1. Students are to analyse an existing alternative renewable energy system.

They are required to reverse engineer that system and list the components
in a table and explain the role each component plays within the system.
Explain in detail how the renewable energy source work. (Pictures can be
used to supplement your answer).
Solar Panel System with a tracking unit. I have found multiple designs through
YouTube on Solar Panel Systems using a tracking unit. My chosen design uses 3
solar panels and requires no further electronics outside of motors and wires. The
motor is used to rotate a turntable and face it directly towards the sun.

Components Use
Solar Panel (5V & 1.5V) To power the system and generate
electricity for further use.
Wires To connect the system to each
component and control the flow of
electricity within the system.
Rotating Table To easily rotate the system and reduce
friction.
Motor (3v) To rotate the table and put the solar
panel directly in front of the light
source.
Electrical Outlet Allows devices to plugin for
electricity.

2. Identify and justify the best regions in Australia for this type of renewable
energy source. (Maps can be used to supplement your answer).
Performance of Solar Panels has been researched with factors such as direction
and location. The exposure of sunlight to Australia is generally Northern.
Northern facing Solar panels have shown to generate generally 25-30% more
electricity than other directions due to the natural trajectory of the sun being
northern as shown. Solar Panels are usually setup in remote areas of Australia due
to their mass size and lack of vegetation meaning less shadows along with less
precipitation due to lack of water.
3. Critically analyse the positive and negative social ramifications caused be
this type of renewable energy source over other styles for Australias future
power needs.
 Pros
 Sustainable and renewable energy source
 Silent and low maintenance
 Government funded – Solar rebates
 Energy Storage
 Multiple Incentives
 Aiding the development of future technology – i.e. Batteries

 Cons
 Land use – Large area is needed for Solar Farms
 Habitat Loss
 Exotic & Hazardous materials – Dangerous and non-renewable resource
 Water Use – Use in cooling and the production of Solar Panels
 4. Describe how a life cycle works and give an example of a sustainable
energy system. (Use drawings with annotation)
A life cycle is the changes something undergoes throughout its life. A solar panel
generally remains untouched by the weather with the only risks being dust and
bird droppings to energy production. The average life span of a solar panel is 20
years with companies guaranteeing a constant 80% rated power flow. This
usually decreases 1% for each year of use. After which they can be re-cycled and
have new technology installed. This allows for a constant cycle reusing materials
such as lead, gallium, cadmium, along with the frame and solar cells can all be
broken down and reused.

5. In today’s world why is sustainability important?

Our world currently has a depleting supply of fossil fuels. This means at
some point we will be unable power our cars, homes or anything in our
society. Sustainability means that we relieve this pressure and find
alternative solutions to energy production. The importance of sustainability
is paramount, without it fail to secure our future and doom ourselves to an
energy crisis. Sustainability also refers to recycling and the reuse of
materials to alternatively avoid buying new resources. We currently have
the technology and resources to invest and research sustainable solutions
but the Government doesn’t want to move. This is dramatically affect
Australians as the use of power has only gone up. With rising power
demand comes higher bills, this will disrupt Australians and cost of living
will dramatically rise. Sustainable solutions will ensure that cost of living
remains steady and will allow quality of living to remain the same.