Energy and Utilities Renewable Energy

Question 1

What does a photovoltaic (PV) cell do?

Accepted Answer

Converts sunlight directly into electricity

Answer

Photovoltaic cells use the photoelectric effect to convert photons from sunlight directly into direct current (DC) electricity.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

25–45%

Answer

US onshore wind farms typically achieve capacity factors of 25–45%, depending on site wind resources and turbine technology.

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

The Production Tax Credit (PTC) provides a tax credit based on the amount of electricity generated from qualified renewable energy sources.

Question 4

What is 'net metering' for solar customers?

Accepted Answer

Crediting customers for excess solar power sent back to the grid

Answer

Net metering allows solar customers to bank excess generation as credits on their utility bill, offsetting future consumption.

Question 5

What is the primary energy source for geothermal power plants?

Accepted Answer

Earth's internal heat from radioactive decay and formation

Answer

Geothermal plants harness heat from the Earth's interior, which originates from radioactive decay and residual formation heat.

Energy and Utilities Practice Test