CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Chemical and Solar Cells
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] How chemical and solar cells work and produce an electric current.
University of Wisconsin
The Why Files: Super Solar Cells
An understandable description of modern research that is currently being conducted to develop a more efficient photovoltaic (solar energy) cell. It also contains links to other pages on renewable energy sources.
![State Energy Conservation Office: Learning About Photovoltaic Systems [Pdf] Handout](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "State Energy Conservation Office: Learning About Photovoltaic Systems [Pdf] Handout")
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas
State Energy Conservation Office: Learning About Photovoltaic Systems [Pdf]
Explains how photovoltaic systems work and how Texas homeowners are using them. Discusses how a homeowner can use solar energy and still be on the electricity grid system.
Encyclopedia of Earth
Encyclopedia of Earth: Photovoltaics
Article explaining what photovoltaic cells are, their role in solar energy, how they work, how electricity is produced, and applications of this technology. (Published: April 24, 2010)
Read Works
Read Works: Soft Cell
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about solar cells being made of plastic. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Other
U.s. Department of Energy: Photovoltaics
This site has an overview of PV technology, impact, system application and design. Information is provided on how to select the best solar system for various needs.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigation of Semiconductors
Using a web quest, simulations, and hands on activity, students will gain a basic understanding of semiconductors, diodes, and photovoltaic cells. In these activities students will learn how electrons migrate in semiconductors and...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Solar Cell Power Output vs. Temperature
Solar cells provide a clean way of making electricity directly from sunlight. In this project you will build a simple circuit and experimental setup to investigate whether the power output of a solar cell changes with ambient temperature.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: From Sunlight to Electric Current
The lesson will first explore the concept of current in electrical circuits. Current will be defined as the flow of electrons. Photovoltaic (PV) cell properties will then be introduced. This will lead to the principle of "Conservation of...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Exploring Solar Power
This unit provides students the opportunity to explore methods engineers have devised for harnessing sunlight to generate power. Students will initially explore heat transfer and heat storage through the construction, testing, and...
PBS
Pbs: How Do Solar Panels Work?
We've seen them for years on rooftops, atop highway warning signs, and elsewhere, but how many of us know how solar panels actually work? How do the photovoltaic cells that lie at the heart of them turn sunlight ("photo") into...
US Department of Energy
U.s. Department of Energy: Energy Basics: Renewable Energy: Solar Energy
Find out about renewable energy resources using solar energy technologies. Learn about the use of photovoltaic cells and the capture of the sun's energy.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Organic Solar Energy and Berries
Students learn about how a device made with dye from a plant, specifically cherries, blackberries, raspberries and/or black currents, can be used to convert light energy into electrical energy. They do this by building their own organic...
University of Wisconsin
The Why Files: Power Plants
Photovoltaic technology is compared and contrasted to the natural phenomenon of photosynthesis. The means by which photocells harness solar energy is described and explained.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Open Course Ware: Engineering the Future of Solar Electricity
Part of a materials science engineering course, a project through which students investigate the future of solar electricity by creating prototypes of solar cells. Students complete exercises in "project planning, analysis, design,...
Ducksters
Ducksters: Environment for Kids: Solar Energy
Kids learn about solar energy and how this renewable power can help the environment. Teach students about solar cells and using the sun for heat.
Mocomi & Anibrain Digital Technologies
Mocomi: Solar Energy Facts
Explains what solar energy is used for and how it works, photovoltaic cells, and concentrated solar power.
Other
California Energy Commission: Solar Energy Science Projects [Pdf]
Four science projects in which students learn how solar energy works and how thermal energy is transferred and utlized in a solar air heater, a solar water heater, a solar hot dog cooker, and a solar cell.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Solar Speedway
Solar power is hot these days. Gleaming, black solar panels soak up rays on more and more rooftops of homes and businesses providing a clean, alternative source of heat and electricity. You might guess that different times of the day...
Other
Sun Wind Solar Industries, Inc.
Solar energy facts and information. Instructions on how to build solar devices.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Solar Power
In this activity, students learn how engineers use solar energy to heat buildings by investigating the thermal storage properties of some common materials: sand, salt, water and shredded paper. Students then evaluate the usefulness of...
US Department of Energy
Us Dept of Energy:mining Silicon Througha Single Displacement/redox Reaction
Young scholars will participate in a laboratory investigation that models the production of silicon. The activity investigates the sources, uses, properties, and importance in the fields of photovoltaics (solar cells/renewable energy) of...
University of Wisconsin
The Why Files: Positive Energy
A novel idea for converting solar energy to electrical energy. A brief discussion of solar energy collection in space via satellites.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Win That Bid! Selling Your Power Solution
A large part of engineering involves presenting products, concepts, and proposals to others in order to gain approval, funding, contracts, etc. The purpose of this activity is to fine-tune students' presentation skills while allowing...
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