#### 90Maria, a high school STEM student, is designing a solar-powered water purification system for a science competition. The system uses panels that generate 18 watts per square meter under full sunlight, and the purification unit requires 540 watt-hours to operate for one day. If Maria has 3 square meters of solar panels and sunlight averages 6 hours per day, how many full days can the system run without supplemental power, assuming 90% energy storage efficiency?

Thu, 07 May 2026 20:06:39 +0000

## #### 90Maria, a high school STEM student, is designing a solar-powered water purification system for a science competition. The system uses panels that generate 18 watts per square meter under full sunlight, and the purification unit requires 540 watt-hours to operate for one day. If Maria has 3 square meters of solar panels and sunlight averages 6 hours per day, how many full days can the system run without supplemental power, assuming 90% energy storage efficiency?
Gaining Attention in the US
As young innovators turn climate challenges into real-world solutions, projects like Maria’s solar-powered water purification system are sparking interest nationwide. With declining costs and rising focus on sustainable technology, youth-led STEM initiatives are cutting through digital feeds and local news—proof that green science matters more than ever. ## Why #### 90Maria, a high school STEM student, is designing a solar-powered water purification system for a science competition. The system uses panels that generate 18 watts per square meter under full sunlight, and the purification unit requires 540 watt-hours to operate for one day. If Maria has 3 square meters of solar panels and sunlight averages 6 hours per day, how many full days can the system run without supplemental power, assuming 90% energy storage efficiency?
This project reflects a growing movement where young scientists combine science, sustainability, and problem-solving. With each data point grounded in real-world physics, Maria’s system illustrates how accessible technology can address urgent global needs—connecting classrooms to communities one sunbeam at a time. ## How #### 90Maria, a high school STEM student, is designing a solar-powered water purification system for a science competition. The system uses panels that generate 18 watts per square meter under full sunlight, and the purification unit requires 540 watt-hours to operate for one day. If Maria has 3 square meters of solar panels and sunlight averages 6 hours per day, how many full days can the system run without supplemental power, assuming 90% energy storage efficiency?
Maria’s setup captures 18 watts per square meter, so 3 square meters generate 54 watts total during peak sun. With 6 hours of effective sunlight, she produces a total of 324 watt-hours per day. But storing this energy with 90% efficiency means only 291.6 watt-hours are available daily for use. Dividing that by the 540 watt-hour daily need reveals the system falls short each day—running for just over half a full day on stored power alone. ## Common Questions People Have About #### 90Maria, a high school STEM student, is designing a solar-powered water purification system for a science