ence, Mathematics
Prep Time:
< 10 minutes
Activity Duration:
One Class Period
Materials Category:
Special Requirements


National Education Standards
Technology
Science
Mathematics
ISTE
ITEA
Geography
3c
3-5: 13b
6-8: 12c, 13b




Objective:
To measure the energy output o

f a photovoltaic cell under varying
conditions.


Materials:


Photovoltaic (PV) cell

DC meter

Protractor

Related Links:

Site used for derivation of lesson plan
Solar Matters Florida Solar Energy Center

http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/Ed/SM/Index.htm




Teacher Sheets
Page 2 of 2




www.NASAexplores.com


Beaming Down Energy
Angles and Electricity
Teacher Sheets


Guidelines

1. Read the 5-8 NASAexplores article, Beaming Down Energy.
2. Divide into teams of two to three students.
3. Provide each student with 1 photovoltaic cell, 1 DC meter, protractor, and
reflectors.
4. Attach alligator clamps on the panel to the wires on the DC meter.
5. Connect the red clamp on the PV cell to the red clamp on the meter. Connect the
black clamp on the PV cell to the black clamp on the meter.
6. Place PV cell in sunlight, read meter, and record reading.
7. Move PV cell to various angles, read meter, record.
8. Test cell at 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, and so on.

Discussion / Wrap-up


Did your results cause you to think of more questions to explore?

How does this represent some of the problems with collecting solar energy on
the Earth as opposed to collecting with a satellite?

Extensions


Repeat test at different times of the day and the year.

Try this experimenting while simulating cloud coverage, or do the activity on
a cloudy day.


Student Sheet(s)
Page 1 of 1




www.NASAexplores.com


Beaming Down Energy
Angles and Electricity
Student Sheet(s)


Materials

Photovoltaic (PV) cell

DC meter

Protractor

Procedure

1. Attach the meter to the PV cell.

2. Using the ground as a baseline, tilt the PV cell toward the sun.

3. Observe the needle on the meter.

4. Measure at least 5 different angles using the protractor.

5. Record your results.

Angle
Meter Reading




















Record time of day: _____________________