A New Angle on Solar Panel Efficiency

Investigation Worksheet
Energy 101: Solar Power Video

How do we capture energy from the sun?

What are some benefits to the use of solar power?

What are some limitations to the use of solar power?

Determine the Zenith Angle, z

The zenith angle is the angle between the sun and
the vertical. The zenith angle is similar to the
angle of elevation but it is measured from the
vertical rather than from the horizontal, thus
making the zenith angle = 90 - (angle of elevation).
Use a ruler to create a shadow and calculate the
angle of elevation, . Then use the angle of
elevation to find the zenith angle, z to the nearest
whole degree.

Experiment 1: Vary the Slope of the Panel,

Name_______________________
Date_______________Period___

A New Angle on Solar Panel Efficiency

Investigation Worksheet

Name_______________________
Date_______________Period___

Start with the PV panel flat (0). Record the zenith angle
in the table then record the current produced with the
multimeter every 10. Be sure that your base does not
move at any point during the experiment.
Solar Angles:

0
Curren

z =
10

20

= 0
30

40

50

60

70

80

90

t
(amps)
Plot the current measured at each angle on the graph below. Draw a curve connecting the
points.

Current (amps)

Current vs. Angle

Angle (degrees)

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

1. At what angle did the PV panel create the highest current? How does this angle relate
to the zenith angle?

2. What happens as a result of tilting the PV panel away from the sun? Analyze the graph
and describe what happen to the current as the solar panels angle of elevation
approaches, then exceeds the zenith angle.

3. If you were to build a home at this location, how would you design the roof to optimize
PV efficiency, with minimal installation equipment?

A New Angle on Solar Panel Efficiency

Investigation Worksheet

Name_______________________
Date_______________Period___

Experiment 2: Vary the Azimuth Angle of the Panel,

The solar azimuth angle defines in which direction the
sun is, whereas the solar zenith angle defines how high
the sun is. The solar azimuth angle varies throughout
the day as the sun moves.
Set the PV panel to the most efficient angle from
Experiment 1. Start with the PV panel facing directly at the sun, 0. Rotate the base and
panel away from the sun every 10, and record the current produced with the multimeter.
Record the measurements in the table below.
Solar Angles:

0
Curren

z =
10

20

=
30

40

50

60

70

80

90

t
(amps)
Plot the current measured at each angle on the graph below. Draw a curve connecting the
points.

Current (amps)

Current vs. Angle

Angle (degrees)

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

1. Describe the effect on the current of rotating the panel away from the sun.

2. If this PV panel is mounted facing south, how efficient is it just

after sunrise or before sunset compared to the efficiency at noon?

3. What could you do to increase the efficiency of the PV panel over the course of a day?