Vernier Software & Technology

# Photovoltaic Cells

## Introduction

Energy produced by the sun is called solar energy. It is produced during nuclear reactions that take place throughout the volume of the sun. The energy travels to Earth in the form of light. Photovoltaic (PV) cells, or solar cells, change the light energy to electrical energy that can be used to power calculators, cars or even satellites. A photovoltaic cell is usually made of a semiconducting material such as silicon. When light strikes the cell, it provides enough energy to move electrons through the cell producing an electric current. A single photovoltaic cell is approximately the size of a fingernail and puts out a very small current when struck by the light. Objects requiring higher currents to operate can be powered by wiring large numbers of photovoltaic cells together.

In Part I of this experiment, you will measure the current and voltage produced by a photovoltaic cell when exposed to sunlight. You will calculate the power output of the cell using the relationship

$P = VI$ ${\text{Power}} = {\text{voltage}} \times {\text{current}}$

You will also calculate the efficiency of the photovoltaic cell when converting the energy from the sun into electrical energy.

In Part II the relationship between the wavelength of the light striking the photovoltaic cell and power output will be investigated.

## Objectives

In this experiment, you will

• Use a Current Probe to measure current output.
• Use a Voltage Probe to measure voltage output.
• Use a Light Sensor to measure light intensity.
• Calculate power output.
• Calculate efficiency.
• Investigate the relationship between wavelength of light and power output.

## Sensors and Equipment

This experiment features the following Vernier sensors and equipment.

### Additional Requirements

You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?

## Earth Science with Vernier

See other experiments from the lab book.

 1 Introduction to Data Collection 2 Exploring Magnetism 3 Where IS North? 4 Searching for Iron Ore 5 Sea Floor Spreading 6 Soil pH 7 Soil Salinity 8 Soil and Acid Rain 9 Soil Temperature 10 Temperature 11 pH 12 Turbidity 13 Total Dissolved Solids 14 Water Treatment 15 Salinity of Ocean Water 16 Acid Rain and Its Effect on Surface Water 17 Freezing of Ocean Water 18 Desalination 19 Mapping the Ocean Floor 20 Are All Sunglasses Created Equal? 21 Comparing Sunscreens 22 UV Light and Clothing 23 Reflection and Absorption of Light 24 The Greenhouse Effect 25 Land and Sea Breezes 26 Relative Humidity 27 Dew Point 28 Wind Chill 29 Seasons and Angle of Insolation 30 Fossil Fuels 31 Solar Homes 32 Photovoltaic Cells 33 Wind Power P1 Air Temperature P2 Air Temperature and Relative Humidity P3 Ground Temperature P4 Barometric Pressure P5 Measuring Particulates P6 Weather Stations

### Experiment 32 from Earth Science with Vernier Lab Book

#### Included in the Lab Book

Vernier lab books include word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.