Quick & Easy to get started
Easy to Assemble
Plug & play building blocks and robotic components make assembling the Smart Solar Energy Kit quick and easy.
Smart Robotic Sensors
Measure Voltage & Current Instantly
The proprietary Energy Sensor allows for real-time measuring of the solar panel's voltage & current outputs through the micro:bit.
Quick & Easy to get started
Add Code to Log Data & Control Movements
Use simple code blocks to change the position of the solar panel based on the voltage & current output - allowing for optimal energy generation.
Real power generation for real data analysis & exploration
The Smart Solar Energy Kit allows students to get hands-on with real energy generation and data analysis. Students can analyze data in real-time and understand the impacts in a very real and practical way.
Data Analysis
Use the data logging functionality of the micro:bit to log and analyze solar panel output data over time.
Data Graphing
Graph the data from solar panel to compare how voltage, current, and power values change over time.
Integrate AI for Further Analysis
Explore using an AI platform to analyze data even further by pulling in information on weather conditions and other factors that may affect power generation.
How these activities translate to real world critical thinking
Data-based Decision Making
Make inferences about the solar data to decide on the best panel location for optimal power generation.
Critical Thinking
Understand how solar electricity is created and the relationship between voltage and current.
Solve Real World Problems
Use the solar data and understanding of renewable energy generation to solve real world issues.
Smart Solar Energy Kit In Action
Projects with the Smart Solar Energy Kit
To view more resources, please visit our Learning Platform.
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Smart Solar Energy Kit
Build and code a functioning solar panel capable of charging USB devices and measuring power generation! The Smart Solar Energy Kit comes with everything you need to create a miniature solar panel setup in your classroom. A micro:bit v2 is required and not included.
- Measure voltage and current with the energy meter
- Program responses and triggers to real-time solar output
- Explore energy transfer and sustainability with coding
Frequently Asked Questions
Resource for quick answers to common questions.
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What is the Smart Solar Energy Kit?
The Smart Solar Energy Kit allows students to build and code a functioning solar panel capable of charging USB devices and measuring power generation! The Smart Solar Energy Kit comes with everything you need to create a miniature solar panel setup in your classroom.
The Smart Solar Energy Kit uses the micro:bit log data and trigger real-time responses to solar panel outputs.
Do I need a micro:bit?
Yes, you will need a micro:bit to perform any of the voltage/current measuring, data logging, or coding activities with the Smart Solar Energy Kit.
A micro:bit is NOT included and must be purchased separately.
What micro:bit versions are compatible with the Smart Solar Energy Kit?
The Smart Solar Energy Kit requires a V2 micro:bit.
The Energy Sensor in the Smart Solar Energy Kit is part of Forward Education's robotic component ecosystem. This 'smart sensor' allows for real-time communication with MakeCode - allowing you to see voltage & current readings in real-time.
Can I combine the Smart Solar Energy Kit with other Forward Education products?
Yes!
The Smart Solar Energy Kit contains the same building blocks, Breakout Board, and plug & play robotic sensors as other products in the Forward Education hardware ecosystem. This means you can combine the Smart Solar Energy Kit with products like the Climate Action Kit for even greater project builds.
What sort of USB devices can I charge?
The panel in the Smart Solar Energy Kit is best suited for charging low-power USB devices like a lightbulb or the Breakout Board itself.
While the panel is capable of generating a decent power output, it is not strong enough to charge a high-power device like a phone.
