SHS2 Engineering · Semester 2 Week 3: Renewable Energy Systems

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.2.2.LI.2 - Explain the functions of the basic components of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

State the function of each basic component of a photovoltaic system, including the solar panel, charge controller, battery, and inverter.
State the function of each basic component of a solar thermal system, including the solar collector, storage tank, pump, and heat exchanger.
Explain how the components of a photovoltaic system work together to convert sunlight into usable electrical energy.
Explain how the components of a solar thermal system work together to capture and transfer heat for domestic or industrial use.
Compare and contrast the roles of key components in photovoltaic versus solar thermal systems.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Energy Systems (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Renewable Energy Systems (2.2)
Content standard: 2.2.2.CS.1 - Demonstrate understanding of basic concepts in photovoltaic and solar thermal systems. 2.2.2.LO.1 Apply operating principles of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems. 2.2.2.LO.2 Design a simple photovoltaic and solar thermal energy system.
Indicator: 2.2.2.LI.2 - Explain the functions of the basic components of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 3 (Week 23 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Source document note: The official curriculum document has a fault in this entry, so the curriculum text above is transcribed exactly as printed:

indicator text - p.85 the document prints this indicator's code as 2.2.2.L.1.2. Its content stream draws the type token as the string operands 2.2. then L.1. then 2, so the token has lost the I of LI and carries a stray .1. segment; L is not a member of the document's own CS/LO/LI/AS vocabulary. Filed as 2.2.2.LI.2 because the four assessments printed beside these rows are 2.2.2.AS.1 to 2.2.2.AS.4, the scope and sequence gives this sub-strand four learning indicators in Year 2, and Years 1 and 3 print 1.2.2.LI.1 to LI.4 and 3.2.2.LI.1 to LI.4 for the same sub-strand. This is the shape SHS Physics settled on a render, where the fifth segment is the indicator number and the fourth is a stuck digit.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 85

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Collaborative Learning: In mixed-ability groups, different groups discuss the functions of the one basic component of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems and share their research with the whole class. Other groups critique and add their views.
Experiential Learning: Learners watch videos on the functions of the basic components of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, as well as the installation of the two systems and share their observations. Fine-tune learners' views and summarise their thoughts.

Assessment (2.2.2.AS.2). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding; Level 3 Strategic reasoning.

Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Projector
- Laptop and videos on the design and installation of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems.
- Visit facilities with installed photovoltaic and solar thermal systems.