Imagine you are a Renewable Energy Engineer. Work in a group to design, build & code your own solar panel using the Climate Action Kit!

Your job is to make a solar panel that is sturdy, senses, and tracks the sun’s position.

Digital graphic illustration of a solar technician working on a solar panel in front of a couple wind turbines and a cityscape.
What does a Renewable Energy Engineer do? Check out their Career Profile!

As you go through the steps below, you may wish to use our Design Journal Template to keep track of your work.

Journal Template
An icon of a magnifying glass, a paper with notes, and a brain.

Step 1

Research the different functionalities of solar panels.

Icons of a light bulb, a thought bubble, and a pencil.

Step 2

Plan your prototype and decide what building blocks, sensors, smart components, and craft materials you will need for building.

icons of 3 building blocks (cube, corner connector, and short frame)

Step 3

Build your prototype, then connect it to Microsoft MakeCode to add code.

Icons of code blocks.

Step 4

Test and debug until the device works.

SUCCESS CRITERIA

I can build a solar panel with the Climate Action Kit that can:

  • sense the level of sunlight
  • change positions to ensure maximum sunlight exposure

and uses at least:

  • one sensor
  • one servo motor

Don’t feel limited by this. You can get creative and add more features if you would like!

Let’s Build!