Solar Energy to the Test

Overview

Objectives The objective of this project is the determine how different environmental factors affect the productivity of solar cells. Methods 4 Solar Panels, water, ash, dirt samples, infrared thermometer were used as my major materials. Solar panels were treated with different environmental factors: just sunlight (control), freezed the panels, covered panels with ash, and panels heated to 98 degrees fahrenheit. I used a voltmeter to read the solar panel energy production. Results The result of my investigation on does the condition/cleanliness of the solar panels affect how much energy is produced, is that the solar panel with ash pollution created the most energy. I determined this by repeating multiple trials of each solar panel treated with different treatments and calculated the average. Average amount of volts produced (with ash pollution) was 4.86 volts. Conclusions After completing my investigation on does the cleanliness of the solar panel affect the amount of energy produced. I have concluded that the variable ash produced the most energy. After my trials I learned that having water on your solar panels will decrease the amount of energy produced by approximately 0.5 times less energy. The water variable created the least amount of voltage. I also learned that the pollution (ash) produced the most amount of voltage it increases the energy by 1.04. So I do think that it is worth it to have someone clean your solar panels even though it will cost you a bite of money it will be worth it in the long run.

Competition history

• CSEF 2019 Alternative Energy (Junior Division Only) · Entry J0211

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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