Subject: Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity. Concentrated solar
power systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight
into a small focal point.

Hypothesis 1: Temperature generated depends on how close to the focus point a thermometer
is placed.

Principle: A parabola redirects all the sunlight from a broad area onto a very small spot.

Experiment: Place the parabola into sunlight. Be very careful. Meat cooks at 140 degrees; the
temperature may soar to 400 degrees in the focal point.

1. Have students move the parabola until it faces the sun.
2. Identify the focal point.
3. Have students time how long it takes for paper to ignite.
4. Have students time how long it takes for the focal point to shift enough to where paper
   will not ignite.

Conclusions: Have students discuss what they learned.

Hypothesis 2: Photovoltaic cells generate electricity when exposed to light.

Principle: The more sunlight available the more electricity is generated.

Experiment: Determine the extent to which exposure to light impacts generation of electricity.

1. Connect wires on the scientific apparatus so that one appliance works.
2. Place the scientific apparatus in different amounts of light.

Conclusions: Have students discuss what they learned.

Hypothesis 3: It is possible to connect cells in ways that multiply generation of electricity.

Principle: Each photovoltaic cell generates a specific amount of electricity. Each appliance
requires different voltage and amperage.

Experiment:Use the diagrams on the scientific apparatus to combine cells in ways that generate
the combination of voltage and amperage it takes to operate each appliance.

Conclusions: Have students discuss what they learned.