Investigate the photovoltaic effect

Learn how photovoltaic cells work and investigate the photovoltaic effect

In this engaging STEM activity, designed for secondary school students, learners will discover how photovoltaic cells work, how they differ from solar thermal cells, and they will investigate the photovoltaic effect.

The ‘Photovoltaic cells’ scheme of work involves investigating how photovoltaic cells are used and then using this technology to make a series of electronic circuits of increasing complexity. This could form the basis of a design and make activity in Design and Technology, with cross-curricular links with Science.

This is a short activity which involves investigating the photovoltaic effect. It could be used as a starter activity in Electronics or Product Design within Design and Technology, or to provide students with extended background information during the design and make project. It could also be used as a starter in Science.

Students will be given the ‘What is a photovoltaic cell’ handout. They should consider the following questions:

• How do photovoltaic cells differ from solar thermal cells?
• What commonly available products use photovoltaic cells?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of photovoltaic cells?
• What factors would affect the positioning of a photovoltaic cell?

Tools/resources required
Internet access
Ideally, small operational models of solar thermal and photovoltaic cells that the students can handle

Suggested learning outcomes

By the end of this activity students will be able to list the two types of solar panel and give examples of how they are used, and they will be able to explain how photovoltaic cells work.

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

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