The Solar Panel Experiments kit allows students to conduct a series of controlled experiments where only one variable is changed to learn more about how solar panels are sited.  The worksheet asks students to make a hypothesis about each experiment and then reflect on the results. Results can also be related back to seasons, geography, and solar system concepts.

This kit includes boxes with the equipment needed to perform 4 experiments:

1.       Distance to the Sun Solar panel-3 1.5V cells Jumper wires

Angle stand and base Alligator clips Multimeter Tape measure  

2.       Angle to the Sun Solar panel-3 1.5V cells Jumper wires

Angle stand and base Alligator clips Multimeter Protractor  

3.       Percent Shading Solar panel-3 1.5V cells Jumper wires

Angle stand and base Alligator clips Multimeter Cardboard or foam core  

4.       Series vs. Parallel Solar panels-3 1.5V cells Jumper wires

Angle stands and bases Alligator clips Multimeter Series/parallel circuit pics  

Each experiment box also contains a bag of accessories including:

·      Motor

·      Motor holder and base

·      Plastic disks

·      Fan

·      Light bulb

·      Music box

·      Wrench

·      Cardboard figures (birds, planes, pinwheels, and fans)

Additional Equipment Needed:

Lights (or sun)

Worksheets:

Stations Worksheet

Solar Experiment Procedures

Solar Panel Assembly

Design a Solar Home

NEED Solar Experiments

Solar Scavenger Hunt Activity Guide