Concentrating on the Sun with Photovoltaic Solar Panels
Students design, build and test reflectors to measure the effect of solar reflectance on the efficiency of solar PV panels. They use a small PV panel, a multimeter, cardboard and foil to build and test their reflectors in preparation for a class competition. Then they graph and discuss their results with the class. Complete this activity as part of the Photovoltaic Efficiency unit and in conjunction with the Concentrated Solar Power lesson.
Many different factors affect the efficiency of solar panels — this lesson is about reflectance.Copyright NREL http://www.nrel.gov/data/pix/Jpegs/15548.jpg
Engineers design and build photovoltaic panels to maximize their efficiency. Engineers work in teams to design and test new ways of concentrating solar radiation onto PV panels and calculate the best way to install panels and reflectors so each PV panel produces the maximum amount of electricity possible.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain why concentrated PV systems can increase the output of photovoltaic panels.
- Explain how certain angles between a photovoltaic panel and reflector increase or decrease the panel's power output.