Which statement best describes the limiting factors for expanded photovoltaic use?

Which statement best describes the limiting factors for expanded photovoltaic use?

• A. They take lots of space and are not the most reliable source.
• B. They are easy to install in any location.
• C. They produce energy only at night.
• D. They require no sunlight to function.

Answer: (C)

Photovoltaic systems rely on sunlight. The electricity they produce only comes when photons hit the solar cells, so generation is inherently intermittent and tied to the time of day, weather, and location. Because of that, expanding PV use is limited unless we have enough sunlight exposure and, crucially, storage or backup to cover times when the sun isn’t shining. The idea that PVs produce energy only at night goes against how these systems work; in reality, daytime generation is the driving factor, and storage or another power source is needed to supply energy after dark or during cloudy periods. Among common statements, the real limiting factors are the need for sufficient space to install enough panels and the management of intermittency and reliability, rather than claims that PV works everywhere without sunlight or that it’s always easy to install.

Photovoltaic systems rely on sunlight. The electricity they produce only comes when photons hit the solar cells, so generation is inherently intermittent and tied to the time of day, weather, and location. Because of that, expanding PV use is limited unless we have enough sunlight exposure and, crucially, storage or backup to cover times when the sun isn’t shining.

The idea that PVs produce energy only at night goes against how these systems work; in reality, daytime generation is the driving factor, and storage or another power source is needed to supply energy after dark or during cloudy periods. Among common statements, the real limiting factors are the need for sufficient space to install enough panels and the management of intermittency and reliability, rather than claims that PV works everywhere without sunlight or that it’s always easy to install.