Discover the principles of photovoltaics - turning light into electricity. This kit is designed to help you explore and learn about the abundant power of solar energy.
You’ve seen photos of satellites with their solar panels stretched out like giant wings. Perhaps you have seen photos of the futuristic looking solar powered cars as they sweep across the land in one of the many solar car races. Maybe you have noticed the emergency call boxes springing up along the highway, with the solar panel on top silently powering the communications equipment. Solar cells, also called photovoltaic cells are finding their way into thousands of uses world wide. This kit is an economical introduction to photovoltaics, also known as PV.
Photovoltaic means light to electricity. The Solar Science Kit contains a PV cell and a high efficiency motor. Connect the 2 wires of the motor to the 2 posts of the PV cell, expose the PV cell to a bright light, and like magic the motor comes to life! The kit includes a disc covered with diffraction foil to create a vivid display.
Also included in the Solar Science Kit is an informative “Solar Information Sheet” packed with ideas for science projects. It includes examples of some of the many uses of PV, other uses of solar energy such as heating and cooking and additional sources of in depth information.
The Solar Science Kit is fun and exciting. Children are amazed at the simplicity of the components and the colors created by the sparkling diffraction disc. The Solar Science Kit prompts one to think about other questions regarding solar power and electricity. Some of the questions that this kit will help you explore are:
How can energy be transformed from light to electricity to motion?
What uses are there for direct use of a PV module and a motor? (hint – pumping water, ventilation) What forms of storage are available for PV storage?
Can PV be used to charge batteries? How is this done? How large can the batteries be?
Is there a relationship between light and heat?
Is there solar energy available during cloudy weather?
The Solar Science Kit was designed to help you explore these questions and to learn about the abundant power of solar energy.
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