This unit introduces students to the concept of converting sunlight to electricity with photovoltaic cells. Students will familiarize themselves with these concepts through the Reading Passage, answering Assessment Questions, and by conducting a Lab Activity to determine the effect of several variables on the output of a photovoltaic cell. The follow up activity explores energy from the sun in terms of heat energy to expand on the concept of electricity generation.
Course overage:
- History of PV technology and industry.
- Markets and applications for PV.
- Types of PV systems and their features and benefits.
- Demonstrate an understanding of electrical and solar terminology.
- Identify safety hazards, practices and protective equipment used during PV system installation and maintenance.
- Basic electrical terms.
- The use of a digital multi-meter.
- Calculate simple circuit values.
- Basic solar terms.
- Basic solar movement and effect of earth tilt.
- Predict solar position using solar path diagrams.
- Angular effects on the irradiance of solar array.
- Identify factors that reduce or enhance solar irradiation.
- How solar cells convert sunlight into electric power.
- Label key points on an IV curve.
- Illustrate effect of series and parallel connections on IV curve.
- Measurement conditions for solar cells and modules.
- Calculate simple circuit values
- Calculate photovoltaic system sizing
- Photovoltaic system electrical design
- Photovoltaic system mechanical design
- Photovoltaic system performance analysis and troubleshooting