20048 AC Science Year 6 Physical sciences
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Solar-powered pathways<br />
Solar-powered garden lights are a simple application for using solar cells.<br />
Most solar-powered garden lights use an array of four solar cells which generate enough<br />
electricity during the day to provide a safe illuminated pathway at night.<br />
I • Examine the construction of the solar-powered garden light as you dismantle it into its<br />
component parts.<br />
The solar cells connect directly to a battery through<br />
a diode. The battery stores the electricity generated<br />
during the day and discharges it at night. The diode<br />
keeps the electricity flowing in one direction towards<br />
the battery. A fully charged battery can run for about<br />
15 hours, providing illumination equivalent to 50% of<br />
candle light.<br />
Power from the battery runs the controller board,<br />
which is connected to a photoresistor. At night, when<br />
the photoresistor detects darkness, it sends the<br />
information to the controller board which turns on the<br />
LED (light-emitting diode).<br />
glasscover<br />
solar-powered garden lights<br />
solar cells<br />
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F'-•·w<br />
controller 1,oard 1,atter:y<br />
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2. Describe the role of each component in a solar-powered garden light.<br />
Component<br />
(a) Solar cells<br />
(b) Battery<br />
(c) Diode<br />
( d) Controller board<br />
( e) Photo resistor<br />
Role<br />
©R.I.C. Publications<br />
Low Resolution Images<br />
Display Copy<br />
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(f) LED<br />
3. On A4 paper, draw a diagram of the components of a solar-powered garden light. Label<br />
each component and include your description of its role.<br />
4. List other applications of solar power.<br />
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R.I.C. Publications" www.ricpublications.com.au<br />
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AUSTRALIAN<br />
CURRICULUM SCIENCE (<strong>Year</strong> 6)
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