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Electricity

Solar Panel

Start with the video, then use the science notes and recommended parts below to follow the idea behind the build.

ElectricityBuildElectronics

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How it works

What this project is testing.

A solar panel is a light-to-electricity converter: photons hit a semiconductor junction and help separate electric charge.

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This project demonstrates the photovoltaic effect and gives visitors a way to connect brightness, angle, load, voltage, current, and usable power.

E = \frac{h c}{λ}

Photon energy depends on wavelength; shorter-wavelength light carries more energy per photon.

P = I V

The useful electrical output is voltage times current.

Recommended parts

Products used in this project.

Affiliate links may earn Keystone Science a commission. Match ratings, values, sizes, polarity, and safety requirements to your own build before buying.

Rigol Digital Oscilloscope DS1054Z 50 MHz 4-Ch 1 GSa/s 24 Mpts 30,000 wfms/s UltraVision 7" 800x480 Intensity Display, 60,000-Frame Record/Playback, Serial Decode UART I2C SPI for Debug & Education

oscilloscopetest equipment

Rigol DS1054Z Digital Oscilloscope, 50 MHz, 4 Channel, 1 GSa/s

$349.004.7(724)

Good bench choice; budget scope alternatives may be cheaper but less durable.

Auto Ranging Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 with Battery Alligator Clips Test Leads AC/DC Voltage/Account,Voltage Alert, Amp/Ohm/Volt Multi Tester/Diode

multimetertest equipment

Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 with Battery, Alligator Clips, and Test Leads

$22.394.6(1,700)

Goupchn Universal P6100 Oscilloscope Clip Probes 100MHz with Accessories Kit 1X 10X 2 Pack

test probes / leadstest equipment

Goupchn Universal P6100 Oscilloscope Clip Probes, 100MHz, 1X/10X, 2 Pack

$13.994.7(126)

EDGELEC 120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires 20cm Wire Length Optional Dupont Cable Assorted Kit Male to Female Multicolored Ribbon Cables

jumper wires / hookup wirewiring

120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires, 20cm Dupont Cable Assorted Kit, Male to Female

$6.984.7(4,500)

CHANZON 100pcs 5mm LED Diode Lights Assortment 10 Colors x 10pcs Diodes (Clear Transparent Lens) Emitting Lighting Bulb Lamp Assorted Kit Variety Color White Red Yellow Green Blue Orange UV Pink

LEDsemiconductor

100pcs 5mm LED Diode Lights Assortment, 10 Colors

$6.994.5(1,800)

SUNYIMA 10pcs Mini Monocrystalline Solar Cells Solar System Kit 50mm X 50mm/1.96" X 1.96" 2V 160MA for DIY Charge Solar Panels

solar cell / photovoltaic panelpower

SUNYIMA 10pcs Mini Monocrystalline Solar Cells, 50mm x 50mm, 2V 160mA

$15.994.5(284)

Pure Life Distilled Water 2.5 Gallon, 320 Fl Oz

waterfluid

Pure Life Distilled Water, 2.5 Gallon

$5.694.6(410)

2 x 13.5 Pounds Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda (27 Pounds Total)

salt / electrolytechemistry

Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda, 2 x 13.5 Pounds

4.8(1,100)

For electrolysis demos, baking soda is often a safer electrolyte than table salt.

WireJewelry 30 Gauge 0.010 Dead Soft Copper Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch

copper sheetmaterials

WireJewelry 30 Gauge 0.010 Dead Soft Copper Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch

$5.664.6(329)

Bernzomatic FirePoint Creator Tool, Precision Flame Hand Torch for use with Bernzomatic MAP-Pro or Propane Fuel (Firepoint Tool)

heat sourcethermal

Bernzomatic FirePoint Creator Tool Precision Flame Hand Torch

4.5(572)

Only for adult-supervised shop/lab use.

Project files

Prints, kits, and downloads.

Diagrams, printable files, kits, or companion downloads will appear here when they are ready to use.

Coming soon

Contact

Events, speaking, collaborations, and news.

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