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Solar power comes from the Sun.

Solar Power

Solar energy is a key renewable resource. This GCSE Geography quiz looks at how solar power works, its advantages, limitations, and role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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Fascinating Fact:

During operation, solar power produces no direct greenhouse gas emissions, so it helps to reduce the carbon footprint of electricity generation.

In GCSE Geography, solar power is studied as an important form of renewable energy. You learn how solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, how large-scale solar farms are planned, and how this technology can help countries cut emissions while still meeting growing energy demand.

Key Terms

Solar power: Energy generated by capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity or heat.
Photovoltaic cell: A device that converts light energy directly into electrical energy using semiconducting materials.
Carbon footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases released directly and indirectly by a person, activity, or product.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is solar power in GCSE Geography?

In GCSE Geography, solar power is defined as renewable energy from the Sun that is captured by solar panels or solar collectors and converted into electricity or heat for human use.

What are the main advantages and disadvantages of solar power?

Advantages include low operating emissions, a renewable energy source, and low running costs once installed. Disadvantages include high initial costs, variable output in cloudy weather, and space needed for panels.

How is solar power used in Geography case studies?

Geography case studies often show solar power being used on house roofs, in large solar farms, or in off-grid rural areas where it provides electricity without extending power lines.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

Which of the following does not contribute to the increasing global energy demands?

Advances in technology

An increase in population

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Greater wealth

Reducing energy demands would reduce greenhouse gas emissions

2 .

Which of the following statements best describes a renewable energy resource?

An energy resource that is radioactive

An energy resource that is provided by the local community

An energy resource that does not need to be imported

A source of energy that renews itself without any human intervention

You could regard oil, coal and gas as renewable on that basis but it is a matter of the timescale - they take tens of millions of years to form and we are using up current stocks a lot faster than they will be formed, so, at some point in the future, there will be no more oil and coal for millions of years

3 .

What is a sustainable resource?

A resource that can be renewed by careful management

A resource that can be transported from one place to another

A resource based on oil

It is the same as a renewable resource

Although solar energy is a renewable resource, the materials from which solar panels, tubing, photovoltaic cells and other components are not. Careful management, including recycling is necessary to ensure that solar energy is sustainable for as long as possible

4 .

Which of the following is not part of a solar powered system for producing hot water?

Sealed box with a glass or transparent plastic cover

White tubes

A pump

Insulated storage tank

The tubes that absorb the Sun's heat are painted black to make them more efficient

5 .

Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of solar power

Does not work all of the time

It is an infinite resource

Supply does not always equal demand

When using solar cells, it is hard to store the surplus electricity

Solar power will be available for as long as the Sun is there. The Sun will use up its fuel in about 5,000 billion years but the Earth will be destroyed long before that happens

6 .

Why might people in a rural community object to the installation of a photovoltaic solar power station?

They are worried about radioactive leaks

They don't want to have to pay extra for the electricity it generates

It will take the sunlight away from their gardens

It will reduce the amount of farmland and cause the loss of agricultural jobs

If the area is particularly attractive, locals may also think that such an installation would be an eyesore

7 .

Which is NOT an advantage of generating electricity from the Sun's energy?

Renewable

Non-polluting

Cheap to set up

Can be placed on single dwellings

It is not cheap to set up at all, in fact it is expensive to install photovoltaic systems

8 .

Which of the following is a long term economic benefit of electricity generated from photovoltaic cells?

Government grants are available to cover some of the cost of installation

If the system generates more electricity than you can use, it can be easily stored to use when you want

If the system generates more electricity than you use, the rest goes into the National Grid and you get paid for it

It is the most effective method of insulating your roof

A grant is a short term economic benefit although you could possibly argue that it is a long term benefit too as it means you pay less to start with and so it has a shorter payback time

9 .

Why are governments around the world investing money in renewable energy sources?

To reduce their country's carbon footprint

To impress their population

They do it because it is the law

Because it is cheaper than non-renewable resources

Over the last fifty years, globalisation and industrialisation has led to a large increase in the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and many governments believe that reducing their country's carbon footprint will be better for the planet

10 .

About 20% of the total energy produced from renewable resources in Spain and Greece is from solar power. In the UK, the equivalent figure is less than 5%. Which of the following is the most likely explanation?

The Spanish and Greek governments like technology more than the British government

Britain has fewer sunshine hours

It is difficult to get the other forms of renewable energy in those two countries

All of the above

Solar power is best in countries that have a lot of sunshine. Hot deserts would be the best place for solar power stations but there are political and technical issues that would need solving first

Author: Kev Woodward (PGCE, Science & Chemistry Teacher, Quiz Writer)