# A school is deciding whether to install solar panels or a small wind turbine to supply electricity to the building. State two advantages and two disadvantages of using solar panels as a renewable energy resource to generate electricity.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1) — 4.3 Energy resources and electricity generation · State · 4 marks

> Solar panels convert light energy from the Sun directly into electrical energy. Wind turbines convert kinetic energy from moving air into electrical energy. Both are classified as renewable energy resources.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Advantage 1: solar energy is renewable / can be replenished as quickly as it is used / will not run out
2. Advantage 2: solar panels do not release greenhouse gases / do not contribute to global warming / no combustion / no harmful emissions during operation
3. Disadvantage 1: solar panels are less reliable / output depends on weather / only generate electricity in sunlight / output is intermittent
4. Disadvantage 2: solar panels are more costly / expensive to manufacture or install / high initial cost

## Key terms

- [renewable energy resource](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/renewable-energy-resource)
- [solar panels](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/solar-panels)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "State" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-school-is-deciding-whether-to-ab9ac615) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.