FYKOS Year 31 Series 2 Problem 2 — solar power plant · FYKOS 31 #31.2.2

Physics · mechanics · modern-physics

Problem

The solar constant, or more accurately the solar irradiance, is the influx of energy coming from the Sun at the distance where Earth is. It technically doesn't have a constant value, but let's suppose it is approximately P=1,370 W⋅m−2P = 1{,}370\,\mathrm{W\cdot m^{-2}}. Also, suppose that Earth's orbit is circular and its axis of rotation is tilted with respect to the normal of the orbital plane by 23.5\dg23.5\dg . What would be the maximum power captured by a solar panel of area S=1 m2S= 1\,\mathrm{m^2} at the summer and winter solstice, if the panel lies flat on the ground in Prague (latitude 50\dg50\dg N)? Ignore the effects of any obstructions or the atmosphere.

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