Monica Barrick, UR- Feel the Power

My scientific question remains the same as I research more on my topic. I will be observing the correlation between the angle of solar panels and how it effects the power output. I will have three solar panels, all at different angles. There are many websites to find out at what angle the solar panel should be for best performance. I will testing the "best" angle and two others. It is very simple to find the "best" angle. For winter, add 15 degrees (summer you would subtract 15) to your latitude (my latitude is approximately 29 degrees) so 29+15=44. One of my angles will be 44 degrees. The other two I have chosen randomly. The second solar panel will be at 90 degrees and the third one will be at 0 degrees. I put a picture a protractor to show my angles. 

Angle of solar panel 1- 44 degrees
Angle of solar panel 2- 90 degrees
Angle of solar panel 3- 0 degrees

I am still trying to learn how to measure the solar cell power output, but I have narrowed it down to these materials/simple method that will be modified.

MATERIALS

Multimeter 

• 3 solar panels (there are many different ones, will specify when I get there)
• Something to prop up the panels
• Protractor (to angle solar panels at correct angle)
• Negative and positive wires (for each separate solar panel)
• Multimeter (measures amps/volts)
• Feild notebook-550F/Pencil

METHODS

The first thing I will do is to test my solar panels to make sure the are in working order.

After the test is complete, which is just making sure the amps/volts get to a certain number (depending on panel) I pick the best place to set them up at in my backyard. I do not want any shadows that could mess up my data. I will use my protractor to put them at the correct angles. Now I believe it is as simple as putting the multimeter to the wires accordingly (positive to positive, negative to negative), measuring the the amps and the volts in order to get the watts. 

(Volts X Amps =Watts)

Example of how I will log my data

The tricky part will be figuring out what time I can be testing the performance. (I want to keep it at the same time but my schedule might not allow me to) So I may just take the average of each week and get my numbers that way. Can't wait to get this project started!