Solar power producing heat
4 marks · NormalA house uses solar heating panels to warm its water supply.
Explain how a solar heating panel uses the Sun’s energy to heat water.
State two features of a solar heating panel that help it absorb as much energy from the Sun as possible.
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(a) — · must show absorbs solar/thermal radiation, transfers heat to water
(b) — · must show black surfaces, glass cover, insulation, facing the Sun, angled for maximum sunlight
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
M1 (a) · 1 mark · States solar panel absorbs thermal radiation from the Sun.
M2 (a) · 1 mark · States heat is transferred from the panel to the water.
B1 (b) · 1 mark · Names one valid design feature (e.g. black surface, glass cover, insulation, correct angle, facing south).
B2 (b) · 1 mark · Names a second valid design feature, different from the first.
Worked solution
a) Solar heating panels work by absorbing thermal (infrared) radiation from the Sun. The absorbed energy heats up pipes or panels inside, which then transfer heat to the water passing through them.
b) Features may include: black/dark surfaces to maximise absorption, a glass cover to trap heat, insulation to reduce heat loss, the panel being angled/facing the Sun (facing south in the northern hemisphere).