A5 Properties of solar cells (teacher instructions)

If the subexperiments for investigating the electrical properties of solar cells are conducted in the suggested order, they form a learning unit that is very good for students to verify hands-on the basic knowledge of electricity they have previously learned. The fact that solar electricity is currently a hot topic will certainly help motivate the students. These experiments also provide an excellent opportunity to discuss the topics of renewable energy and energy transition, as long as the stu-dents have the relevant prior knowledge. The materials and apparatus supplied are sufficient to allow four groups of students to conduct the experiments simultaneously.

The experiment comprises six subexperiments:
• First investigations with the solar cell
• Short-circuit current and no-load voltage at different distances from the lamp
• What happens when you connect solar cells in series or in parallel?
• Current and voltage with solar cells connected in series and in parallel
• How do solar cells connected in series or in parallel behave when shaded?
• Optimizing the power output of solar cells

Notes:
• Observe the safety information in the instructions as well as the applicable safety guidelines for your school.
• All materials mentioned in the instructions will have to be purchased directly from commercial sources.

Diesem Medium sind keine weiteren Medien zugeordnet.

Chemistry; Physics; Technology

Grade 5 to 6; Grade 7 to 9; Grade 10 to 13

Middle/high school

Battery; Direct current; Electricity; Energy; Energy supply; Engine; Resistance (physics); Semiconductor; Solar energy

Siemens Stiftung Media Portal

Dr. Lutz Stäudel, Prof. Dr. Rita Wodzinski for Siemens Stiftung

© Siemens Stiftung 2015