How much do you know about renewable energy?

With the school year well under way, it’s time to find out how much you know about renewable energy! See if you can answer the questions below, and when you’re done, check out the answer key at the bottom of the page. No peeking!

Question 1: What element are solar panels made of? 

Question 2: What are the four main components of a wind turbine? 

Question 3: What is the average lifespan of a wind or solar park? 

Question 4: How many jobs do wind and solar projects create during development? 

Question 5: What is Michigan’s largest wind park? Largest solar park? 

Question 6: What type of endangered habitat can be hosted at a solar park? 

Question 7: What is the lowest temperature a wind turbine can operate in? 

Question 8: What is the greatest benefit to a community that hosts a wind or solar park? 

 

ANSWER KEY 

Question 1: Silicon  

Fun fact: Silicon is the second-most common element on earth and is found in most consumer electronics, from cell phones to computer chips. 

Question 2: The foundation, tower, nacelle, and rotor

Fun fact: Wind turbines in Michigan are taller than the Statue of Liberty! 

Question 3: Approximately 25 years 

Fun fact: The exact number depends on several factors, like the way the system is installed, the climate where you live, and park maintenance. 

 

 

 

Question 4: Approximately 200 

Fun fact: To date, DTE’s investment in renewable energy has created or sustained approximately 14,000 Michigan jobs. 

Question 5: DTE’s Meridian Wind Park, located in Saginaw and Midland counties; DTE’s Assembly Solar Park, located in Shiawassee County 

Fun fact: Meridian Wind generates enough clean energy to power more than 78,000 homes; Assembly Solar generates enough clean energy to power nearly 21,000 homes. 

 

 

Question 6: Pollinator

Fun fact: Declining pollinator populations worldwide is an increasing concern, but DTE is incorporating pollinator habitats at our solar parks to support bees, butterflies and other pollinating species. 

Question 7: Negative 22 degrees Fahrenheit/negative 30 degrees Celsius  

Fun fact: All DTE’s wind turbines are equipped with a Cold Weather Adaptation package, which includes heaters that help warm the hydraulic and lubrication oil systems as well as other critical components. 

 

Question 8: Tax revenue 

Fun fact: Tax revenue brought in by DTE’s renewable energy projects is used to support roads, schools, first responders, libraries and other community services. Gratiot County is home to several of the state’s largest wind projects and has received nearly $71 million in additional tax revenue from these projects since 2012.