Miss. Leah Kim

Regis University, USA

Examining the Degrading Effects of Acid Rain on Solar Panels and Its Reflectors

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Biography

Leah Kim is a volunteer researcher for the Chemistry department of Regis University.  Leah intends to do more research and pursue her passions in chemistry. Leah worked under the supervision of Dr. Kimberly Waldron for this project.  

Abstract

Solar energy and panels are often used in this world to efficiently use what is radiated by the Sun. Solar panels, also known as PV panels, convert light from the sun to a reusable energy source that can be used in real life in many ways. Since there also have been many incorporations of reflectors to increase the efficiency of the solar panels, four types of reflectors were selected to test the erosion in response to acidity of rain. This research is focused on the effect of acidic rain on the surface of the solar panels’ reflectors which are exposed to rain. The objective is to show how reflectors can be incorporated into solar cells to increase the efficiency of solar energy collection. Using mirror, mylar, aluminum, and paper as the reflectors, they were first tested in three different angles – 45, 60, and 90 degrees in mA. After exposing the rectangularly cut reflector samples to HCl solution of different pHs, the energy output was measured again at 90 degrees, which resulted in the most optimal increase in the solar panel output under the sun. All reflectors showed degradation in the surfaces meaning the acidity of rain has a detrimental effect. pH 1 solution resulted in the most degradation and lessened output of the measured sunlight, which divulged the negative effect of the acid rain on solar panels’ reflectors and possibly on the panels itself.