Portable photovoltaic laboratory for in-service teacher workshops

Abstract

This paper describes the design and development of a sustainable energy workshop that features a mobile photovoltaic laboratory for the purpose of providing an outdoor learning resource. The portability of this laboratory was achieved by the design and construction of custom utility carts used for the mounting of the photovoltaic panels and the supporting instrumentation. The workshop also included a demonstration fixed solar thermal system used to generate hot water, as well energy auditing techniques. The instrumentation outlined in this paper was used in the delivery of two separate workshops that were offered to 8 -12 grade teachers as part of their Act 48 in-service workshops. The objective of these workshops was to expose teachers to the concepts of renewable energy resources and empower them with teaching materials that they could use in their classrooms to increase student awareness and excitement in renewable energy industry. Additionally, this paper also provides details regarding the content, pedagogical outcomes, and assessment results of the developed workshops that used this instrumentation. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2013.