2. Methods

2.3 Procedures: Detail all procedures and experimental design to be used for data collection

1. 3D print the base for the solar panel. The 3D model has special features specifically for this experiment, the 3D model will have a slot in it which will allow the solar panel to fit. From there, it will be a perfect semicircle, because the distance (radius) from the edge of the semicircle to the center point is the same throughout. The model will also have a gap in the middle to allow the light from the torchlight to pass through and hit the solar panel. On the outer ring, it will allow a torchlight to slide along the model and there will also be markings on the model to indicate where to put the torchlight at each angle. These 6 markings were precisely measured out in the 3D model app for each of our 6 angles (15^o , 30^o, 45^o, 60^o, 75^o, 90^o) before being printed out, which allows us to easily align the torchlight and ensure that the angle that the torchlight is at is correct.

2. If the voltage probe does not already come with a crocodile clip head pre-attached, attach one crocodile clip to 1 end of each of the different coloured voltage probes.

3. Next, insert the solar panel into the 3D printed base and connect one end of the voltage probe to the solar panel using the attached crocodile clips and the other end to the voltage meter, the end that you need to connect to your voltage meter depends on the brand of the voltage meter.

4. Put the torchlight at the starting angle as shown on the 3D print. The starting angle is 15^o relative to the light source being directly above the solar panel. Then, use a retort stand to hold the torchlight in place.

5. Turn on the torchlight in a dark room or in an opaque box and leave the light on for 10 seconds. After 10 seconds, take down the final voltage of the solar panel and record that as the first reading for the first angle.

6. Repeat steps (5 & 6) for all of the angles (15^o , 30^o, 45^o, 60^o, 75^o, 90^o), each angle will be done 3 times, and then take the mean of the 3 angles for the average result.

7. Record all readings into the table below, and then plot the graph found below the table afterward once you’re done. With that, you’ve completed the experiment!