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How to Measure Output of Solar Modules?

Graph showing Incidence Angle for sunlight. This is measured as a the angle from the Y axis above an X plane. In the image represented by an orange ray from the sun to the ground.
Learning Goals

Learning Goals:

  1. Students will demonstrate that solar modules create electricity when light strikes the module.
  2. Students will determine the optimum angle for the generation of current by a solar cell when given a light source (indoors or outdoors using the sun).
  3. Students will be able to effectively use a digital multimeter to measure current and voltage produced by a solar cell.
Materials List

Classroom Supplies

  • Solar panels (1 per group)
  • Sunlight or another light source (e.g. halogen or incandescent bulbs)
  • Multimeters
  • Protractors

Important Links

Next Generation Science Standards

Next Generation Science Standards

  • 4-PS3-2. Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.

Lesson 5 of 9 / Time: 1 hour

Students will measure output from a solar module before a load is attached and relate it to real world output. They will make these measurements using a multimeter and be able to determine the optimal angle at which their module generates a current flow. This process is meant to reveal to students some of the design challenges associated with the usage of photovoltaics, whether it is on top of a house or whether it is on a vehicle such as the solar boat they will be designing. This will facilitate a discussion of the pros and cons of solar modules.

 

Solar Boats

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