Capturing Solar Energy

Overview

Objectives/Goals The purpose of my project is to determine which type of reflector will make a photovoltaic solar cell gain the most solar energy. My hypothesis is: If light rays are directed from a magnifying glass, mirrors, or a parabolic reflector, the solar energy absorbed by a photovoltaic solar cell would then increase. Methods/Materials The experiment was performed at the same time, in the same place, on five separate days. A magnifying glass, one mirror, then two mirrors, and a parabolic reflector were reflected onto a photovoltaic solar cell to determine which reflector would cause the greatest gain on a DCAmp 200mA voltage meter. Results The parabolic reflector generated the greatest energy gain in the photovoltaic solar cell because it was very reflective. The two mirrors generated the second highest energy gain. The one mirror showed the third highest gain. The magnifying glass showed the lowest energy gain. The magnifying glass showed less energy gain than the control because the shadow of the magnifying glass itself, blocked the sun's rays. Conclusions/Discussion My conclusion is that parabolic reflectors should be used whenever possible when solar cell panels are being installed. Parabolic reflectors increase the amount of energy the solar cells absorb.

Competition history

• CSEF 2008 Electronics & Electromagnetics · Entry J0815

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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