Author: Isaac Gendler

The Physical Reason for Why Overheating Lowers Solar Panel Efficiency

The Physical Reason for Why Overheating Lowers Solar Panel Efficiency

The Physical Reason for Why Overheating Lowers Solar Panel Efficiency

08/05/19

“Why does physics dictate that overheated solar panels will have lower efficiencies?”

The amount of solar energy that can be created by a solar panel is dependent on the difference in voltage between the electrons at the rest state and the activated state. However, as a solar panel becomes hotter, the rest state will be pushed outwards while the active state will be held constant. This results in a decrease in voltage and by extension power output. This is The Physical Reason for Why Overheating Lowers Solar Panel Efficiency.

Power-line Flicker

Power-line Flicker

Power-line Flicker

08/04/19

“How can we tell that there is a voltage fluctuation just by looking at a lamp?”

The intensity of a lamp’s power is dependent on its supply voltage. Therefore, when there is a power fluctuation, the brightness on a lamp will also fluctuate, similar to a brownout. This Power-line Flicker also holds true for all electricity-dependent light producing sources, whether it be a television or a computer monitor.

Why Building Code Will Need to Adapt to an Increase in Rainwater

Why Building Code Will Need to Adapt to an Increase in Rainwater

Why Building Code Will Need to Adapt to an Increase in Rainwater

08/03/19

“Why will building codes need to consider an increase in future rainwater?”

With the advent of climate change, there will be an increase of rainwater. And since building codes have been designed for prior levels of rain, current standards will not suffice. This is Why Building Code Will Need to Adapt to an Increase in Rainwater.

Rain Gutter

Rain Gutter

Rain Gutter

08/01/19

“How can we discharge water from a building?”

Rainwater can build up and harm a building. Therefore, there needs to be some form of discharge to release everything. This is typically found in the form of a Rain Gutter attached to a building.

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How Carbon Capture Can Reduce Radiative Forcing

How Carbon Capture Can Reduce Radiative Forcing

How Carbon Capture Can Reduce Radiative Forcing

07/30/19

“How can carbon capture reduce the amount of radiation absorbed from the sun?”

Greenhouse gases are responsible for the increase the increase of the heat trapped in the atmosphere. But with carbon capture, there will be less greenhouse gases and therefore less radiative forcing. This is How Carbon Capture Can Reduce Radiative Forcing.

Greenhouse Gases Beyond CO2

Greenhouse Gases Beyond CO2

Greenhouse Gases Beyond CO2

07/23/19

“Are there greenhouse gases besides CO2?”

When greenhouse gases are discussed many people only think of CO2. However, greenhouse gases are any gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, therefore there are many more Greenhouse Gases Beyond CO2.