Solving Energy & Efficiency Problems with PV Conversion in US

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The discussion centers on the use of photovoltaic (PV) conversion to address energy and efficiency challenges in the U.S., particularly as traditional gas and oil supplies dwindle. It highlights the potential of using electrolysis of water powered by PV systems, specifically in the southwestern U.S., where solar conversion efficiency is noted at 20%. Participants are tasked with calculating the annual electrical energy produced per square meter and the corresponding weight of hydrogen generated annually. Additionally, the conversation touches on the scale of PV collectors required to match the U.S. petroleum consumption of 44 EJ in 2000. The thread emphasizes the importance of understanding these calculations to explore sustainable energy solutions.
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Hi all. I'm new to the forums and am looking forward to contributing. At the moment, I'm having trouble figuring out this chemistry problem i have for homework.

The United State's gas and oil supplies are shrinking and are now using the electrolysis of water as a source of energy. The source of electricity is from
photovoltaic (PV) conversion of sunlight in the southwestern
US. (a) Assume that a flat plate PV system is used, with a solar
conversion efficiency of 20 percent and a hydrogen
production efficiency of 100 percent. Assume the average annual
insolation in the southwest is 270 watts per square meter.
Calculate the annual electrical energy produced in kJ/sq. meter. Calculate
the weight of hydrogen (kg/sq. meter) produced per year.
(b) The US consumed 44 EJ of petroleum in 2000. How many
square meters of PV collectors would be needed to supply the equivalent
amount of energy in hydrogen?
 
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