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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can consider the implications of installing solar panels.

      Key learning points

      1. The size of a property determines how many solar panels can be installed
      2. The amount of energy generated depends on the a variety of factors
      3. It is possible to calculate when solar panels have paid for themselves

      Keywords

      • Variable - A variable is a quantity that can take on a range of values.

      • Formula - A formula is a rule linking sets of physical variables in context.

      • Average - An average is a single number expressing the central or typical value in a set of data: the mode; the median; and the mean.

      Common misconception

      When calculating the amount of electricity produced by a solar panel, pupils may forget to convert its power rating from watts to kilowatts.

      Always check whether the units for any values given in the informatin match the units that are required for the formula.

      Teacher tip

      This lesson could be extended into an investigation where pupils consider the implications of investing in solar panels for their home, the school or a well-known local building. They could estimate how many panels might fit on the roof, the direction it faces and research costs on the internet.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      A __________ is a rule linking sets of physical variables in context.

      coefficient
      constant
      Correct answer: formula
      term
      variable

      Q2.
      How many watts are in 1 kilowatt?

      0.001
      0.01
      100
      Correct answer: 1000

      Q3.
      850 watts is equal to kilowatts.

      Correct Answer: 0.85, 0.850, zero point eight five, 0.85 kW

      Q4.
      Which calculations would decrease 540 by 20%?

      $$0.2 \times 540$$
      Correct answer: $$0.8 \times 540$$
      $$1.2 \times 540$$
      Correct answer: $$540 - 0.2 \times 540$$
      $$540 - 0.8 \times 540$$

      Q5.
      Substitute $$x=4.9$$ into the expression $$24.5x + 60$$.

      89.4
      Correct answer: 180.05
      318.5
      1590.05

      Q6.
      $$E = PH$$. Calculate the value of $$E$$ when $$P = 0.35$$ and $$H = 3$$. Give the exact value, without rounding.

      Correct Answer: 1.05, one point zero five

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      1250 watts is equal to...

      0.125 kilowatts
      Correct answer: 1.25 kilowatts
      12.5 kilowatts
      125 000 kilowatts
      1 250 000 kilowatts

      Q2.
      A house has a set of 5 solar panels. Each panel produces 1.08 kWh of electricity per day. In total, the set of 5 panels produce kWh of electricity per day.

      Correct Answer: 5.4, five point four, 5.4 kWh

      Q3.
      A home owner spends £10 200 on solar panels. The panels save £1275 per year on electricity bills. How many years will it take for the annual savings to cover the cost of the solar panels?

      Correct Answer: 8, eight, 8 years, eight years

      Q4.
      In ideal conditions, a solar panel would generate 1.4 kWh of electricity per day. However, its performance is reduced so that it produces 30% less electricity. Therefore, it produces kWh per day.

      Correct Answer: 0.98, zero point nine eight, 0.98 kWh

      Q5.
      The average cost of electricity could be calculated as: 24.5 p per kWh consumed + 60 p daily standing charge. For a house that uses 8 kWh of electricity per day, the cost would be £ per day.

      Correct Answer: 2.56, £2.56, two pound fifty six

      Q6.
      The formula calculates the amount of electricity produced by a solar panel. A solar panel has a power rating of 450 watts. With 5 hours of peak sunlight, the panel produces kWh of electricity.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 2.25, 2.25 kWh

      To help you plan your 9 maths lesson on: Solar power, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...