Experimentation

Objective: The power produced from two fixed position solar panels was compared to the power of a moving solar system to determine the system’s effectiveness. SolarNAV should be able to outproduce fixed position solar panels in terms of daily energy production in order to be effective and practical.

Independent Variable: Position of the solar panel

Dependent Variable: Energy generated

Control Variables: Time of day, Month

1. SolarNAV and fixed panels were tested outside on a deck in an area receiving direct sunlight. The tests were only on sunny days and the three configurations were tested at the same time of day to ensure reliable comparison.
2. One fixed solar panel faced southeast while the other faced directly south. Each of the fixed solar panels were tilted at the same angle as the maximum angle of SolarNAV.
3. The voltage and current from the solar panel were measured directly using a multimeter on all three configurations.
4. The gross power was found in watts through the equation Power = V * I
5. The net power on the solar system subtracted the power used to energize the system from the gross power.