A New Angle on PV Efficiency

Notes from our reviewers

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• Teaching Tips
  Activity does not specify what zenith angle at which to place the lamp if using a lamp instead of the sun. If using a lamp, students could go outside and measure the zenith angle of the sun at that moment. This can also foster a conversation about how the sun's angle varies over the course of a day and over the course of a year. Here's one article that explains more about calculating the best slope angle and azimuth (position) angle for solar panels: [link http://cleantechnica.com/2015/11/12/what-is-the-best-angle-for-solar-panels/]. Using the knowledge and skills gained here, students can design a theoretical solar array for the school building, taking into account the geographic location, roof configuration, and weather. This activity may be combined with [link https://www.teachengineering.org/view_activity.php?url=collection/csm_/activities/csm_brightidea/csm_brightidea_activity1.xml 'Renewable Energy Living Lab: The Bright Idea']. Safety issues and troubleshooting tips are included in the activity.
• About the Science
  Activity addresses how the orientation of a photovoltaic (PV) panel, relative to the sun, affects the efficiency of the panel. In this activity, students get hands-on practice experimenting with the efficiency of photovoltaic solar panels, by measuring the current produced by a solar panel while varying its angle and position. Students take measurements, plot their data, and then use this information to consider the best design for a solar array. Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
• About the Pedagogy
  During the course of this activity, students reinforce the following scientific and quantitative skills: - using a protractor to measure angles, - recording and plotting data, - applying the concepts of electrical circuits, voltage, current and power. The instructional design is very straightforward and assessment ideas are included. Ideas for extension activities are also provided. Activity is structured with a student investigation guide and worksheet; groups of 3 students have their own PV panel and multimeter setup to manipulate as they work through the investigation. Educator version with answers is provided. Introduction text is great for new teachers because it shows exactly how to lead the discussion and frame the topic.
• Technical Details/Ease of Use
  This activity is very straightforward and is clearly documented and described. Student guides, worksheets, troubleshooting tips, and an answer key are included in both Word and PDF forms.