6.2 Types of Renewable Energy
137
power is not sufficient to fully power modern society. One of the major contributors
to solar energy is Bunker Roy, who established Barefoot College in Tilonia. The
college spreads over eight acres and is powered by solar energy (Barefoot College
2017). Having studied at Delhi University, he argues that his elitist education almost
destroyed him. He also believes that the formal educational system devalues and
demeans traditional knowledge valued by the poor. Despite the college beginning
with the objective of offering solutions to water issues of India, the mission still
reverted to sustainable development and empowering the marginalized. The courses
provided at the institute are grounded in the Gandhian philosophy of ensuring that
villages are self-reliant. More information will be provided under the Individual
Matter section at the end of the chapter.
(continued)
Experiment 6.1: Solar power: photovoltaic powered motor
Materials Required Voltmeter, variable resistor, thick unshielded wire,
alligator clips, solar panel wire, and magnetic wire
Background of the Experiment The photovoltaic powered motor experiment is designed to enhance learning on solar cells, current vs. voltage
curves, and calculation of maximum resistance and power. It will be critical
in enhancing learning on solar power and the functioning of a direct
current (DC) motor (DC motor converts direct current electrical energy into
mechanical energy) that is fuelled by solar cells.
Experiment Procedure
1. Cut a standard length of wire, about 10 cm.
2. Remove 2 cm from both ends of the magnetic wire.
3. Coil the wire into 3 cm loops.
4. Bend unshielded wire into a stand to get hold of the coiled magnetic wire.
The stand should be taller than a magnet’s thickness and the radius of the
coil.
5. Connect solar cells to leads.
6. Place coil into a stand.
7. Position magnet under the coil and observe the coil’s movement.
Analysis
• What do you observe?
• What from the experiment could you deduce as a determinant of the
sustainability of solar power?
Participants should show an improvement in learning and understanding
renewable energy source concepts by complementing theory with laboratory
experiments.
137
power is not sufficient to fully power modern society. One of the major contributors
to solar energy is Bunker Roy, who established Barefoot College in Tilonia. The
college spreads over eight acres and is powered by solar energy (Barefoot College
2017). Having studied at Delhi University, he argues that his elitist education almost
destroyed him. He also believes that the formal educational system devalues and
demeans traditional knowledge valued by the poor. Despite the college beginning
with the objective of offering solutions to water issues of India, the mission still
reverted to sustainable development and empowering the marginalized. The courses
provided at the institute are grounded in the Gandhian philosophy of ensuring that
villages are self-reliant. More information will be provided under the Individual
Matter section at the end of the chapter.
(continued)
Experiment 6.1: Solar power: photovoltaic powered motor
Materials Required Voltmeter, variable resistor, thick unshielded wire,
alligator clips, solar panel wire, and magnetic wire
Background of the Experiment The photovoltaic powered motor experiment is designed to enhance learning on solar cells, current vs. voltage
curves, and calculation of maximum resistance and power. It will be critical
in enhancing learning on solar power and the functioning of a direct
current (DC) motor (DC motor converts direct current electrical energy into
mechanical energy) that is fuelled by solar cells.
Experiment Procedure
1. Cut a standard length of wire, about 10 cm.
2. Remove 2 cm from both ends of the magnetic wire.
3. Coil the wire into 3 cm loops.
4. Bend unshielded wire into a stand to get hold of the coiled magnetic wire.
The stand should be taller than a magnet’s thickness and the radius of the
coil.
5. Connect solar cells to leads.
6. Place coil into a stand.
7. Position magnet under the coil and observe the coil’s movement.
Analysis
• What do you observe?
• What from the experiment could you deduce as a determinant of the
sustainability of solar power?
Participants should show an improvement in learning and understanding
renewable energy source concepts by complementing theory with laboratory
experiments.