Remote Photovoltaic Laboratory at 3000 Meters on the Equatorial Line: A Unique Resource for Renewable Energy Education

At the Escuela Politécnica Nacional, a photovoltaic laboratory located 3,000 meters above sea level on the equatorial line offers students the chance to analyze solar energy conversion efficiency under unique high-altitude equatorial conditions. This facility allows for real-time measurement of key variables such as diffuse sunlight spectrum, solar positioning relative to seasonal changes, and year-round environmental factors like precipitation and cloudiness. Students can also adjust panel inclination with two degrees of freedom to observe performance variations and use spectral filters to study specific wavelength impacts on efficiency.

The lab activities are structured into guided laboratories, structured inquiries, and open inquiries, tailored to student experience levels, with case studies derived from measured data and scientific publications to enhance learning. Open-ended investigations are supported by historical data access for statistical time-series analysis, while comparisons with other photovoltaic labs worldwide reveal the geographic influences on photovoltaic performance. This lab is part of a consortium in Latin America, Europe, and Africa dedicated to advancing education in sustainable energy.