Read the following passage and answer the question below. Solar energy has emerged as one of the most promising alternatives to fossil fuels in the fight against climate change. Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic cells, a technology that has become significantly cheaper and more efficient over the past two decades. Countries around the world are increasingly investing in large-scale solar farms as well as rooftop panels for homes and businesses. Unlike coal or natural gas, solar power produces no direct emissions during operation, making it an environmentally friendly option. However, challenges remain, including the intermittent nature of sunlight, the need for efficient energy storage systems, and the environmental impact of manufacturing panels. Despite these challenges, many experts believe that continued technological advancement and falling costs will make solar power one of the dominant sources of electricity within the coming decades. Question: In the passage, the word 'intermittent' most nearly means:
- A. Extremely powerful
- B. Permanently available
- C. Completely absent
- D. Occurring at irregular intervals ✓
Correct answer
D. Occurring at irregular intervals
Explanation
'Intermittent' describes sunlight as not being constantly available, i.e. occurring at irregular intervals.