Science of the Electric Grid – Computation

Summary

In this computation activity, students calculate power output and energy production for a rural solar microgrid system. Using real formulas for watts and kilowatt-hours, students determine whether the system can meet village electricity demand and calculate how many additional panels would be required for expansion.

This activity integrates math with engineering design, reinforcing concepts of energy conversion, system sizing, and grid independence.

Use with the Data Set activity to connect micro-scale systems to national grid operations. Pair with Science of Energy Efficiency for further quantitative practice. This activity is part of the complete Science of the Electric Grid lesson.