	4.	Photovoltaic systems are ____________________ and can easily withstand outside weather conditions.

ANS:	strong

PTS:	1	REF:	Photovoltaic System Advantages and Disadvantages

	5.	____________________ radiation amounts vary across the country.

ANS:	Solar

PTS:	1	REF:	Photovoltaic System Advantages and Disadvantages

	6.	At this time ____________________ are the only way to store electricity produced by the sun for use at night or during very cloudy and stormy weather.

ANS:	batteries

PTS:	1	REF:	Photovoltaic System Advantages and Disadvantages

	7.	 A(n) ____________________ system incorporates a gas or diesel powered generator along with a PV system.

ANS:	hybrid

PTS:	1	REF:	Types of Photovoltaic Systems

SHORT ANSWER

	1.	What is a hybrid system?

ANS:	
A hybrid system is a system comprising multiple power sources.

PTS:	1	REF:	Glossary of Terms	

	2.	What is the basic photovoltaic system component that generates electricity when exposed to sunlight?

ANS:	
A solar cell is the basic photovoltaic system component that generates electricity when exposed to sunlight.

PTS:	1	REF:	Introduction to Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

	3.	Which state in the United States has the most photovoltaic systems installations?

ANS:	
California has the most photovoltaic systems installations.

PTS:	1	REF:	The Photovoltaic Market

	4.	What is future demand for photovoltaics expected to do?

ANS:	
Future demand for photovoltaics is expected to increase.

PTS:	1	REF:	The Photovoltaic Market

	5.	How are photovoltaic systems safe?

ANS:	
PV systems are safe because there are no exposed electrical or moving parts that could harm anyone.

PTS:	1	REF:	Photovoltaic System Advantages and Disadvantages

	6.	What kind of incentives can help make photovoltaic systems more affordable?

ANS:	
State and federal incentives such as rebates and tax credits have made PV systems more affordable.

PTS:	1	REF:	Photovoltaic System Advantages and Disadvantages

	7.	What type of systems are the simplest and least expensive PV system?

ANS:	
Day use only systems are the simplest and least expensive PV system.

PTS:	1	REF:	Types of Photovoltaic Systems

	8.	Why does an interactive system not require batteries?

ANS:	
A interactive system does not need battery storage because it uses the utility grid as power reserve.

PTS:	1	REF:	Types of Photovoltaic Systems