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Solar energy: photovoltaic cells and collectors

Energy and environment · Physics

Study notes

Step 1: A 1.0 m² solar panel receives G = 1000 W/m². Its datasheet: V_oc = 37 V, I_sc = 8.5 A, FF = 0.75. Find max power and efficiency. Step 2: P_max = FF × V_oc × I_sc = 0.75 × 37 × 8.5. Step 3: 37 × 8.5 = 314.5; × 0.75 = 235.9 W. Step 4: η = 235.9/(1.0 × 1000) = 23.6%. Step 5: Daily energy with 5 sun-hours: 235.9 W × 5 h ≈ 1.18 kWh/day — enough to run a 60 W fan for ~19 hours. Result: ~236 W, 23.6% efficiency — a good modern panel (commercial panels: 20–23%).

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