Solar Panel Output as the angle of incoming light varies

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deleted-187740
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Project Question: Does the voltage of a solar panel vary with the angle of incoming light? My daughter has completed her experiment of the output power of a solar panel. She has tested 4 different angles of the solar panel. The current did indeed vary; however, the voltage also changed. Is this correct?
Project Due Date: 2/3/14
Project Status: I am finished with my experiment and analyzing the data

Solar Panel Output as the angle of incoming light varies

Post by deleted-187740 »

Help! My daughter is conducting a science project where she measures the power output of a solar panel at different angles of incoming light. She has completed her measurements but we are uncertain about the results. She maintained the light source at a constant height and distance from the solar panel. She varied the angle of the solar panel and measured the Voltage of the open circuit and the current to get the power output. The amps varied as we expected; however, the voltage also varied at different angles. Is this correct?
deleted-72052
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Re: Solar Panel Output as the angle of incoming light varies

Post by deleted-72052 »

Since I assume the load is constant, the only other variable must be voltage. Hence, the variation in voltage is correct.
Gerry Gruenbaum
Science Buddies "Ask an Expert" Volunteer
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