Solar Energy
Target Grades: Middle School
Subject Area:
Science
Key Words:
energy, solar, solar energy, passive solar, thermal solar, electrons, system,
array, circuit, electronic, nanowires, sun, absorb, photovoltaic solar cells,
Overview: This silicon,
activity albedo
helps students understand the concepts of solar energy.
Overview
This activity will help students understand the concepts of solar energy.
Lesson Objectives
Students will:
1)
Describe the basic parts of a solar array.
2)
Differentiate between types of solar energy systems.
3)
List the parts of a solar cell.
Iowa Science Standards
4B.
Students can understand and apply the concept of energy.
Illinois Science Standards
13.B.3c. Identify how occupations use scientific and technological knowledge and skills.
Solar Energy
Answer Key
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
Albedo
The dark colored figure
Thermal
Passive
No
No
Phosphorous
Boron
a) N-Type or Negative b) P-Type or Positive c) Contact Grid
Yes
Module
Array
System
a) Cell b) Module c) Array
Nanowires
Solar Energy
Solar
1)
The ________________ effect is a measure of how much light a surface reflects. A
lighter surface reflects more light and a darker surface absorbs more light.
2)
Circle the figure that will absorb more heat.
3)
What kind of Solar Technology collects the sun’s energy and concentrates it to
generate heat?
a. Passive solar
b. Thermal solar
c. Photovoltaic
4)
Paying attention to how the sun moves across the sky and using the sunlight is one
example of how __________________ solar power can work for you.
5)
The solar cell below is made of silicon. Does regular silicon absorb light?
Yes
or
No
Yes
or
No
6)
Do the electrons in regular silicon move freely?
7)
When ____________________ is added, electrons can move freely and create a
negative charge.
8)
When ____________________ is added, a positive charge is created.
9)
Label the parts of the solar cell below.
Photovoltaic Solar Cell
Solar Energy
Yes
Will one photovoltaic or solar cell generate electricity?
11)
If you combine multiple cells, you create a solar _________________ sometimes
called a solar panel.
12)
If you combine multiple modules (panels) you create a solar ___________________.
13)
More than one solar _______________ can generate enough energy to power an
entire city!
14)
Label the pieces below:
a)__________________
15)
b)__________________
c)____________________
What kind of high-tech wires do you find in a Hairy Solar Cell?
a. Copper wire
b. Nanowires
c. Carbon
Solar Energy
or
No
10)
Summary
The Albedo Effect describes the way dark colors absorb light and light colors reflect light. Absorbed light
becomes heat. To make homes energy efficient, roofs can be colored to match the climate.
Passive solar homes are designed to absorb the heat of sunlight through windows into hard, dark
surfaces. When the sun is not shining, heat is distributed throughout the house with fans, blowers, and
ducts. Controls such as roof overhangs can be used to keep summer sun out of the house while letting
the winter sun inside.
Thermal solar energy uses light from the sun to heat water, air, or buildings. Some types of solar
collectors can reach temperatures way beyond boiling.
Photons are small particles of light. When they hit a solar/photovoltaic (PV) cell, they create a chain
reaction in the layers of silicon to complete an electrical circuit. PV cells are grouped together to form a
solar panel. Multiple panels grouped together create a solar array. PV systems consist of multiple arrays.
It takes a system to power a house. There are many types of PV cells. Solar energy technology is coming
up with new options every day.
Learning About Photovoltaic Systems, Fact Sheet No. 18, Renewable Energy Demonstration Program, State
Conservation Office, Austin, TX,2006, http://www.infinitepower.org/newfact/new96-815-No18.pdf
Solar Energy