Building a Solar Photovoltaic Array by Exploring Series and Parallel Circuits

Solar panels are typically placed deliberately to maximize energy output, but how exactly does the layout of an array, or, more accurately, the circuit, affect the energy output of solar cells? In this activity, Students will experiment with different cicuit types and layouts to determine the optimal design for greatest energy production

Published: May 19, 2017

Last Modified: Apr 30, 2019

Length: 17 pages

Direct: Permalink

Contributors

Mrs. Erin Monaco

Mrs. Erin Monaco

Business Coordinator, Ohio Sea Grant College Program

Kristen DeVanna Fussell

Kristen DeVanna Fussell , PhD

Associate Director, Ohio Sea Grant College Program

Susan Marie Bixler

Education and Outreach Assistant, Stone Laboratory

Angela Kay Greene

Angela Kay Greene

Education Specialist, Ohio Sea Grant College Program

Ms. Lyndsey Michelle Manzo

Ms. Lyndsey Michelle Manzo

Education Specialist, Ohio Sea Grant College Program

Eric Romich

Faculty of Energy Development, OSU College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES)

	TAGS
EDUCATIONAL EDUCATIONAL EVENTS EDUCATOR

	PART OF
Solar Technology Curriculum Series

RESEARCH TOPICS

Education and Outreach

Description

Solar panels are typically placed deliberately to maximize energy output, but how exactly does the layout of an array, or, more accurately, the circuit, affect the energy output of solar cells? In this activity, Students will experiment with different cicuit types and layouts to determine the optimal design for greatest energy production.