How many questions can you get right? Introducing trivia quizzes and fun facts about solar panels
Solar panels have a fascinating charm, don’t they? They work so reliably in our daily lives, yet there’s a lot we surprisingly don’t know about them.
Their power generation efficiency changes with temperature and climate, and they can even coexist with agriculture…
Here, we’ll introduce some fun facts about solar panels in a quiz format.
We’ve gathered trivia that will make you go, “Wow, I didn’t know that!” and want to share with someone.
Why not learn about eco-friendly energy while having fun with your family and friends?
How many can you get right? Introducing fun trivia and tidbits about solar panels (Questions 1–10)
What do you call a large-scale solar power generation facility with an output exceeding 1,000 kilowatts?
- Solar Station
- mega solar (large-scale solar power plant)
- Hybrid Park
See the answer
mega solar (large-scale solar power plant)
Large-scale solar power plants with an output exceeding 1,000 kilowatts (1 megawatt) are called “mega solar.” Mega means one million, and the term is used to symbolize large-scale power generation. These facilities are far larger than those for ordinary households and can cover substantial regional electricity demand.
What is the typical energy efficiency of silicon-based solar panels?
- about 5–8%
- about 15–20%
- around 40–50%
See the answer
about 15–20%
The energy conversion efficiency of currently widespread silicon-based solar panels (monocrystalline and polycrystalline) is typically around 15–20%. This means they can convert about 15–20% of the sunlight they capture into electricity. While higher-efficiency products and specialized technologies have been developed, this range is common in general.
What kind of locations are solar panels for solar sharing installed in?
- Rooftop of a building
- Above the sea
- Above the farmland
See the answer
Above the farmland
Solar sharing is a method of installing solar panels above farmland to conduct agriculture and generate solar power simultaneously. By setting up panels, it becomes possible to balance crop cultivation with power generation, making more effective use of land—an approach that is gaining attention.
Which of the following materials are used in the semiconductors of solar panels?
- silicon
- Aluminum
- copper
See the answer
silicon
The semiconductor part of solar panels mainly uses silicon (Si). Silicon is the second most abundant element on Earth after oxygen and is widely used as a semiconductor in electronic circuits and solar panels. Other options like aluminum and copper may be used for wiring and frames of the panels, but they are not the semiconductor materials at the core of power generation.
How long is the typical lifespan of solar panels?
- about 10 to 20 years
- about 20 to 30 years
- about 30 to 40 years
See the answer
about 20 to 30 years
The typical lifespan of solar panels is considered to be about 20 to 30 years. Of course, depending on usage and environmental conditions, they can operate longer, but for many systems this is the period when power generation efficiency drops significantly. Many manufacturers also commonly provide output warranties of over 20 years.
Which of the following is NOT a correct factor that affects the power generation of solar panels?
- Intensity of sunlight
- Panel installation angle
- Brightness of indoor lighting at night
See the answer
Brightness of indoor lighting at night
The brightness of indoor lighting at night has no relation to the power generation of solar panels. Solar panels primarily convert sunlight into electricity, so indoor lighting does not provide sufficient energy and does not affect their output. Factors that directly influence power generation include the intensity of sunlight, season and weather, the installation angle and orientation of the panels, and aging over time.
Installing solar panels requires an upfront cost, but roughly how long does it generally take to recoup that initial investment?
- about five years or so
- about 10 years or so
- about 20 years or so
See the answer
about 7 to 10 years
The payback period for the initial cost of solar panels is generally around 10 years in many cases. Typically, the installation cost can be recovered within this timeframe through savings on electricity bills and income from selling surplus power. However, the period may vary depending on factors such as the installation location, the number of panels, and the availability of subsidies.