Solar Electricity - Play Area, CAT, Corris, Gwynedd, Wales, UK
Posted by: 
Ddraig Ddu
N 52° 37.435 W 003° 50.372
30U E 443170 N 5830765
Here is a set of apparatus to allow the user to track the sun to generate electricity, and it located within the Center for Alternative Technology in Corris.
Waymark Code: WMCGP0
Location: North Wales, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 09/06/2011
Views: 2
Here is a set of apparatus to allow the user to track the sun to generate electricity.
The user can pivot the apparatus in two axis; the horizontal and the vertical. This allows the user to angle the face so it is in line with the sun to generate the most electricity.
To show the best angle to align the solar panel the aparatus has a sun dial on the right side, so the user aligns the shadow so it falls underneath the pointer, aligning it perfectly with the suns rays. At this point the electricity will be at a maximum and the gage at the top of volts will be at its peak.
This apparatus will allow the understanding of the principle of the generation of energy from the suns rays, and how proper alignment allows generation of the maximum energy.
The Sign reads (In both English and Welsh)
Absorb it
Solar electric and solar thermal technologies absorb energy from
the sun. Solar electric, usually known as photovoltaic (PV), panels
convert the sun's energy directly into electricity. Solar thermal
panels and materials absorb the sunlight and turn it into heat.
*Move the panel to face the sun to see how much electricity
the PV cells generate. Touch the black areas to feel how
the sunlight has been turned into heat.
When sunlight shines on a PV cell electrons
within a thin layer of silicon become
energised and jump from one side to the
other. The silicon has been specially treated
so that the electrons can only jump one
way. The electrons get back to where they
came from by travelling along an electrical
circuit. We can use the electric current
they create moving around the circuit to
power anything from a calculator to the
national grid.
Solar thermal technology uses the energy of the sun
to warm things. Solar passive buildings use the sunlight
to help heat the building by warming up what's inside.
Using materials which hold heat well, such as the earth
walls in our shop, stores the suns energy, letting it out
as the air temperature drops. Solar hot water panels
absorb the energy of the sun to warm water inside
them, which then heats up a hot water tank. At CAT
during the summer, most of the hot water comes from
112m^2 of solar hot water panels on our shop roof.
Scientific Principle(s) being demonstrated:
This apparatus will allow the understanding of the principle of the generation of energy from the suns rays, and how proper alignment allows generation of the maximum energy.
Briefly explain if the experiment was effective for you. Could it have been better?:
A very nice way of showing people of all ages the principle of generating electricity, simple and effective.
When is the apparatus/experiment available to the public:
All year around, £8 for adults, £4 for 5+ for access to the whole site.
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