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Solar Energy Science Fair Project

Harnessing Solar Power

Hard
Harnessing Solar Power | Science Fair Projects | STEM Projects
Solar cells are used to turn sunlight into electricity. We can use parabolic mirrors to reflect the sun's rays onto the solar cells and increase their efficiency. We'll measure the voltage and current produced to see how the parabolic mirrors affect the solar cells.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that using parabolic mirrors will help achieve the highest level of photovoltaic output from solar cells.

Method & Materials

You will cover a parabolic dish with aluminum foil, set up a solar cell, and measure the voltage and current produced. Then you will use a mirror and parabolic reflector to reflect the sun's rays onto the solar cell and measure the voltage and current again.
You will need a polycrystalline solar cell, a mirror, a parabolic dish, aluminum foil, masking tape, a digital voltmeter, an ammeter, and a resistor.

Results

The results show that the use of the parabolic reflector helped to obtain the highest power output from the solar cell, followed by the mirror reflector. This proves that the hypothesis is true.

Why do this project?

This science project is interesting because it shows how we can use simple materials to increase the efficiency of solar cells and harness the power of the sun.

Also Consider

Consider repeating the experiment indoors using fluorescent lighting, or try repeating the experiment indoors in an air conditioned room at different temperatures to observe how the change in temperature affects the output of the photovoltaic cells.

Full project details

You can find additional information and details for this science fair project here. Have fun exploring!

Related videos

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