Performance Objective
After completing this lesson, students will be able to discuss the principles of a solar panel energy system to the teacher’s satisfaction.
Specific Objectives
 Explain the theory of operation of a solar panel energy system
 Research and discuss terms used in a solar panel energy system
 Discuss a solar panel energy system operational layout
Terms
 Alternating current (AC) electrical current that changes direction and strength; it is primarily used by power companies for distribution to residential areas

Direct current (DC)- electrical current that only moves in one direction; it is primarily produced by batteries and solar cells

Solar cell a device that converts sunlight into electrical energy

Kilowatt-hours (kWh)- a unit of electric energy equal to the work done by one kilowatt acting for one hour

Grid-linked- a solar electric system that creates electricity and sends the excess energy to the primary electrical grid for use by other customers

Inverter- an electrical device that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC)

Insolation- the measurement of the amount of solar energy that is created in a specific area; energy levels are usually higher in the southwestern United States than in the Northeastern United States

Photovoltaics (PV)- a method of generating electrical power from a material by exposing it to the sun and converting solar energy (sunlight) into direct current; solar cells are designed from silicon-based materials that exhibit this effect
 Solar module- a durable, weatherproof panel consisting of several solar cells; the cells are interconnected for increased power output
 Stand-alone system independent, battery, or alternative based energy systems that are not connected to the primary electrical energy grid
 Silicon- one of the most common elements in our universe, usually recognized as sand; it is used in many industrial applications, such as semiconductor devices, microchips, and solar cells
 Wafer- a very thin slice of semiconductor material that is used to make integrated circuits and solar cells
 Battery a device that converts stored chemical energy directly to electrical energy in the form of direct current (DC)

Circuit breaker box contains an array of circuit breakers to control electricity into a residence or building; the switches (used as a safety device), installed within an electrical circuit, are designed to stop the flow of electric current through a circuit if the current reaches excessive levels (i.e., short circuits), which prevents fires and electrical shocks
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved. 1


Electrical meter a measuring device or gauge used to determine the amount of electricity used in a residence or building; electrical energy is usually measured in kilowatt hours
Time
This lesson should take approximately 180 minutes.
TEKS Correlations
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the activities may result in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
Manufacturing Engineering
 130.329 (c) o (7) The student knows mechanical, fluid, electrical, and thermal systems. The student is expected to:
(C) analyze the effects of heat energy and temperature on products.
Interdisciplinary Correlations
English Language Arts and Reading, English I

110.31 (b) o (1) Reading/Vocabulary Development. Students understand new vocabulary and use it
when reading and writing.
Occupational Correlation (O*Net – www.onetonline.org/ )
Job Title: Solar Energy Systems Engineers
O*Net Number: 17-2199.11
Reported Job Titles: This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks
 Conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of residential or commercial solar power systems.
 Design or coordinate design of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems, including system components, for residential and commercial buildings.
 Create checklists for review or inspection of completed solar installation projects.
 Create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
 Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities.
 Perform computer simulation of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system performance or energy production to optimize efficiency.
 Provide technical direction or support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, or performance monitoring.
 Develop standard operation procedures and quality or safety standards for solar installation work
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved. 2

Soft Skills
 Critical thinking
 Operation monitoring
 Active learning
 Active listening
Accommodations for Learning Differences
It is important that lessons accommodate the needs of every learner. These lessons may be modified to accommodate your students with learning differences by referring to the files found on the Special
Populations page of this website.
Preparation

Review and become familiar with the terminology, website links, and the slide presentation.

Have materials, slide presentation, and websites ready prior to the start of the lesson.
References
 http://websters.yourdictionary.com
 http://www.thefreedictionary.com
Instructional Aids

Solar Panel Energy System slide presentation and notes

Warm-up Activity (Slide 3)

Solar Panel Energy System Matching Terms and Definitions handout for each student
 Solar Panel Energy System Matching Terms and Definitions Answer Key
 Solar Panel Energy System Quiz for each student
 Solar Panel Energy System Quiz Answer Key
The main purpose of this lesson is to help students understand the operational principles of a solar panel energy system.
Ask
 When you enter an automobile that has been in the sun on a hot summer day, what are ways to use the heat energy stored inside?
Say

Solar energy is all around us and we don’t use very much of it to our advantage.

