3 record the solar cell current and observe the turn speed of the propeller of the electric motor.
Experiment shine light on solar panel measure.
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.
Think of it as positioning a sail towards the wind.
1 place the solar cell on the table directly under the desk lamp and switch on the desk lamp.
Turn off the flashlight.
A solar panel installation company contacted hanna instruments about measuring light intensity.
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.
Record your measurements in the chart below.
A solar panel is made up of many individual photovoltaic cells that convert light to energy.
Experiment with a dslr or hybrid camera to measure the overall brightness of the sky.
The wavelength of light absorbed by the panel determines how much energy is transferred.
Beyond using a good light source you need to align the solar cell toward it properly to get optimal power.
The goal of this experiment is to determine how changes in incoming light intensity affect the output of solar cells.
Connect the ammeter to the solar panel and set the solar panel on a flat surface.
Today photovoltaic cells can reach an efficiency of 40.
Measure the surface area covered by the light rays at this angle.
But even better the reflectors greatly increase solar system output.
Put the camera in manual mode so that you can specify the shutter speed iso and aperture settings.
Parabolic solar dishes on the other hand concentrate solar thermal energy to drive an engine which in turn drives a generator to create electricity.
A possible variation would be to investigate the effect of changing the color of the light.
By showing how the reflectors scatter light the researchers started to take the risk out of using reflectors with solar panels.
After completing the procedure allow each oven to cool before dismantling and take caution when handling the light.
For best results dim overhead lights in the room before turning on the flashlight.
In the 1880s photovoltaic cells had an efficiency of 1 to 2.
After 30 minutes carefully transfer the oven thermometer to box 2 and secure the cover.
Be sure you will get a reading when you use the bulb with the lowest lumens.
Set the ammeter output so that it will read milli amps ma.
2 connect the solar cell with the electric motor and a dmm to measure current.
Your experiment will measure the effect of changing light intensity on power output from the solar cell.
