How Do Solar Panels Work?

2-Volt, 500mA Solar Modules
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Intended Grade Level(s):
4-6
Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic
Learning Goal(s):

Students will be able to describe, in basic terms, the way that electricity is generated from a solar cell. Students will be able to determine that energy from the sun is being converted directly into electricity. Students will understand that this electrical energy that is produced in this energy transfer is able to perform the work required within a small load.

Unit:
Solar Boats
Lesson Number:
4
Pedagogy & Practice:
Hands-on Materials
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Relevant NGSS PE:
4-PS3-2
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Files Associated with this Activity:
PDF icon Lesson 4_How do Solar Panels work.pdf
Office presentation icon Basics of SOLAR_Joe_Rand_KidWind.ppt
Description:

Students will learn the basics of how a solar cell generates electricity and observe the effects on a small electrical load attached to a solar module under a variety of conditions. They will build upon knowledge gained in previous lessons dealing with energy transformations in order to build an understanding of how the suns energy can be converted into kinetic electrical energy within a photovoltaic cell. Students will additionally be given the opportunity to explore the interaction between current flow and operation of a load through their own exploration of different DC-powered devices. This lesson is suitable as a stand-alone lesson.

Other Material(s) Used:
DC motor, sunlight or another light source