How to make photovoltaic panels in primary schools

How do you use a solar panel in a classroom?

Start the activity with the Introduction/Motivation, which includes a teacher demonstration on how the solar panels work: Attach a solar panel to a piece of foam core board and connect a light in series (and optionally, connect a voltmeter across the solar panel; this creates a parallel circuit).

What activities can I do with a solar schoolhouse solar cell classroom set?

Activities using the Solar Schoolhouse Solar Cell Classroom Set range from qualitative to quantitative experiences. Solar cells can be used with kindergarten classes to experience the photovoltaic effect (sunlight makes the motor spin) or with colleges and trade schools to plot the IV curves of solar modules.

Can 4th graders use solar energy to power their classroom?

Take inspiration from these fourth graders and launch your own solar energy project using our Solar Classroom Lesson Plan resources. Last week we shared the story of Aaron’s class -- a group of fourth grade students in Durham, North Carolina, who are using solar energy to power their classroom.

How do photovoltaic cells work?

Photovoltaic (PV) cells use materials called semi-conductors. When solar radiation falls on these materials, one side of a plate becomes positively charged while the other becomes negatively charged, creating a potential difference. These oppositely-charged plates create a flow of electrons, or electricity.

What is a building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV)?

Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) use thin film technology to incorporate the PV paneling into building materials such as roofs, façades, awnings or covered walkways (see Figure 2), so they are hardly noticed.