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Simple Solar Tracker Activity

Handmade Solar Tracker Device. 4 solar photovoltaic modules set vertically in a pentagon with the cells facing out. The fifth wall is made with purple and red craft sticks. At the top all of the solar module alligator clips are connected to larger copper wires.
Learning Goals

Learning Goals:

  1. Students observe and replicate a simple solar tracker.
  2. Students will learn basic electric circuits and terminology.
  3. Students will reflect on possible improvements for solar tracker.
  4. Students will reflect on how the engineering design process is used daily.
Materials List

Handouts

Group Supplies (3 per group)

  • 4 2-Volt, 500mA Individual solar modules
  • Halogen lamp or other shop light
  • DC gearhead motor
  • 6 paper clips
  • Foam board or some other structural element
  • 5″ Red/Black braided wire with stripped ends
  • Hot glue gun and glue
  • Copper wire (for bus)
  • Popsicle sticks
  • Optional: Wood blocks

Important Links

Next Generation Science Standards

Next Generation Science Standards

  • HS-PS3-3. Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy.

Time: 2 hours

Students will be shown a working example of a solar tracker and asked to replicate the design based on their observations. The design incorporates four solar cells arranged in two arrays with each array reverse biased such that they generate a voltage that opposes the other. Whichever array receives the most light will generate more voltage thereby driving a motor one direction or another. As the tracker rotates, the light incident upon each array equalizes. This circuit will be used as a springboard for discussion into the engineering design process, solar tracking and basic electricity and circuits.

 

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