1. Which type of solar radiation originates from the sun and reaches the Earth’s atmosphere?
A) Terrestrial solar radiation
B) Extraterrestrial solar radiation
C) Solar thermal conversion
D) Solar Phototonic System
Answer: B) Extraterrestrial solar radiation
Explanation: Extraterrestrial solar radiation refers to the solar energy emitted by the sun that travels through space and reaches the Earth’s atmosphere.
2. What is the process of converting solar energy into thermal energy known as?
A) Solar cell materials
B) Solar cell efficiency
C) Solar thermal conversion
D) PV operated lighting
Answer: C) Solar thermal conversion
Explanation: Solar thermal conversion involves the use of solar collectors to absorb sunlight and convert it into heat energy for various applications like heating water or air.
3. Which of the following materials is commonly used in solar cell technology?
A) Aluminum
B) Copper
C) Silicon
D) Zinc
Answer: C) Silicon
Explanation: Silicon is a commonly used material in solar cell technology due to its semiconducting properties and abundance.
4. What does PV stand for in the context of solar energy?
A) Photovoltatic
B) Proton Voltage
C) Photonic Velocity
D) Photon Voltmeter
Answer: A) Photovoltaic
Explanation: PV stands for photovoltaic, which refers to the conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting materials.
5. Which factor determines the efficiency of a solar cell?
A) Color of the cell
B) Thickness of the cell
C) Material of the cell
D) Temperature of the cell
Answer: C) Material of the cell
Explanation: The material used in a solar cell plays a crucial role in determining its efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity.
6. What happens to the characteristics of PV panels as insulation levels vary?
A) They remain constant
B) They increase linearly
C) They decrease linearly
D) They vary non-linearly
Answer: D) They vary non-linearly
Explanation: The characteristics of PV panels, such as output voltage and current, vary non-linearly with changes in insulation levels, influenced by factors like temperature and irradiance.
7. Which type of solar-powered devices are commonly used for lighting and water pumping in off-grid locations?
A) Solar cookers
B) Solar cars
C) PV operated lighting and water pumps
D) Solar thermal generators
Answer: C) PV operated lighting and water pumps
Explanation: PV operated lighting and water pumps are commonly used in off-grid locations to harness solar energy for lighting and water pumping purposes.
8. What are the main components of a biomass energy system configuration?
A) Solar panels and batteries
B) Biomass engine and generator
C) Wind turbines and inverters
D) Geothermal heat pumps
Answer: B) Biomass engine and generator
Explanation: The main components of a biomass energy system configuration include a biomass engine driven generator, which converts biomass into electricity.
9. In stand-alone or hybrid modes, what can biomass engine driven generators do?
A) Convert electricity into biomass
B) Convert biomass into electricity
C) Store biomass for future use
D) Generate wind energy
Answer: B) Convert biomass into electricity
Explanation: Biomass engine driven generators can convert biomass into electricity, either in stand-alone mode or in hybrid systems combined with other energy sources.
10. What are the characteristics of biomass energy?
A) Renewable and emissions-free
B) Non-renewable and polluting
C) Limited availability and high cost
D) Unstable and inefficient
Answer: A) Renewable and emissions-free
Explanation: Biomass energy is renewable and emissions-free when produced sustainably from organic materials like wood, agricultural residues, or waste.
11. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of motors and pumps connected to PV panels?
A) Variable speed
B) Low maintenance
C) Direct current operation
D) High efficiency
Answer: C) Direct current operation
Explanation: Motors and pumps connected to PV panels typically operate on alternating current (AC) rather than direct current (DC).
12. What is the primary advantage of PV operated lighting and water pumps in remote areas?
A) High initial cost
B) Dependence on weather conditions
C) Independence from the grid
D) Limited power output
Answer: C) Independence from the grid
Explanation: PV operated lighting and water pumps provide independence from the grid, making them suitable for remote areas where grid connection may be challenging or unavailable.
13. Which of the following is a drawback of biomass energy systems?
A) High efficiency
B) Limited fuel availability
C) Low emissions
D) Compatibility with various feedstocks
Answer: B) Limited fuel availability
Explanation: One drawback of biomass energy systems is the limited availability of suitable biomass feedstocks, which can vary depending on factors like location and season.
14. What is the function of biomass engine driven generators in biomass energy systems?
A) Convert sunlight into electricity
B) Convert biomass into electricity
C) Convert wind energy into electricity
D) Store excess electricity
Answer: B) Convert biomass into electricity
Explanation: Biomass engine driven generators are responsible for converting biomass into electricity in biomass energy systems.
15. Which energy source can be used in hybrid systems alongside biomass for increased reliability?
A) Fossil fuels
B) Solar energy
C) Geothermal energy
D) Nuclear energy
Answer: B) Solar energy
Explanation: Solar energy can be integrated into hybrid systems alongside biomass to enhance reliability and provide a more consistent energy supply, especially in areas with varying biomass availability.