Solar Power

OCR

GCSE

Solar power systems harness electromagnetic radiation from the Sun, converting it either directly into electricity via photovoltaic cells or into thermal energy for heating applications. Candidates must characterize this as a renewable resource that emits no greenhouse gases during operation, though manufacturing processes do incur an environmental cost. Critical evaluation is required regarding reliability; power output is intermittent, dependent on latitude, time of day, and cloud cover, necessitating integration with energy storage or baseload generation.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award 1 mark for stating solar power is renewable because the energy source (the Sun) is replenished as it is used
Credit responses that distinguish solar cells (transfer light to electricity) from solar panels (transfer light to thermal energy)
Award 1 mark for explaining unreliability: output depends on light intensity, time of day, and cloud cover
Candidates must link 'no carbon dioxide emissions during operation' to a reduced contribution to the greenhouse effect
Award 1 mark for identifying that solar power has a low energy density compared to nuclear or fossil fuels

Example Examiner Feedback

Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

"You correctly identified solar as renewable, but you must explain *why* (replenished as used)"
"Avoid saying 'it is sunny'; use precise terms like 'high light intensity' or 'solar irradiance'"
"You calculated the output power correctly, but failed to multiply the input power per m² by the total area"
"Good evaluation of environmental benefits; to reach the top band, also consider the economic payback time"

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award 1 mark for stating solar power is renewable because the energy source (the Sun) is replenished as it is used
Credit responses that distinguish solar cells (transfer light to electricity) from solar panels (transfer light to thermal energy)
Award 1 mark for explaining unreliability: output depends on light intensity, time of day, and cloud cover
Candidates must link 'no carbon dioxide emissions during operation' to a reduced contribution to the greenhouse effect
Award 1 mark for identifying that solar power has a low energy density compared to nuclear or fossil fuels

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡When evaluating, use the term 'intermittent' to describe supply issues rather than just 'unreliable'
💡In 6-mark Level of Response questions, structure your answer by comparing Economic, Environmental, and Reliability factors
💡For efficiency calculations, ensure you use the total power input (Incident Solar Power x Area) if given power per m²
💡Avoid vague terms like 'eco-friendly'; explicitly state 'does not release greenhouse gases'

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing the function of solar cells (electricity) with solar heating panels (hot water)
Stating 'no pollution' without qualifying that this applies only to the operational phase, ignoring manufacturing impact
Describing the energy as 'free' without acknowledging the high initial capital cost of installation
Failing to distinguish between power (rate of transfer) and total energy transferred in calculations

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Energy transfer mechanisms (Light to Electrical/Thermal)

Renewable resource characteristics and environmental impact

Reliability, intermittency, and capacity factors

Calculation of efficiency and power output

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

State

Describe

Explain

Calculate

Evaluate

Suggest

Practical Links

Related required practicals

•{"code":"Suggested Practical","title":"Investigation of Solar Cells","relevance":"Investigating how output potential difference varies with light intensity or distance from source"}

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