Urien F. Arancillo, Nicolas Evan G. Fuentes (MArch 2014)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
Since the Philippines is prone to severe weather conditions, power outages frequently happen. With this, solar power would be able to provide the needed electricity Integrated solar energy systems are of great help in providing one of the world’s greatest commodities, electrical energy There is a need to study the performance of solar cells subject to the local conditions in the school if they are to be integrated in buildings. This study aimed to determine the daily voltage outputs and calculate the mean daily power output of polycrystalline solar cells configured at different combinations of height, direction and inclination from the vertical. The solar cells’ voltage outputs were measured using a PEAKTECH multimeter and the power outputs were calculated. The data, the power outputs of the solar cells at different configurations, can be used as a basis of future solar energy system designs. The solar cell facing North, elevated 11 meters from ground level, and inclined at 90° from the vertical produced the highest amount of power. In general, for a particular height and direction, solar cells inclined to 90° from the vertical (lies horizontal) produced the highest amount of power between the months of November and December. Also, solar cells at a higher elevation produce more power than lower elevation. The use of solar panels instead of cells is suggested to provide data of the performance of solar panels for one whole year. If there’s a need of electricity during emergencies, solar power can be used for immediate responses.