Which of these actions would NOT measurably increase the current output of a solar farm?
a) Raising the panels higher off the ground.
b) Orienting the panels so that they directly face the Sun.
c) Increasing the surface area of the solar panels.
d) Adding more solar panels.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is a) Raising the panels higher off the ground.
Explanation:
Solar farms depend on the collection of sunlight to convert into electricity. The efficiency and power output of solar panels are influenced by various factors like orientation, surface area, and the number of panels. Let’s break down why raising the panels higher off the ground does not significantly increase the output:
- Panel Orientation (b): Panels are most efficient when they are oriented directly towards the Sun. This maximizes the amount of sunlight they can absorb throughout the day. A fixed angle or tracking system can help ensure that the panels are facing the Sun at the optimal angle, increasing their efficiency. So, changing the orientation is a direct way to increase the output.
- Increasing Surface Area (c): The more surface area a solar panel has, the more sunlight it can capture. By increasing the surface area, either by expanding the size of the panels or by placing more of them, you can significantly increase the amount of energy generated. This is one of the primary ways to boost the output of a solar farm.
- Adding More Panels (d): Adding more solar panels to the farm directly increases the number of photovoltaic cells capturing sunlight, which directly increases the power output. This is a straightforward and effective method to increase energy production.
- Raising Panels Higher (a): While raising the panels higher might help reduce shading from obstacles like terrain or nearby structures, it does not directly enhance the panels’ ability to absorb more sunlight. The height of the panels does not impact the efficiency of the cells themselves in converting sunlight to electricity. Therefore, raising the panels higher off the ground does not measurably increase the current output unless it serves to avoid obstructions or improve airflow around the panels.
Thus, raising the panels higher is the least impactful action when compared to the others.