Lesson Plan: Solar Power Physics

Students will be able to

• recall the basic energy transfers that take place for solar power (light/radiant energy electrical energy),
• recall that photovoltaic cells produce direct current,
• recall the advantages of photovoltaic cells when used on space stations:
  • they require no fuel,
  • they require very little maintenance,
  • they provide direct current, which is what most electrical systems need,
  • there are no clouds in space to block the sunlight,
• recall the advantages of photovoltaic cells when used in remote locations on Earth’s surface:
  • they are good in very bright locations,
  • they are good in remote locations as they do not have to be connected to the grid,
  • they require very little maintenance,
• recall the disadvantages of photovoltaic cells:
  • they cannot be used in places where there is no light for a long time (at either of the poles in research stations),
  • power output decreases when it is cloudy and at night,
• do basic calculations of total power output and installed capacity.