Photovoltaics & Temperature: Ice, Ice, PV!

Each group needs:

• mini PV panel ($10-30; available online; do a product search for "small solar panel" or see the Solar Panel Source Information attachment in the Photovoltaic Efficiency unit)
• multimeter ($10; available online; see the Solar Multimeter Source Information attachment in the Photovoltaic Efficiency unit)
• 2 wires with alligator clips
• clamp or desk lamp with 100-watt incandescent bulb (~$8; best for each group to have their own, but teams can share if necessary)
• stop watch
• calculator
• Student Investigation Guide (PDF), one per group
• Investigation Worksheet (PDF), one per person

Note: The non-expendable items (mini PV panels, multimeters, wires with alligator clamps, lamp and light bulb) are reusable for the entire four-lesson unit, as well as other projects.

For the entire class to share:

• a bucket of ice water, large enough to submerge three-quarters of the PV panel
• a bucket of ice water, large enough to submerge three-quarters of the PV panel
• towel or paper towels
• (optional) thermometer, to measure the room temperature