CHAPTER II

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This study was focused on the experimental type of research to test the

effectiveness of the Improvised Solar Panel using Compact Discs as Solar

Collector. The researchers sought the assistance of an expert to reinforce the

idea on how to make a solar panel and formulated to become an improvised

solar panel using compact discs as solar collector.

This experiment includes three (3) tests with 30 trials each. The three (3)

test were composed of testing the light bulbs with different watts, 3 watts, 5 watts

and 7 watts. And the three light bulbs were tested, if the improvised solar panel

can light up the bulbs.

Working Design

A working design was made with the help of an expert. Some of the

needed materials were bought as well as scrap like plywood. The used compact

discs were collected from a friend. The researchers make the frame with a size of

2.28x1.21 feet and the size of the compact disc was 4.72 inches (120

millimeters) in diameter.

The compact discs or the solar collector of the improvised solar panel

was placed on its designated spot. An inverter was connected on the improvised
 solar panel to convert the DC (Direct Current) output into a clean AC (Alternating

Current) electricity. A battery was also connected after the inverter where it

stores the energy from the improvised solar panel.

Procedure/s:

A. Design and assembly of Improvised Solar Panel with the use of Compact

Discs

In creating the Improvised Solar Panel using Compact Discs as Solar

Collector, the researchers finalized the design and the specifications of the

improvised solar panel. All the materials to be used were already prepared and

the plywood was measured by 2.28x1.21 feet. The template was created and the

wooden frames were put together.

The compact discs as the main material for the improvised solar collector

was assembled. Two holes were created below the frame for the wire (positive

and negative), the improvised solar collector was glued on the frame then the

copper wires were connected. Compact discs were placed in its designated spot

wherein it has an exact fit. Bus wires were soldered and the transparent glass

was sealed with silicon sealant above the frame.

B. Testing the Improvised Solar Panel using Compact Discs as Solar Cell

In testing the improvised solar panel, there were three (3) tests that

were performed by the researchers and in every test there were 30 trials.
Specifically the improvised solar panel was exposed to sunlight in every period of

1 to 3 hours.

The researchers hypothetized the duration of the battery to be charged by

the improvised solar panel and how long will the improvised solar panel

consistently lighten up the three (3) light bulbs. The researchers came up with a

rating scales to rate the duration of the light bulbs with different wattages: test

one (1), three (3) watts, test two (2), five (5) watts, and test three (3), seven (7)

watts.

Five (5) Four (4) Three (3) Two (2) One (1)

Very Less Fading Totally

Consistent Consistent Consistent Gone

C. Analysis of Data

The researchers used t-test and the one-way ANOVA at 0.5 level of

significance as a statistical analysis in determining the significant differences of

the three (3) tests with 30 trials in terms of duration and wattage output.