Abstract

NOVOA JEREZ, Jose Enrique; ALFARO, Marco; ALFARO, Ignacio  and  GUERRA, Rodrigo. Determining the efficiency of a mini photovoltaic solar panel: A laboratory experience in renewable energy. Educ. quím [online]. 2020, vol.31, n.2, pp.22-37.  Epub Jan 25, 2021. ISSN 0187-893X.  https://doi.org/10.22201/fq.l8708404e.2020.2.70300.

Low-cost and easy-to-implement laboratory practices that allow measurements to be made directly with a solar panel are very important for the student's awareness of renewable energy. The problem of determining the efficiency of photovoltaic cells represents an opportunity for the development of laboratory practices of this type. This article describes the characteristics of a mini photovoltaic solar panel by measuring the relationship between current density and voltage (J-V) using a variable resistive load which also allows determining the maximum power point of the mini solar panel. Both the problem and its solution are treated from a pedagogical approach through the use of graphs, spreadsheets and the simple diode model, so that students of Bachelor of Chemistry and Engineering are encouraged to develop projects in renewable energy

Keywords : Solar energy; Photovoltaic panel; Current-Voltage Density Curves.