Energy Science Fair Projects About Panel Angles

Solar Panel Angles

Solar panels need to be installed the right way. The angle in which they sit will impact their ability to collect sunlight.

Wind Turbine Science Fair Experiments for PicoTurbine Windmill	Power House Experiments Science Kit	SCG-125 Snap Circuits Green Alternative Energy
Ages 10 thru College	Ages 12 thru High School	Age 8 and up

Objectives/Goals

My goal was to determine if the angle a solar cell is mounted at would affect the amount of energy the cell would produce.

Methods/Materials

Materials: multimeter, solar cells, protractor, velcro, screws, screw driver, metal brackets, vise, hammer, jumper wires with alligator clips, wood, compass, data chart.

Methods: A solar cell was mounted on each of four metal brackets bent to varying angles. These solar cells were placed in the sun facing South. Voltage readings were taken with a multimeter each hour. Research indicated that the most voltage or electric energy would be produced by the solar cell mounted at the latitude of my area, approximately 33 degrees.

Results

In 156 out of 160 readings, 97.5 percent of the time, the solar cell mounted at the angle of 30 degrees produced the most voltage or electric energy.

Conclusions/Discussion

The results showed that my hypothesis was correct. To get the most effecient energy production from solar cells they must be mounted at the optimal angle which is the latitude of the area. Using solar energy is important because it saves our primary natural resources and is better for our environment. Just one 100kw solar energy system can, in one year, save 18,700 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions and 420 barrels of oil. Because solar energy does not pollute the environment with carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide or mercury like many traditional forms of electrical generation do, it does not contribute to global warming, acid rain or smog. 3rd party contributor

Boys like unique science fair projects.