A cutaway engine cylinder shows the piston, valves and spark through the four strokes of the cycle. Students change engine speed and spark advance and watch the stroke, cycle angle, cylinder pressure and valve states update.
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Solar Panel Angle
About this simulation
This simulation shows how the angle of a solar panel changes the sunlight it catches. Sliders set the tilt and the compass direction of the panel, the time of day and the season, and the day can also run automatically. Readouts give the Sun elevation and azimuth, the incidence angle, the panel power and the energy collected so far. Students find that a panel works best when the Sun hits it head-on, and that the best tilt depends on the season. It is a practical activity for energy and Earth and space lessons.
What students can explore
- Run the day with Run the day on and watch Panel power rise to a peak and fall.
- Set Panel azimuth to 180 degrees, then to 0 degrees, and compare Energy today.
- Change Panel tilt from 0 to 90 degrees and find the tilt that collects the most energy at the equinox.
- Switch Season to Summer solstice and Winter solstice and see how the best tilt changes.
- Watch the Incidence angle readout as you drag Time of day.
Learning objectives
- 1Explain why a panel collects most power when sunlight hits it head-on.
- 2Investigate how tilt and direction change daily energy collected.
- 3Compare Sun height in summer, winter and at the equinox.
- 4Justify the best placement for a solar panel in the northern hemisphere.
Questions teachers ask
Is it free to use?
Yes. It is free and runs in any modern browser, including whiteboards and tablets. There is no sign-up.
Why do solar panels in the northern hemisphere face south?
In the northern hemisphere the Sun is in the southern half of the sky for most of the day. A south-facing panel keeps the Sun closer to head-on, so the incidence angle stays small and more power is collected.
What is the incidence angle?
It is the angle between the Sun rays and a line sticking straight out of the panel. A smaller angle means more power, and at 0 degrees the Sun is exactly head-on.
How do I use the solar panel simulation?
Set Panel tilt, Panel azimuth and Season, then drag Time of day or switch on Run the day. Watch Panel power and Energy today to compare setups.
Embed this simulation
Drop it into your LMS, blog, or class site — free.
<iframe src="https://kiwibee.io/en/simulations/solar-panel-angle-3d-simulation/embed" title="Solar Panel Angle | KiwiBee" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen style="width:100%;height:min(70vh,620px);min-height:420px;border:0;border-radius:16px"></iframe>Continue exploring
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