Photovoltaics & Temperature: Ice, Ice, PV!
Students examine how the power output of a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel is affected by temperature changes. Using a 100-watt lamp and a small PV panel connected to a digital multimeter, teams vary the temperature of the panel and record the resulting voltage output. They plot the panel's power output and calculate the panel's temperature coefficient.
A solar power plant in the snow near Alamosa, CO.Copyright NREL http://www.nrel.gov/data/pix/Jpegs/15550.jpg
Photovoltaic power generation is becoming a cost-efficient method of electricity generation throughout the world. Many parameters affect the power output of a PV panel. To predict the power output of a PV system in different geographical locations and climates, engineers must understand how a PV panel responds to exposure in a range of different temperatures. Engineers have designed a variety of methods to effectively control the temperature of a solar panel to increase its efficiency, yet it often requires unique solutions for the many different environments and applications in which solar power is generated.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Describe the effects of temperature on the efficiency of a PV system.
- Explain the temperature coefficient and how it is calculated.
- Explain the importance of understanding how PV panels react to different weather conditions when designing a solar power plant for a specific location.