How to Measure Output of Solar Modules
![Sunlight Incident Angle Sunlight Incident Angle](https://cebrightfutures.org/sites/default/files/Screen%20Shot%202019-04-10%20at%201.21.51%20PM.png)
Students will demonstrate that solar modules create electricity when light strikes the module. 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). Students will be able to effectively use a digital multimeter to measure current and voltage produced by a solar cell.
Students will measure output from 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. This lesson is suitable as a stand-alone lesson.