Renewable energy resources
3 marks · NormalSolar panels are installed on a house to generate electricity.
State why solar energy is considered renewable.
Give one disadvantage of using solar panels for electricity generation.
Describe one advantage of using solar panels for the environment.
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(a) Energy from the Sun is continuously available/is naturally replaced.
(b) Solar panels do not generate electricity at night or when it is cloudy.
(c) Solar panels generate electricity without polluting gases or greenhouse gas emissions.
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · States that solar energy is from the Sun which is always available/renewed.
B1 (b) · 1 mark · Gives a valid disadvantage (e.g., unreliable due to weather, night time, variable output, expensive to install).
B1 (c) · 1 mark · States an advantage for the environment (e.g., no polluting gases, no greenhouse gas emissions, reduces fossil fuel use).
Worked solution
a) Solar energy is renewable because the Sun's energy is always available and replenished naturally. b) A disadvantage is that solar panels do not work at night/are less effective on cloudy days. c) An advantage for the environment is that solar panels do not emit polluting gases or contribute to global warming.