The goal of this experiment is to determine how changes in incoming light intensity affect the output of solar cells.
Experiment shine light on solar panel measure.
Set up your lamp so that light will shine directly onto the solar panel.
Measure the surface area covered by the light rays at this angle.
By showing how the reflectors scatter light the researchers started to take the risk out of using reflectors with solar panels.
Put the camera in manual mode so that you can specify the shutter speed iso and aperture settings.
A possible variation would be to investigate the effect of changing the color of the light.
Be sure you will get a reading when you use the bulb with the lowest lumens.
Record your measurements in the chart below.
But even better the reflectors greatly increase solar system output.
Beyond using a good light source you need to align the solar cell toward it properly to get optimal power.
Today photovoltaic cells can reach an efficiency of 40.
Experiment with a dslr or hybrid camera to measure the overall brightness of the sky.
Set the ammeter output so that it will read milli amps ma.
1 place the solar cell on the table directly under the desk lamp and switch on the desk lamp.
Shine the light directly into box 2 and record the temperature rise every five minutes.
Your experiment will measure the effect of changing light intensity on power output from the solar cell.
2 connect the solar cell with the electric motor and a dmm to measure current.
After completing the procedure allow each oven to cool before dismantling and take caution when handling the light.
A solar panel is made up of many individual photovoltaic cells that convert light to energy.
Turn on the flashlight and measure the surface area.
3 record the solar cell current and observe the turn speed of the propeller of the electric motor.
The wavelength of light absorbed by the panel determines how much energy is transferred.
Connect the ammeter to the solar panel and set the solar panel on a flat surface.
For best results dim overhead lights in the room before turning on the flashlight.
A solar panel installation company contacted hanna instruments about measuring light intensity.
The best way i have found to align a solar cell towards the sun it to mount a small stick perpendicular to the solar cell s surface then adjust the cell to minimize the stick s shadow.
In the 1880s photovoltaic cells had an efficiency of 1 to 2.
Most photovoltaic panels absorb light in the relatively low energy red and green wavelengths.
Next rotate the flashlight to a 60 angle 60 solar elevation as shown on the right in figure 4 1.
After 30 minutes carefully transfer the oven thermometer to box 2 and secure the cover.
