Abstract
Solar generation is the generation and manipulation of solar energy, through photovoltaic cells in solar panels. The use of photovoltaic solar panels is usually the most efficient way of storing the energy. The energy that is stored in photovoltaic panels is called solar energy. Solar energy is a form of energy that comes directly from the sun to generate electricity. Unlike other forms of electricity production, it is an unlimited source of energy when farmed at the right times during the day and does not harm our environment. For these experiments, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards were used for the testing of the panels. First, it uses the flash table to measure the load capacity and load flow of the device. Then, the panel is tested using “fake sunlight”, from a method called “Flashing”. The connected electronics will record several performance values that include the panel’s voltage generation, current flow and how much power the panel produces. Another form of testing used in the experiments is the STC test conditions. The panels are angled, and the radiator is set, so that precisely 1000 W/m2 is always hitting the glass. Then, the solar panels will be raised to their “normal operating cell temperature” of 25° C (77° F). This process helps design and sell appropriately sized systems and predict their performance accurately. Using reference manuals relevant to the project, I will create my own lab experiments and thoroughly test the panels. The testing can be marked as a success when the model is consistent with the manual. In this project, I will test and create class material for the solar powered generator, provided by Sacramento State University.