Solar Panel Construction, Orientation and Use Unit

Constructing Solar Panels
Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Solar Panel Construction, Orientation and Use
Intended Grade Level(s):
9-12
Subject Area(s) Covered:
applied physics
physics
principles of technology
Engineering
applied math
research to build and present knowledge
statistics and probability
modeling
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours 40 min
Learning Goal(s):

Modeling and data analysis

Relevant Common Core Standard(s):

For this extended task, students will track the sun's altitude and Azimuth to determine the best position for their hand-built solar panel, learn solar cell operation basics, solar panel construction, series and parallel circuitry and basic array sizing. View full description >>

Solar Site Assessment

Solar Rooftop
Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Solar Resources Assessment
Intended Grade Level(s):
9-12
Subject Area(s) Covered:
solar energy
renewable energy
design
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour 50 min
Learning Goal(s):

Students will be able to use a Solar Pathfinder to determine the amount of solar resource lost to shading from nearby trees, buildings, etc. Students will be able to calculate the number of kWh of electricity that can be produced in a specific location and in a specific sized area. Students will be able to calculate the amount of carbon emissions that can be offset due to installing photovoltaic panels of various sizes. Students will be able to calculate the size array needed to offset all electricity use for the high school.

Students will do an actual site assessment to determine the available solar resource for a chosen location. 

View full description >>

Solar Pathfinder Tutorial

Solar Rooftop
Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Solar Resources Assessment
Intended Grade Level(s):
9-12
Subject Area(s) Covered:
solar energy
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min
Learning Goal(s):

Students will be able to properly assemble and orient their solar pathfinder. Students will be able to properly record the information provided by a solar pathfinder. Students will be able to accurately analyze the information provided by the solar pathfinder to calculate the solar potential (kWh/m2/day) taking into account variables such as shading, climate and weather.

Relevant Common Core Standard(s):
,
,

This lesson is designed to allow the students to practice assembling and using their Solar Pathfinders, along with analyzing the data. The students will take a single measurement and digital photograph at a location near the classroom designated by the teacher. 

... View full description >>

Macro-Scale Solar

Solar Rooftop
Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Solar Resources Assessment
Intended Grade Level(s):
9-12
Estimated Activity Length:
3 hours
Learning Goal(s):

Students will be able to describe the basic structure of a photovoltaic solar module implementing the ideas of series and parallel wiring. Students will be able to describe the basic structure of a photovoltaic solar array implementing the ideas of series and parallel wiring. Students will be able to describe the function and necessity of an inverter when using photovoltaic arrays.

Relevant Common Core Standard(s):
,
,
,

This lesson begins with basic chemistry with regards to atomic structure. The lesson then moves to understanding the special properties of silicon as a photoelectric semi- conductor. Building on this, the basic structure of photovoltaic solar cells is described in detail. View full description >>

Introduction to the Photovoltaic Effect

Solar Rooftop
Average Rating:
0
Unit:
Solar Resources Assessment
Intended Grade Level(s):
9-12
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Chemistry
electricity
physics
photovoltaics
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour 40 min
Learning Goal(s):

Students will be able to describe the basic structure of a photovoltaic solar cell. Students will be able to outline or summarize how solar cells produce electricity. Students will be able to explain why silicon, boron and phosphorous are most often used to construct solar cells.

Relevant Common Core Standard(s):
,
,
,

This lesson begins with basic chemistry with regards to atomic structure. The lesson then moves to understanding the special properties of silicon as a photoelectric semi- conductor. Building on this, the basic structure of photovoltaic solar cells is described in detail. View full description >>

Using a Multimeter to Analyze a Solar Circuit: Measuring Current and Voltage—Calculating Power and Resistance

Solar Circuit
Average Rating:
0
Intended Grade Level(s):
6-12
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Energy
electricity
Power
solar energy
circuit analysis
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour 30 min
Learning Goal(s):

Students will understand that voltage is a measure of a difference in electric potential energy and that current is the rate at which charge flows through a circuit.Students will understand how to measure and quantify electricity. Students will become familiar with the relationships between the fundamental electrical quantities.

Relevant Common Core Standard(s):
,
,
,
,

Students will set up a simple circuit using a multimeter and a load resistor to measure the voltage and current in the circuit. Students will learn to use a multimeter, learn how to calculate power and be introduced to Ohm’s Law. This activity provides a good introduction to understanding the relationship between fundamental electricity... View full description >>

Circuit Analysis With Solar Energy: Measure the Power Consumed by Various Devices

Solar Circuit
Average Rating:
0
Intended Grade Level(s):
6-12
Subject Area(s) Covered:
Energy
electricity
Power
solar energy
circuit analysis
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour 30 min
Learning Goal(s):

Students will understand that voltage is a measure of a difference in electric potential energy and that current is the rate at which charge flows through a circuit. Students will understand how to measure and quantify electricity. Students will become familiar with the relationships between the fundamental electrical quantities.

Relevant Common Core Standard(s):
,
,
,
,
,
,
,

Students will set up a simple circuit using a solar module and three small loads. They will then use a multimeter to measure the voltage across each load and the current through each circuit. Students will then calculate the power consumption and resistance of each load.

  View full description >>

Nez Perce Tribal Fish Hatchery

Location:
Juliaetta, ID
Grade Level:
K-12
Technology Type:
solar
PV System Size:
10.00 - kilowatts

In February 2015 the Nez Perce Tribe completed a 10kW PV demonstration system at the Tribal Hatchery Complex in Juliaetta, Idaho. As a Renewable Facility, this project will function as an ongoing community education tool by teachers in four area school districts to supplement sustainability education for students throughout the Nez Perce region.



Solar 4R Schools provided a renewable energy teacher training workshop to area teachers along with customized, durable science kits for four school districts valued at approximately $12,000. Teachers at each participating school... Read full project narrative >>

West Valley Junior High

Location:
Yakima, WA
Grade Level:
9-12
Technology Type:
solar
PV System Size:
9.72 - kilowatts

In the fall of 2014 a 9.72kW solar installation was completed at Yakima's West Valley Junior High. This project was made possible by financial support from Pacific Power's Blue Sky Program and project design and oversight by Bonneville Environmental Foundation's Renewable Energy Group. Seattle solar experts at Northwest Wind and Solar completed the physical installation, interconnection, and permitting. The solar array will help offset the school's energy usage and the live energy and weather data can be used in the classroom.

BEF's Solar 4R Schools program will provide teacher... Read full project narrative >>

Funhouse Commons

Location:
Eastsound, WA
Grade Level:
K-12
Technology Type:
solar
PV System Size:
12.00 - kilowatts

Located in Eastsound, WA, on Orcas Island, The Funhouse Commons was founded by local activists in the spring of 1999. The Funhouse is a youth-oriented community center that fosters educational play with hands-on science exhibits, computer-based labs, and art and entertainment facilities. The Funhouse also provides many important social services aimed at the most vulnerable children in the community. The facility was designed to be a hands-on children's science museum. Science and sustainability topics are core to education programs at the Funhouse. Each year, Funhouse Commons hosts an... Read full project narrative >>

Pages