Renewable Energy Flashcards
6 cards from real Energy and Utilities practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Renewable Energy flashcards as text
What does a photovoltaic (PV) cell do?
Answer: Converts sunlight directly into electricity
Photovoltaic cells use the photoelectric effect to convert photons from sunlight directly into direct current (DC) electricity.
What is the capacity factor range typically expected from onshore wind farms in the US?
Answer: 25–45%
US onshore wind farms typically achieve capacity factors of 25–45%, depending on site wind resources and turbine technology.
Which US incentive provides a per-kilowatt-hour tax credit for electricity generated from wind and certain other renewables?
Answer: Production Tax Credit (PTC)
The Production Tax Credit (PTC) provides a tax credit based on the amount of electricity generated from qualified renewable energy sources.
What is 'net metering' for solar customers?
Answer: Crediting customers for excess solar power sent back to the grid
Net metering allows solar customers to bank excess generation as credits on their utility bill, offsetting future consumption.
What is the primary energy source for geothermal power plants?
Answer: Earth's internal heat from radioactive decay and formation
Geothermal plants harness heat from the Earth's interior, which originates from radioactive decay and residual formation heat.
Which US state leads in installed utility-scale solar capacity?
Answer: California
California has historically led the US in utility-scale solar capacity, driven by its Renewables Portfolio Standard and solar resources.