The solar power striking Earth every day averages 169 watts per square meter. The peak electrical power usage in New York City is 12,000 megawatts. Part A Considering that present technology for solar energy conversion is only about 10%% efficient, from how many square meters of land must sunlight be collected in order to provide this peak power

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Physics

Bronson

11 June, 20:02

The solar power striking Earth every day averages 169 watts per square meter. The peak electrical power usage in New York City is 12,000 megawatts. Part A Considering that present technology for solar energy conversion is only about 10%% efficient, from how many square meters of land must sunlight be collected in order to provide this peak power

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Andrew Bowman · Answer 1

12000 mega watts = 12000 x 10⁶ watt.

rate of energy conversion is only 10 % so solar power required

= 12000 x 10⁶ x 100 / 10

= 12 x 10¹⁰ watt.

one square meter provides 169 watts

area required to obtain 12 x 10¹⁰ watt = 12 x 10¹⁰ / 169 m²

=.071 x 10¹⁰ m²

= 71 x 10⁷ m². Ans.