Energy and Utilities Renewable Energy

Question 1

What does a photovoltaic (PV) cell do?

Accepted Answer

Converts sunlight directly into electricity

Answer

Heats water using sunlight

Answer

Stores solar energy as heat

Answer

Concentrates sunlight to drive a steam turbine

Question 2

What is the capacity factor range typically expected from onshore wind farms in the US?

Accepted Answer

25–45%

Answer

5–15%

Answer

60–75%

Answer

80–95%

Question 3

Which US incentive provides a per-kilowatt-hour tax credit for electricity generated from wind and certain other renewables?

Accepted Answer

Production Tax Credit (PTC)

Answer

Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Answer

Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)

Answer

MACRS depreciation

Question 4

What is 'net metering' for solar customers?

Accepted Answer

Crediting customers for excess solar power sent back to the grid

Answer

Measuring total electricity used in a month

Answer

Installing a second meter for solar monitoring

Answer

Measuring the net energy efficiency of a solar panel

Question 5

What is the primary energy source for geothermal power plants?

Accepted Answer

Earth's internal heat from radioactive decay and formation

Answer

Solar radiation stored underground

Answer

Decomposing organic material

Answer

Compressed natural gas underground

Question 6

Which US state leads in installed utility-scale solar capacity?

Accepted Answer

California

Answer

Texas

Answer

Arizona

Answer

Florida