Photovoltaic Cells: The Basics of Solar Energy Conversion

Question 1

Which of the following materials is primarily used in the production of photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Silicon

Answer

Copper

Answer

Aluminum

Answer

Iron

Question 2

What is the fundamental mechanism responsible for the photovoltaic effect?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of light

Answer

Conduction

Answer

Convection

Answer

Induction

Question 3

Which of the following factors does NOT influence solar cell efficiency?

Accepted Answer

Wind speed

Answer

Temperature

Answer

Irradiation

Answer

Anti-reflective coatings

Question 4

What unit is used to express the efficiency of photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Percentage

Answer

Watts

Answer

Volts

Answer

Amperes

Question 5

What is the primary advantage of thin-film solar cells compared to crystalline silicon cells?

Accepted Answer

Lower cost

Answer

Higher efficiency

Answer

Longer lifespan

Answer

Improved temperature stability

Question 6

What is the main purpose of an inverter in a photovoltaic system?

Accepted Answer

Convert DC power to AC power

Answer

Convert sunlight into electricity

Answer

Store excess energy

Answer

Track the sun's movement

Question 7

Which semiconductor material is predominantly employed in photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Silicon

Answer

Copper

Answer

Aluminum

Answer

Gold

Question 8

In photovoltaic cells, what is the process by which light energy is transformed into electrical energy termed as?

Accepted Answer

Photovoltaic effect

Answer

Solarization effect

Answer

Light-induced voltage

Answer

Photoelectric emission

Question 9

Which factor does NOT influence the efficiency of a photovoltaic cell?

Accepted Answer

Wind speed

Answer

Temperature

Answer

Light intensity

Answer

Cell area

Question 10

In residential areas, which application of photovoltaic cells has gained increasing popularity?

Accepted Answer

Solar roof panels

Answer

Solar water heaters

Answer

Solar street lighting

Answer

Solar-powered cars

Question 11

Compared to crystalline silicon, what is the primary disadvantage of employing amorphous silicon in photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Lower efficiency

Answer

Higher production costs

Answer

Shorter lifespan

Answer

Greater temperature sensitivity

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a typical application of photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Generating electricity for large-scale nuclear fusion power plants

Answer

Powering portable electronic devices

Answer

Integrating into building structures for on-site electricity generation

Answer

Providing primary power for spacecraft during space missions

Question 13

What is the Maximum Power Point (MPP) in a photovoltaic cell, and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

The MPP is the point on the cell's I-V curve where it produces the most power.

Answer

The MPP occurs when the cell's voltage is equal to its short-circuit current.

Answer

The MPP is not affected by changes in temperature.

Answer

The MPP is irrelevant in designing photovoltaic systems.

Question 14

Which of the following is the predominant semiconductor material employed in photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Silicon

Answer

Germanium

Answer

Gallium arsenide

Answer

Indium selenide

Question 15

Identify the phenomenon responsible for converting light energy into electrical energy within photovoltaic cells:

Accepted Answer

Photovoltaic effect

Answer

Semiconductor effect

Answer

Photoelectric effect

Answer

Thermoelectric effect

Question 16

Which parameter has the greatest impact on the efficiency of photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Bandgap energy

Answer

Cell temperature

Answer

Light intensity

Answer

Cell thickness

Question 17

Identify a potential advantage of utilizing thin-film photovoltaic cells:

Accepted Answer

Reduced production costs

Answer

Enhanced efficiency

Answer

Extended lifespan

Answer

Improved durability

Question 18

Identify the primary environmental benefit of utilizing photovoltaic solar energy:

Accepted Answer

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Answer

Increased air pollution

Answer

Water scarcity

Answer

Soil degradation

Question 19

How do voltage, current, and power output differ when photovoltaic panel arrays are connected in series and parallel configurations?

Accepted Answer

Series: Higher voltage, lower current; Parallel: Lower voltage, higher current

Answer

Series: Lower voltage, higher current; Parallel: Higher voltage, lower current

Answer

Series: Higher current, lower voltage; Parallel: Higher voltage, lower current

Answer

Series: Higher voltage, higher current; Parallel: Lower voltage, lower current

Question 20

Which of the following factors is NOT considered when optimizing the performance of a photovoltaic cell array?

Accepted Answer

Wind speed

Answer

Module orientation

Answer

Tilt angle

Answer

Shading analysis

Question 21

Which of the following materials is predominantly used to create the p-n junction in photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Silicon

Answer

Copper

Answer

Aluminum

Answer

Gold

Question 22

What is the name of the phenomenon by which light energy is transformed into electrical energy in photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Photovoltaic effect

Answer

Photoelectric effect

Answer

Thermoelectric effect

Answer

Piezoelectric effect

Question 23

What is the typical conversion efficiency range of commercially available photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

15-25%

Answer

5-15%

Answer

25-35%

Answer

35-45%

Question 24

Which type of solar cell technology currently yields the highest efficiency?

