Solar power producing heat
4 marks · NormalA solar panel provides hot water for a family during summer.
Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using solar heating panels for this purpose.
A panel is placed on the roof facing south in the UK. Explain why.
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(a) — · must show Advantage: renewable energy/reduces fossil fuel use/no polluting gases., Disadvantage: Only works during daylight/less effective on cloudy days or at night.
(b) — · must show south-facing in northern hemisphere receives most sunlight/more direct sunlight, maximises energy absorption from Sun
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · States a correct advantage (e.g., renewable, no emissions, cheap running costs).
B2 (a) · 1 mark · States a correct disadvantage (e.g., only works in sunlight, less hot water in winter/cloudy weather).
A1 (b) · 1 mark · Explains that south-facing receives the most sunlight (in the UK/northern hemisphere).
A2 (b) · 1 mark · Links orientation/angle to maximise absorption of solar energy.
Worked solution
a) Advantage: Using solar energy reduces the need for fossil fuels and does not produce polluting gases. Disadvantage: It only works well in sunlight, so much less hot water is produced on cloudy days or at night.
b) In the UK, which is in the northern hemisphere, the Sun is mostly to the south, so placing the panel facing south ensures it receives the greatest amount of direct sunlight, increasing the energy absorbed.