Solar Energy Science Project
Solar Energy Science Project - Artificial Light
This solar energy science project examines the production of energy in solar panels by means of artificial light.Background:
Before beginning this experiment, research several basic facts about solar energy such as:
- What is solar energy?
- What are solar cells and solar panels? How do they work?
- Can solar cells be powered by artificial light?
- What is the difference between incandescent and fluorescent light?
Based on your research, predict whether incandescent light or fluorescent light will produce more energy in a solar powered car.
Materials: (Adult supervision of kids is always recommended.)
- Solar car model - Suggested solar car kits (ages 8 and up):
 |  |
| Scientifics Online: Fuel Cell Car Kit | Carl's Electronics: Triple Action Solar Car |
| Science Kit: Fuel Cell Car | Carl's Electronics: Solar F1 Racer |
- Lamp (safe for 100 watt bulb)
- 60, 75, and 100 watt incandescent light bulbs
- 13, 20, and 26 watt compact fluorescent light bulbs
- Scissors
- Heat resistant gloves
- Cardboard or construction paper
- 2 Small wooden blocks (or something to set your car on so the wheels will not touch the ground)
- Ruler
- Tape
- Stopwatch
1. Gather materials needed for your solar science projects experiment. Parental assistance is suggested for this experiment as the light bulbs may get very hot.
2. Follow the instructions from your kit to assemble your solar car.
3. Cut a piece of cardboard or construction paper to the size and shape of one of the wheels of your car. Tape the circle to the face of the wheel.
4. Use the black marker to place a dot on the edge of the cardboard circle. You will use this to measure the speed at which the wheel spins. If your car has a clear plastic body that covers the wheel, be sure to tape the circle to the wheel before putting on the body.
5. Place the car on the two wooden blocks so that its wheels are in the air.
6. Place the car under a lamp with a 60 watt incandescent bulb. Make sure the light is directly over the solar panel. Record the distance from the solar panel to the light bulb.
7. Watch the spinning wheel and the dot on the cardboard circle.
8. Use the stopwatch to count the number of times the dot rotates in 15 seconds. Multiply this number by 4 to get the number of rotations in a minute.
9. Record your results.
10. Repeat step 6 replacing the 60 watt bulb with a 75 watt and then a 100 watt incandescent bulb. Use gloves to protect your hand from the hot bulbs. Make sure that the light source remains the same distance away from the solar panel in each instance.
11. Repeat steps 7-9.
12. Repeat steps 6-11 using the fluorescent light bulbs.
13. Repeat the experiment two more times.
| 60 Watt | 75 Watt | 100 Watt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incandescent Light | |||
| 13 Watt | 20 Watt | 26 Watt | |
| Fluorescent Light | |||
Results:
Observe your results for this solar energy science project experiment. How does the number of wheel rotations relate to the energy produced? Which light source provided the most energy? Was there a time when the wheels did not turn at all? If so, why? Graph and chart your data and make sure you can explain differences seen in your results.
Conclusion:
Summarize what happened in your solar energy science project experiment based on your results. Explain the results of your experiment. Was your hypothesis supported? If not, explain why. Evaluate your project and hypothesis, note any experimental sources of error, and make suggestions for improvements.
More Good Solar Energy Science Fair Projects:
Solar Cell Science Project
Solar Oven Science Project
More Science Projects for Kids Samples:
Earth Science Projects
Easy Science Fair Projects
Science Projects for Kids
