Silicon Solar Cell Efficiency: Comparing input power to output power of a silicon photovoltaic cell
Subject
Physics
Education Level
High School
In this activity, students will experiment with silicon PV cells and determine some reasons for why there may exist a need for better alternatives. This lab is designed to help students find a measure of a solar cell power conversion efficiency, by studying output power (Pout) of a silicon PV cell and comparing it to the input power (Pin) of incandescent light bulbs illuminating the PV from a set distance.