A New Angle on Photovoltaic Solar Panel Efficiency
Students examine how the orientation of a photovoltaic (PV) panel relative to the sun affects the efficiency of the panel. Using sunshine (or a lamp) and a small PV panel connected to a digital multimeter, students vary the angle of the solar panel, record the resulting current output on a worksheet, and plot their experimental results.
Installing a solar PV array as roof shingles.Copyright 2008 Sean Hauze. Used with permission.
Solar energy generation is becoming one of the most widespread solutions to address energy costs and global climate change. PV panels are used around the world for many applications because they are adaptive to so many buildings, sites and purposes. One of the largest factors in determining a PV panel's efficiency is the angle at which the solar radiation hits its surface. The ideal orientation of a solar panel varies, depending on the season and location on the planet. To design PV arrays with the highest efficiency (energy output) possible, engineers must understand how these factors affect the power output of solar panels.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain how the angle of a PV panel relative to the sun affects the panel's power output.
- Describe some characteristics of a well-designed PV array, including direction and orientation.