Inexpensive Student-fabricated Solar Panels and Some Related Classroom Measurements

TL;DR

This paper details a cost-effective educational activity where students build and test small solar panels, gaining practical experience in renewable energy concepts and manufacturing processes.

Contribution

It introduces a simple, inexpensive method for students to fabricate and characterize solar panels, linking hands-on activity with engineering education.

Findings

Panels produce approximately 5 Watts of power.

Open-circuit voltage varies between students' panels.

Energy capture efficiency was successfully measured.

Abstract

We describe a procedure in which elementary education students fabricate 3-cell, $\approx5 ~\mathrm{Watt}$, $1.6~\mathrm{V}$ solar panels. The panels are manufactured at a cost of about $\$6$ each. The paper also describes a series of characterization activities that we have had our students complete with the panels once fabrication is complete. Specifically, our students have determined: the dependence of panel power on load resistance, the variation of open-circuit panel voltage between different students' work, and energy capture efficiency. The activity also allows opportunities for discussion of manufacturing and process improvement which can provide unusual connections to engineering and technology learning outcomes.