Solar Power (Project)

Project Number: 4

Description: Assemble the pivot, mount the solar cell (B7) on it, and place it in the circuit as shown. Place all the parts with a black 1 next to them on the clear plastic base grid first, then parts marked with a 2, and finally the parts marked with a 3. Connect the solar cell to the circuit using the red and black jumper wires. Place the circuit so the solar cell is in bright sunlight or close to an incandescent light bulb. Set the meter (M6) to the 5V setting. The meter is measuring the voltage produced by the solar cell. Adjust the position of the solar cell on the pivot to see how the voltage produced changes depending on the angle to the light source and the brightness. Position the solar cell to make the highest voltage you can. Now push the press switch to run the yellow LED (D5) with the solar cell. Notice how the voltage drops when the LED is connected. Note: The voltage produced is actually twice more than that shown on the meter (so a 3V reading is really 6V), because a resistor in the pivot stand is changing the scale. Part B: Replace the yellow LED with the red LED (D1) and press the switch. See how much it affects the solar cell voltage.

Snappy: Your solar cell makes electricity from sunlight, but only a small amount. In bright sunlight it produces a voltage of about 7V, but this is reduced when lots of current is flowing. That is why the voltage drops when you connect the yellow LED.