Renewable Energy Systems · SHS2 Engineering

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.2.2.LI.1 - Identify the basic components of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Identify at least five basic components of a photovoltaic (PV) system from a diagram, video, or physical inspection.
Identify at least four basic components of a solar thermal system from a diagram, video, or physical inspection.
Distinguish between the components of a photovoltaic system and those of a solar thermal system.
State the primary function of each identified component in one clear sentence.
Share observations about the design and installation of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems with the whole class using correct technical vocabulary.

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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.1 - Identify the basic components of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 2 (Week 22 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.I. Its content stream draws the type token as the string operands 2.2. then L.1. then I, 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.1 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)

Experiential Learning: Learners watch videos or pictures of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems and identify their basic components. Learners inspect basic components of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems and discuss their features. Further, learners watch videos on the installation of the two systems and share their observations with the whole class.

Assessment (2.2.2.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall; Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding.

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.