Solar Power

Division: B/C – Middle/High School

Event Rules: See National Rules

National Event Page: Here

Teams must construct a heat collection device and complete a written test on alternative energy concepts.

Teams may bring one three-ring binder of any size containing any information. Sheet protectors, lamination, tabs and labels are permitted.

See Rules for additional details.

Will the device be placed into a 35 cm box by the event supervisor or will they actually measure the length, width, and height of devices? It will be measured and must fit in a 35.0 cm cube which means it must be less than 35 cm.

Do we know what wattage the light bulb will be or is that a variable students need to test and graph? 150 watts

Am I correct that they want their HRF (Heat Retention Factor) to be a high number? Yes

Can I paint the bottom of the beaker black, to absorb more solar energy? What about the inside? No! Must be unaltered.
Can I create an insulating form around the beaker? Right now I’m considering taking a larger beaker and placing the small one inside of it, epoxying the two together, then pulling a vacuum in the space between the two. No. You must be able to insert and remove the beaker.

Highest score wins.

A Beginner’s Guide To Renewable Energy Sources