Temperature and Solar Cells
Easy
We'll investigate how temperature affects the power, voltage, and current generated by a solar cell. We'll measure the voltage in millivolts, the current in milliamps, and the power in watts.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that the higher the temperature, the lower the voltage and current generated, and the power will be higher at lower temperatures.
Method & Materials
You will need to gather materials, glue dowels apart, cut a hole in a box, attach probes to the solar cell, place the box over the cell, tape all sides, cut a door, place a lamp, and take readings.
You will need a solar cell, a digital voltmeter, a digital thermometer, a lamp with a 100 watt bulb, two dowels, airbrush propellant, a hair dryer, scissors, packing tape, and a large piece of plywood.
Results
The results showed that the voltage went down at higher temperatures, the current went up at higher temperatures, and the wattage was higher at lower temperatures. This suggests that the hypothesis should be accepted and rejected.
Why do this project?
This science project is interesting because it explores how temperature affects the power, voltage, and current generated by a solar cell. It also provides insight into when to charge backup batteries for the most efficient time.
Also Consider
Experiment variations to consider include testing different sizes and qualities of solar cells, as well as testing different temperatures.
Full project details
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