[RE-wrenches] Small PV system/experiment for kids

Ray Walters ray at solarray.com
Wed Dec 12 12:01:10 PST 2012


Array direct is definitely better as Stephen points out, and I've built 
units that run a fan other visibly moving device.  Definitely don't want 
to roof mount the module, as others pointed out, you want the kids to be 
able to experiment with angles and shading.  Throwing in some analog 
meters for current and voltage is usually a good idea too.
Keep it to 12 v, and forget about NEC, the kids want to see the complete 
circuit.  Array direct with a 10 to 20 watt module doesn't even need a 
fuse (its only about an amp)
I've also used board mounted european screw lug connectors, and then had 
the kids strip wires and tighten the connections with a screw driver.  
For that age group, you'd be surprised how capable some of them are, and 
also how short an attention span others have.....I keep a loose 
curiculum plan, so that I can adjust the demonstration to the kids that 
day.   Less attention,  then we skip the wiring, for example.

Ray

On 12/12/2012 8:39 AM, Stephen Kane wrote:
> Jason,
>
> Similar to Karl's suggestion, we have built a few education systems with a
> small PV module direct to a 12 VDC bilge/sump pump like the Rule models
> (with some fusing and disconnecting means of course).
> Showing movement of water when the module is in clear sun vs partially or
> completely shading the module seems like an effective way to demonstrate to
> kids how solar works with a direct load.
> The whole setup is pretty simple and affordable.
>
> Stephen Kane
> Kane Solar
> Lyons, CO
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
> [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jesse Dahl
> Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 7:58 AM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Small PV system/experiment for kids
>
> This is for older kids, but may help.  I did a project for a 7th - 10th
> grade science class.  The school wanted one module and batteries, but I
> talked them out of any batteries, and they went with a small awning mount
> array and grid tied it with weather station, temp and irradiance meters
> along with monitoring.  I created a small week long curriculum for the
> teachers and walked them through the system using that curriculum.  Might be
> a little more than you're looking for...
>
> Jesse
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>
> Hi Jason,
> When I was in fifth grade I built a little PV project. It consisted of a
> very small module (smaller than a dollar bill) and a tiny dc motor mounted
> in a box with string hooked up to it, and some weights. I demonstrated how
> shading and irradiance levels affect how much weight the motor could lift. I
> received an 'A'.
>
> Karl Jaeger
> LightWave Solar Electric
>
>
> On Dec 12, 2012, at 8:08 AM, Jason Szumlanski <jason at fafcosolar.com> wrote:
>
>> I have been approached by a local elementary school to develop a very
> small PV related experiment or system that is appropriate for children aged
> 9-11. Not having kids myself, I have no idea where to start with this. They
> are fine with mounting a PV panel on the roof, wall, or ground. They want
> something interesting and/or interactive that the students can monitor over
> time.
>> Has anyone done something like this that would be suitable?
>>
>> Jason Szumlanski
>> Fafco Solar
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