SOLAR ENERGY Sunlight carries huge amounts of energy. You can feel the Sun’s energy when sunlight warms your skin on a summer day. To capture the Sun’s energy, scientists have developed solar cells, called photovoltaic cells. These cells convert sunlight into electricity. When sunlight hits a solar cell, some of the light energy is absorbed. This light energy causes the particles in the solar cell to move faster, and the movement of these particles creates electricity. In some places, large panels of solar cells harvest sunshine to make electricity for homes and businesses. Solar cells have been placed on cars and appliances, too. Since the Sun sends abundant free energy streaming toward Earth 24 hours a day, people in many parts of the world, not just the sunniest places, have fixed solar cells and solar panels on the roofs of their houses or businesses to lower their energy costs. Experts say that the huge installation of solar panels in sunny regions could generate enough electricity to supply an entire country. Capturing this energy can help overcome our diminishing energy supply. New ways to capture this energy are being developed an the time to maximize efficiency. 1. What is the source of solar energy? a. sunlight b. photovoltaic cells c. solar panels d. electricity 2. Solar cells are used___________ a. to collect energy from the sun b. to provide sunlight to houses c. to convert sunlight into electricity d. both a and c are correct 3. Which of the following statements is true? a. Solar cells absorb all of the light energy from the sun. b. The light energy causes the particles to move faster to make electricity. c. Solar energy can be used to power homes and businesses only. d. Large solar panels have been placed on cars and appliances. 4. As used in line 9, ‘abundant’ most nearly means . a. unlimited b. dangerous c. plentiful d. clean 5. Where have people fixed solar panels? a. In the sunniest places b. Anywhere outside their houses c. Inside their houses d. On the roofs of their houses 6. As used in line 14, ‘diminishing’ most nearly means . a. decreasing b. increasing c. unending d. restoring 7. According to the passage, all of the following statements are true EXCEPT a. the Sun produces a large amount of energy. b. solar energy could provide enough electricity for the whole world c. scientists are constantly developing new ways to capture the Sun’s energy d. people use solar energy to reduce their energy costs.