Photovoltaic Efficiency
Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and their efficency is exploredCopyright (photo) 2008 Sean Hauze. Used with permission. (sun clipart) Copyright © 2004 Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399 USA. All rights reserved.
In lesson 1, students study the solar angles involved in maximizing PV power generation. In lesson 2, panel temperature is compared with power output. Lesson 3 deals with balancing voltage and current output to create the largest power output (using Ohm's law and the electrical power equation [power = voltage x current]). In lesson 4, students examine the effect of concentrating solar radiation on PV panels.
The four activities use mini PV panels, multimeters and 100-watt lamps—items that are re-usable for all activities. Refer to the attached Solar Panel Source Information (PDF)and Multimeter Source Information (PDF).
To design a long-lasting, safe and efficient photovoltaic system, engineers take into account many factors that affect power generation. Trade-offs are involved in every efficiency measure, and the best designs accommodate specific environmental and economic conditions. To design optimal PV systems, engineers account for all these factors and how they interact.
HS-ESS3-4 Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
Grades 9-12
This resource focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS:
Science & Engineering Practices- Design or refine a solution to a complex real-world problem, based on scientific knowledge, student-generated sources of evidence, prioritized criteria, and tradeoff considerations.Do you agree with this alignment?
Disciplinary Core Ideas- Scientists and engineers can make major contributions by developing technologies that produce less pollution and waste and that preclude ecosystem degradation.Do you agree with this alignment?
- When evaluating solutions it is important to take into account a range of constraints including cost, safety, reliability and aesthetics and to consider social, cultural and environmental impacts.Do you agree with this alignment?
Crosscutting Concepts- Engineers continuously modify these technological systems by applying scientific knowledge and engineering design practices to increase benefits while decreasing costs and risks.Do you agree with this alignment?
- Feedback (negative or positive) can stabilize or destabilize a system.Do you agree with this alignment?
Do you agree with this alignment?- Design or refine a solution to a complex real-world problem, based on scientific knowledge, student-generated sources of evidence, prioritized criteria, and tradeoff considerations.
- Day 1: Solar Angles and Tracking Systems lesson
- Day 2: A New Angle on Photovoltaic Solar Panel Efficiency activity
- Day 3: The Temperature Effect lesson
- Day 4: Photovoltaics & Temperature: Ice, Ice, PV! activity
- Day 5: Maximum Power Point lesson
- Day 6: Pointing at Maximum Power for PV activity
- Day 7: Concentrated Solar Power lesson
- Day 8-11: Concentrating on the Sun with Photovoltaic Solar Panels activity
- Photovoltaic Efficiency
Contributors
William Surles; Abby Watrous; Jack Baum; Stephen Johnson; Eszter Horyani; Dr. Gregor Henze; Malinda Schaefer Zarske; Denise W. Carlson
Supporting Program
Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Colorado Boulder
Acknowledgements
This high school curriculum was originally created as a class project by engineering students in a Building Systems Program course at CU-Boulder.
The contents of these digital library curricula were developed by the Integrated Teaching and Learning Program under National Science Foundation GK-12 grant no. 0338326. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the National Science Foundation, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.
Copyright
2009 by Regents of the University of Colorado