WillyPorts

Hi everyone I'm new to these forms. I have attached a pdf of a writing project I'm working on in my Calc 3 class. I'm just trying to find somewhere to start, because I'm kind of lost. Most of the Calc 3 class has been based on multivariable calculus and objects in 3-d. The problem states that I must determine how much solar energy will be lost because of the shadows. I must calculate the fraction of energy being lost. We have not studied the loss of energy. I've tried searching google and I have only found complex equations. Is there a simple formula for energy lost? One way I was thinking about solving this problem would be to first calculate the time it takes for all the shadows to make one complete cycle. Then I would calculate the time it takes the shadow to pass over the solar panel. This could be calculated by using the 3-d distance formula, and once the distance is found it could be multiplied by the speed of a shadow. After this I could divide the time for the shadow to pass over the solar panel by the total time, giving the fraction of energy lost. Is this the right approach to this problem? This may be an obvious question, but how do I differentiate the straight lines from the arcs? Also, how does the degree the line passing through the solar panel oriented at approximately 24.6 degrees west of due north do anything to this problem? I don't have to meet with the teacher until this Friday and the actual project is due next Friday. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you! calc.pdf