Solar Panel Kit: a Powerful Hands-on Experience

The Philadelphia Solar Energy Association (PSEA) and Drexel University’s College of Engineering are collaborating to expand solar education in area schools through experiential learning with real solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and a set of diagnostic and other equipment and materials, accompanied by a set of lesson plans for middle and high school students.  The lessons are aligned with the new PA STEELS standards.

What distinguishes PSEA’s Solar Kit is that it is made from an actual, upcycled solar PV panel, measuring 2’ x 4’ that provided solar electricity to a local farmer for 20 years but still has years of useful life remaining.  PSEA worked with the Drexel Engineering faculty and students to test the panels, design the kit, and develop the lesson plans.    A PSEA volunteer has developed the final design and Guide. and has constructed a number of kits for teachers.

Students will learn the fundamentals of electricity, how it is measured, how solar PV actually works, and how to harness the sun to do work, like pump water.  This is accomplished through immersive, hands-on lessons. The kits also offer tremendous opportunities for ongoing free-inquiry beyond the provided curriculum. 

Anya Rose demonstrates how to hook up the Solar Panel Kit to work at 6 volts or 12 volts.  This short video explains how to charge the battery from the sun and how to hook up the fan, the water pump, mini distribution grid and other equipment.