Sustainable Design: Solar Solutions – Course Overview

This overview article is the first in a five-part series that provides everything you need to implement a successful solar engineering unit. You’ll find links to detailed instruction guides for each phase at the end of this article.

Program Structure

This 6-8 week unit divides into four main phases, each building upon the previous:

Phase 1: Research and Planning (Weeks 1-2)

Week 1: Solar Energy Foundations

Detailed instructions: Solar Solutions Part 1A: Solar Energy Foundations

• Solar energy fundamentals
• Basic circuit construction
• Solar panel technology
• Performance testing

Week 2: Design Process Introduction

Detailed instructions: Solar Solutions Part 1B: Design and Planning

• Design thinking methodology
• Problem definition
• Team formation
• Project planning

Phase 2: Design and Prototyping (Weeks 3-4)

Week 3: Circuit Design

Detailed instructions: Solar Solutions Part 2A: Circuit Design Fundamentals

• Advanced circuit concepts
• Component selection
• Design calculations
• Safety considerations

Week 4: Initial Prototyping

Detailed instructions: Solar Solutions Part 2B: Prototyping Methods

• Materials testing
• Construction techniques
• Documentation methods
• Design iteration

Phase 3: Construction and Testing (Weeks 5-6)

Week 5: Construction

Detailed instructions: Solar Solutions Part 3A: Construction Guide

• Building techniques
• Assembly methods
• Quality control
• Safety protocols

Week 6: Testing Procedures

Detailed instructions: Solar Solutions Part 3B: Testing Methods

• Performance testing
• Data collection
• Problem diagnosis
• Improvement strategies

Phase 4: Optimization and Presentation (Weeks 7-8)

Week 7: Design Refinement

Detailed instructions: Solar Solutions Part 4A: Optimization Techniques

• Performance analysis
• Design improvements
• Efficiency optimization
• Final testing

Week 8: Project Completion

Detailed instructions: Solar Solutions Part 4B: Documentation and Presentation

• Final documentation
• Presentation preparation
• Peer review
• Project showcase

Learning Objectives

By completing this unit, students will:

Knowledge and Understanding

• Explain how photovoltaic cells convert solar energy into electricity
• Describe factors affecting solar panel efficiency
• Identify real-world applications of solar technology
• Understand sustainable design principles
• Apply project management concepts

Skills Development

• Apply design thinking methodology
• Create and test electrical circuits
• Collect and analyze performance data
• Document design processes
• Present technical information
• Work effectively in teams

Cross-Curriculum Priorities

• Sustainability
• Critical and Creative Thinking
• Numeracy
• Literacy
• Personal and Social Capability

Required Resources

Basic Equipment (per class)

1. Work Environment
   • Tables or benches
   • Outdoor testing area
   • Secure storage
   • First aid station
   • Emergency equipment
   • Cleaning supplies
2. Tools (per group of 3-4 students)
   • Basic tool kit
   • Measuring equipment
   • Safety gear
   • Testing instruments

Materials (per group)

1. Solar Equipment
   • Solar panels (6V, 1W minimum)
   • DC motors
   • LEDs
   • Alligator clips
   • Multimeter
2. Construction Materials
   • Building materials
   • Adhesives
   • Connectors
   • Storage containers

Optional Equipment

• 3D printer
• Laser cutter
• Data loggers
• Weather instruments
• Charge controllers

Space Requirements

• Classroom/workshop space
• Outdoor testing area
• Storage facilities
• Safety stations
• Charging area

Safety Framework

General Safety

• Ventilation systems
• Emergency access
• First aid equipment
• Safety signage
• Clean workspace

Personal Safety

• Protective equipment
• Safety training
• Emergency procedures
• Supervision requirements

Equipment Safety

• Tool training
• Maintenance schedules
• Safety protocols
• Emergency procedures

Assessment Structure

Formative Assessment (40%)

1. Design Portfolio (20%)
   • Research documentation
   • Progress reports
   • Design iterations
   • Reflection journal
2. Group Participation (20%)
   • Team collaboration
   • Time management
   • Problem-solving
   • Communication

Summative Assessment (60%)

1. Final Product (30%)
   • Functionality
   • Innovation
   • Build quality
   • Documentation
2. Presentation (30%)
   • Technical explanation
   • Process description
   • Data analysis
   • Q&A performance

Resource Links

Australian Curriculum Connections

• Technologies Curriculum
• Sustainability Priority

Technical Resources

• Clean Energy Council
• CSIRO Education
• Engineers Australia

Implementation Support

Each phase of this program has detailed instruction guides linked above. These guides provide:

• Lesson plans
• Activity instructions
• Resource lists
• Assessment tools
• Safety protocols
• Extension activities

This solar design program offers an engaging way to teach renewable energy technology while developing crucial engineering and project management skills. The detailed guides provide everything needed to implement a successful unit.

Remember that successful implementation often requires adaptation to your specific classroom context. Use these resources as a foundation, adjusting as needed for your students’ needs and available resources.

For additional support or to share your experiences, keep an eye out for our educator community forum coming soon.