We will discuss the operational principles of a solar panel energy system used in many residential applications.
Show

Videos or photos of solar energy systems
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved. 3

MI OUTLINE
I.
Introduction of lesson
A.
Bell Work Activity
B.
Warm-up Activity
II.
Solar panel energy system operation
A.
B.
Overview
Theory of operations of a solar panel energy system
III.
Solar panel energy system
A. Solar panel energy system terms
B. System layout
IV.
Solar Panel Energy System Quiz
NOTES TO TEACHER
Begin Solar Panel Energy
System slide presentation.
Have students work on the
Bell Work Activity .
(Slide 2)
Warm-up Activity
Using the Solar Panel Energy
System Matching
Terms and Definitions handout, students (in pairs) will teach each other the terms and definitions. They may do computer-based research to look up the meanings.
(Slide 3)
Review, discuss, and overview Solar Panel Energy
System Operations
(Slides 4-8)
Each slide is meant to be discussed. Have some background knowledge, and challenge the students to make some contributions to the discussion.
.
Administer quiz and grade using answer key.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved. 4

Existentialist Interpersonal Intrapersonal
Kinesthetic/
Bodily
Logical/
Mathematical
Musical/Rhythmic
Naturalist
Verbal/Linguistic Visual/Spatial
Guided Practice
The teacher and students search the Internet to find different informational sources to gain more insight into

Unique ways solar energy systems are created and used around the globe

Companies using cutting edge technology to create new solar energy systems
Independent Practice
 Have students write a 100-word essay on “state-of-the-art” technology being used to develop solar
 energy production systems with enough production output to replace the use of fossil fuel energy systems.
Have students research how the early, innovative development of solar powered satellites impacted
Review the current growth of the solar power industry online.
Students review the terms from the Warm-up Activity and key points from the Solar Panel Energy System slide presentation.
Informal Assessment
Teacher will assess students with questions and answers. Students will discuss definitions of terms and key points from the Solar Panel Energy System slide presentation.
Formal Assessment
Teacher will administer the Solar Panel Energy System Quiz.
Extension
Students will conduct research on leading solar panel energy system manufacturing companies in the United
States on the Internet and write a paper about the topic.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved. 5

Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class______________
Directions
Match the terms in Section One with the definitions in Section Two .
Section One
A.
Alternating current (AC)
B.
Direct current (DC)
C.
Solar cell
D.
Kilowatt-hours (kWh)
E.
Grid-linked
F.
Inverter
G.
Insolation
H.
Photovoltaics (PV)
I.
Solar module
J.
Stand-alone system
K.
Silicon
L.
Wafer
M.
Battery
N.
Circuit breaker box
O.
Electrical meter
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved. 6

Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class______________
Section Two
1.
________a device that converts sunlight into electrical energy
2.
________a device that converts stored, chemical energy directly to electrical energy in the form of direct current (DC)
3.
________an electrical device that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC)
4.
________a solar electric system that creates electricity and sends the excess energy to the primary electrical grid for use by other customers
5.
________electrical current that changes direction and strength; primarily used by power companies for distribution to residential areas
6.
________independent, battery, or alternative based energy systems that are not connected to the primary electrical energy grid
7.
________electrical current that only moves in one direction; it is primarily produced by batteries and solar cells
8.
________contains an array of circuit breakers to control electricity into a residence or building; the switches (used as a safety device), installed within an electrical circuit, are designed to stop the flow of electric current through a circuit if the current reaches excessive levels (i.e., short circuits), which prevents fires and electrical shocks
9.
________one of the most common elements in our universe, usually recognized as sand; it is used in many industrial applications, such as semiconductor devices, microchips, and solar cells
10.
________the measurement of the amount of solar energy that is created in a specific area; energy levels are usually higher in the southwestern United States than in the northeastern United States
11.
________a unit of electric energy equal to the work done by one kilowatt acting for one hour
12.
________a durable, weatherproof panel consisting of several solar cells; the cells are interconnected for increased power output
13.
________a very thin slice of semiconductor material that is used to make integrated circuits and solar cells
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved. 7

Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class______________
14.
________a measuring device or gauge used to determine the amount of electricity used in a residence or building; electrical energy is usually measured in kilowatt hours
15.
________a method of generating electrical power from a material by exposing it to the sun and converting solar energy (sunlight) into direct current; solar cells are designed from silicon-based materials that exhibit this effect
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved. 8

Section Two
1.
C. Solar Cell a device that converts sunlight into electrical energy
2.
M. Battery a device that converts stored, chemical energy directly to electrical energy in the form of direct current (DC)
3.
F. Inverter- an electrical device that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC)
4.
E. Grid-linked- a solar electric system that creates electricity and sends the excess energy to the primary electrical grid for use by other customers
5.
A. Alternating current (AC)- electrical current that changes direction and strength; primarily used by power companies for distribution to residential areas.
6.
J. Stand-alone system- independent, battery, or alternative based energy systems that are not connected to the primary electrical energy grid
7.
B. Direct current (DC)- electrical current that only moves in one direction; it is primarily produced by batteries and solar cells
8.
N. Circuit breaker box- contains an array of circuit breakers to control electricity into a residence or building; the switches (used as a safety device), installed within an electrical circuit, are designed to stop the flow of electric current through a circuit if the current reaches excessive levels (i.e., short circuits), which prevents fires and electrical shocks
9.
K. Silicon- one of the most common elements in our universe, usually recognized as sand; it is used in many industrial applications, such as semiconductor devices, microchips, and solar cells
10.
G. Insolation- the measurement of the amount of solar energy that is created in a specific area; energy levels are usually higher in the southwestern United States than in the northeastern United States
11.
D. Kilowatt-hours (kWh)- a unit of electric energy equal to the work done by one kilowatt acting for one hour
12.
I. Solar module- a durable, weatherproof panel consisting of several solar cells; the cells are interconnected for increased power output
13.
L. Wafer- a very thin slice of semiconductor material that is used to make integrated circuits and solar cells
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved. 9

14.
O. Electrical meter- a measuring device or gauge used to determine the amount of electricity used in a residence or building; electrical energy is usually measured in kilowatt hours
15.
H. Photovoltaics (PV)- a method of generating electrical power from a material by exposing it to the sun and converting solar energy (sunlight) into direct current; solar cells are designed from silicon- based materials that exhibit this effect
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved. 10

Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class______________
1.
An enormous amount of heat is beamed to earth in the form of ____________________, which is called ____________________.
2.
When a solar cell is exposed to sunlight, the ____________________ in the light grey section are
____________________ and move toward the dark grey section, resulting in electron flow.
3.
Solar modules and arrays are ____________________ in a variety of sizes and configurations depending on the ____________________.
4.
In a solar energy system, a ____________________ creates energy from the sun in the form of
____________________.
5.
A circuit breaker box provides protection from ____________________ and acts as a ___________
________________ for wiring to the various rooms and electrical outlets within the residence.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved. 11

1.
An enormous amount of heat is beamed to earth in the form of ____________________, which is called ____________________.
Answers- sunlight, solar energy
2.
When a solar cell is exposed to sunlight, the ____________________ in the light grey section are
____________________ and move toward the dark grey section, resulting in electron flow.
Answers- electrons, released
3.
Solar modules and arrays are ____________________ in a variety of sizes and configurations depending on the ____________________.
Answers- manufactured, intended use
4.
In a solar energy system, a ____________________ creates energy from the sun in the form of
____________________.
Answers- solar array, Direct current (DC)
5.
A circuit breaker box provides protection from ____________________ and acts as a _________
__________________ for wiring to the various rooms and electrical outlets within the residence.
Answers- overload conditions, distribution point
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved. 12