Sunlight energy hits the earth per m2 per second = 1300 m2/s
so sunlight energy hits the earth per m2 per year = 1300 x 365 x 24x 60 x 60 = 40996800000 = 4.0997x1010 ---- (1)
Solar cell efficiency = 4.0997x1010x 0.20 = 8.1994x 109 ---- (2)
US energy consuption per year = 1020 ---- (3)
Dividing 3 by 2 we get area of US in m2 required to consume this energy = 1.20x1010 ---- (4)
Percentage of US land required to power this grid = 1.20x1010x 100/ 9.834x1012 = 0.124 %
TABLE 4.1 Energy Comparisons Energy Joules) Item Energy of sunlight at Earth (per m- per second)...
Warm Up The surface of the Earth receives approximately 1000 W/m2 (Watts per square meter) of energy from the Sun. This number rises to about 1386 W/m2 in the upper atmosphere (r 6.4 x 106 m) The sun is 1 AU (1.496 x 1011 m) away Over what area is the Sun's energy spread at the Earth's distance? How much power is the Sun releasing? Warm Up The surface of the Earth receives approximately 1000 W/m2 (Watts per square meter)...