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Current Applications and Research in Photovoltaic Technology for Buildings


Quiz Questions

1. PV technology converts radiant light energy (photons) to electricity (voltage). PV cells (also called solar cells) are the basic building blocks of this energy technology. PV cells are made of semiconducting materials similar to those used in computer chips.
True
False
2. Sunlight is the most common source of radiant energy used by PV cells to produce an electric current.
True
False
3. The amount of electricity a PV cell produces depends on its size, its conversion efficiency, and the intensity of its light source.
True
False
4. _________________ represents the NWS radar site with the 10-kW PV system shown in the foreground.
Figure 1
Figure 2
5. The benefits of installing PV systems at federal facilities include _______________________.
Low operating costs & Low environmental impact
Less Reliability & high operating costs
6. Depending on the specific nature of the load, a PV system may also include solar trackers to optimize the solar gain of the PV array by tracking the sun.
True
False
7. The layout of PV array, switchgear, and balance of system components is represented in _______________________.
Figure 3
Figure 2
8. Figure 9 represents the SLC control logic.
True
False
9. Some ways to improve the economics of PV systems include

  • Recognizing and valuing the ancillary benefits of PV installations, such as reduced emissions or more reliable power.
  • Integrating PV into the building itself, for example, installing a PV system during a regular roof replacement or considering a PV carport when new covered parking is needed so building material costs are off set.
  • Obtaining rebates for PV systems to reduce the capital costs
  • Using federal financing mechanisms such as energy savings performance contracts to reduce the initial cost of grid-connected PV systems
True
False
10. As PV costs continue to decrease, utility costs continue to increase, and it becomes easier to procure and install PV systems, PV should become more accessible and more economically feasible for federal facilities.
True
False