Locktronics Fundamentals of Photovoltaic Energy

The Fundamentals of Photovoltaic Energy teaching solution introduces the principles of photovoltaics (PV) and demonstrates how solar cells convert light directly into electrical energy. Designed for renewable energy education, the system combines theoretical concepts with practical experimentation, enabling students to develop both understanding and applied skills. Learners investigate how solar cell output is influenced by key variables, including cell surface area, angle of incidence, illumination intensity, shading effects in series and parallel arrangements, spectral response, and operating temperature. This table top solution includes a plug and play base unit, which enables students to easily set up and conduct a range of investigations.

Learning objectives:

• Power dependence on the area of the solar cell
• Power dependence on the angle of incidence
• Power dependence on the level of illumination
• Power dependence on the frequency of the incident light
• Dependence of the solar cell power on temperature
• Determination of efficiency ratio of energy conversion
• Internal resistance of solar cells
• Dark characteristic curve of solar cell
• Inhibiting and conducting direction in illumination and darkness
• IV characteristic and fill factor of the solar cell
• IV characteristic of the solar cell in dependence on the level of illumination
• Shading of solar cells in series connection
• Shading effect of solar cells in parallel connection
• The solar cell as a transmission measure

Note: RE6491 accessories kit (sold separately) is essential to use this kit.