Macro-Scale Solar

Solar Rooftop
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Intended Grade Level(s):
9-12
Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Solar Photovoltaic
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.

Unit:
Solar Resources Assessment
Lesson Number:
2
Pedagogy & Practice:
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
3 hours
Relevant Common Core Standard(s):
11-12.RST.7,
9-10.WHST.7,
11-12.WHST.7,
11-12.WHST.8
Files Associated with this Activity:
PDF icon macro-scale-solar.pdf
PDF icon configuration-images-for-multimeter.pdf
File macro-scale-photovoltaic-technology.pptx
PDF icon macro-scale-solar-student-worksheet2.pdf
PDF icon macro-scale-solar-student-worksheet3.pdf
Description:

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.

Science Kit Material(s) Used:
1.5-Volt 500mA Solar Module
2-Volt, 500mA Solar Modules
Multimeter
Other Material(s) Used:
Student Worksheets #2 and #3 (one per student) • “Macro-Scale Photovoltaic Technology” PowerPoint presentation • “Configuration Images for Multimeter” student handout • Alligator leads • Computer access for PowerPoint and YouTube videos