An Innovative Solar Production Simulator to Better Teach the Foundations of Photovoltaic Energy to Students

International audienceThis paper deals with a new approach to science and education regarding photovoltaic energy and applications. This teaching method is based on a Solar Production Simulator (SPS). This apparatus is able to reproduce the sun’s path on a small scale at all times of the year. The energy production is then estimated with different orientation and/or inclination of a solar sensor. The SPS provides students with the unique opportunity to learn, in a playful manner, the fundamental principles of photovoltaic energy. Several examples of practical work are detailed to give an accurate appreciation of many applications in the photovoltaic sector. A lot of applications could be studied such as implementation of solar position calculations, electrical characterization of solar cells with various technologies or tracking system programming