Accepted Answer

Monocrystalline silicon

Answer

Polycrystalline silicon

Answer

Thin-film

Answer

Organic

Question 25

What is the primary purpose of an anti-reflection coating on a photovoltaic cell?

Accepted Answer

Minimize light absorption losses

Answer

Increase light scattering

Answer

Enhance electrical conductivity

Answer

Protect the cell from damage

Question 26

Which of the following is an advantage of concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems?

Accepted Answer

Improved cell efficiency

Answer

Lower system cost

Answer

Reduced operating temperature

Answer

Decreased power output

Question 27

What is the primary function of charge carriers in a photovoltaic cell?

Accepted Answer

Transport generated electrons

Answer

Absorb incident photons

Answer

Create the internal electric field

Answer

Recombine with opposite charges

Question 28

What is the typical voltage range of an individual photovoltaic cell?

Accepted Answer

1.0-2.0 V

Answer

0.5-1.0 V

Answer

2.0-3.0 V

Answer

3.0-4.0 V

Question 29

How does the p-n junction contribute to the operation of photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

It creates an electric field within the cell.

Answer

It enhances light absorption, leading to increased efficiency.

Answer

It provides structural support to the cell.

Answer

It acts as a storage reservoir for charge carriers.

Question 30

Which material is most commonly used in photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Silicon

Answer

Gallium arsenide

Answer

Cadmium telluride

Answer

Copper indium gallium selenide

Question 31

What is the fundamental process behind the photovoltaic effect?

Accepted Answer

The absorption of photons and the generation of electron-hole pairs

Answer

The chemical reaction between sunlight and a semiconductor

Answer

The transfer of electrons between different materials

Question 32

Which cell configuration generally offers the highest potential efficiency?

Accepted Answer

Heterojunction with intrinsic thin layer

Answer

Polycrystalline

Answer

Monocrystalline

Answer

Thin-film amorphous silicon

Question 33

What is the main purpose of the anti-reflection coating on a photovoltaic cell?

Accepted Answer

To minimize reflection and maximize light absorption

Answer

To protect the cell from environmental degradation

Answer

To enhance carrier transport

Answer

To increase the bandgap energy of the cell

Question 34

Which benefit is a key advantage of using thin-film photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Lower manufacturing costs

Answer

Longer lifespan

Answer

Higher conversion efficiency

Answer

Better thermal stability

Question 35

What is a major challenge encountered when integrating photovoltaic systems into the electric grid?

Accepted Answer

Intermittency and variability of solar energy supply

Answer

High costs of installation and maintenance

Answer

Lack of skilled personnel for operation and maintenance

Answer

Environmental concerns related to manufacturing and disposal

Question 36

Which of the following describes the phenomenon in photovoltaic cells where light energy is converted into electrical energy?

Accepted Answer

Photovoltaic effect

Answer

Thermal effect

Answer

Chemical effect

Answer

Mechanical effect

Question 37

Which material is commonly used in the manufacturing of photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Silicon

Answer

Aluminum

Answer

Plastic

Answer

Copper

Question 38

What is the primary function of the p-n junction in a photovoltaic cell?

Accepted Answer

Create an electric field to separate charge carriers

Answer

Reduce internal cell resistance

Answer

Store electrical energy

Question 39

Which type of photovoltaic cell is known for its high efficiency and durability?

Accepted Answer

Monocrystalline

Answer

Amorphous

Answer

Thin-film

Answer

Polycrystalline

Question 40

What is the main application of photovoltaic cells in renewable energy systems?

Accepted Answer

Generation of electricity from solar radiation

Answer

Storage of electrical energy

Answer

Transportation of goods and people

Answer

Heating and cooling of buildings

Question 41

Which factors can have a negative impact on the performance of photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

High temperature and cell shading

Answer

Optimized tilt angle and orientation

Answer

Increased light intensity and cell size

Answer

Low humidity and wind speed

Question 42

What is the purpose of anti-reflective coatings on photovoltaic cells?

Accepted Answer

Reduce light reflection and enhance absorption

Answer

Increase cell temperature and reduce efficiency

Answer

Improve electrical conductivity and cell lifespan

Answer

Protect cells from environmental factors

Question 43

Which of the following is a key advantage of using photovoltaic cells as a renewable energy source?

Accepted Answer

Clean, sustainable, and low-maintenance

Answer

High energy density and long lifespan

Answer

High efficiency and low cost

Answer

Reliable and available in all climates

Question 44

What is the main difference between a photovoltaic system and a solar thermal system?

Accepted Answer

Photovoltaic systems convert light to electricity, while solar thermal systems convert light to heat

Answer

Photovoltaic systems use silicon cells, while solar thermal systems use water or air as the working fluid

Answer

Photovoltaic systems are more efficient than solar thermal systems