Solar photovoltaic cells: An interdisciplinary experiment for high school students

CHED 366

Heather Hershberger, hnhershberge@bsu.edu1, Melissa G. Olds, mgolds@bsu.edu1, Jason W. Ribblett, jwribblett@bsu.edu1, and Mary Annette Rose, arose@bsu.edu2. (1) Department of Chemistry, Ball State University, 2000 University Ave, Muncie, IN 47306, (2) Department of Technology, Ball State University, 2000 University Ave, Muncie, IN 47306
Due to the widespread use of nonrenewable resources, the need for obtaining energy from renewable resources, such as solar energy, is greater today than ever before. This study looked at breaking down a complex photovoltaic cell to its basics in order to create a laboratory intended for middle school and high school students. Multiple prototypes of a copper (I) oxide solar photovoltaic cell were produced and tested. Initial measurements of solar power from a single cell were less than 100 microwatts. A procedure for the production of a working solar photovoltaic cell was developed and tested by high school freshmen. The students were able to produce working cells within a forty-five minute period using equipment found within a typical high school technology lab.
 

Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Chemical Education
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008