Experimenting with Solar Panels and Clouds

Teachers need to educate rising generations in the nature and use of solar panels. Children reaching secondary levels should already have a basic understanding of both passive and active solar power. They should have read about solar panels, and they should have hands-on understanding as well. How can we accomplish that?

An experiment with solar panels and clouds will go far toward helping youngsters grasp necessary concepts. This experiment takes little in the way of materials or preparation. You will need a solar building kit, available from Scientifics Online and other science educational suppliers.

Before doing an experiment with solar panels and clouds in class, teachers themselves should work through the entire experiment so they will be able to direct it skillfully.

Experiment with Solar Panels and Clouds

To experiment with solar panels and clouds, you need the following supplies. Groups can share.

* The solar panel and motor from a solar building kit
* 2 pieces of clear plastic, each piece large enough to cover the solar panel
* 1 piece of colored plastic large enough to cover the solar panel
* 1 length of wax paper sufficient to cover the solar panel
* netting material, such as a cargo net, to cover the solar panel
* lightweight “see-through” cloth to cover the solar panel
* 1 light source, preferably sunlight

An experiment with solar panels and clouds should be preceded with a brief discussion of what might be expected to result. Students have a basic understanding of how solar panels can harness and convert the sun’s power. What happens, however, when clouds come between the sunlight and the solar panel? Will that reduce the amount of energy produced? By how much?

After discussion, divide your students into small groups. If you have enough solar building kits, divide into groups of 3 to 5 students.

Begin the experiment with solar panels and clouds by giving each group the following instructions:

1. Connect your solar panel to the motor.

2. Turn the solar panel so it faces the light source as directly as possible.

3. By listening to the motor, you can judge how rapidly energy is being produced. Make a note of how fast it sounds to you.

4. Create a “wispy cloud” by holding one piece of clear plastic between the solar panel and the light source. Listen to the motor again. Note any difference in how fast it is running. Would this amount of cloud cover be likely to affect the efficiency of solar panels?

5. Continue your experiment with solar panels and clouds, changing your “cloud” by placing both pieces of clear plastic together and holding them between the solar panel and light. Note any change in the speed of your motor. Would this type of cloud affect solar panels?

6. Change the “clouds” again by using the colored plastic, then each of the remaining materials in turn. Record carefully every change in the motor’s sound and speed.

When every group has completed the experiment with solar panels and clouds, compare notes. Discuss which materials let more solar power reach the solar panel, and which reduced the amount of solar power.

Have students write their conclusions.