International Baccalaureate

Physics Standard Level Internal Assessment

How does the transmission of light through colored plastic films, considering their

absorption and filtering properties, affect the output voltage of a solar panel?

May session 2025

Candidate Code:

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Introduction

The behavior of light as an electromagnetic wave plays a crucial role in various applications,
including renewable energy technologies such as solar panels. Light consists of different colors,
each characterized by distinct wavelengths and energy levels, which can influence the efficiency
of energy conversion in photovoltaic systems. This investigation seeks to determine how
different colored plastic films, which modify the spectral distribution of light, affect the output
voltage of a solar panel.

The research question guiding this study is: "How does the color of light, modified by colored
plastic films, affect the output voltage of a solar panel?" This question is significant as it explores
the interaction between light and solar cell technology, potentially providing insights into
optimizing solar energy conversion.

To investigate this question, trials will be conducted using various colored films placed over the
solar panel for five minutes each, with voltage measurements taken using a multimeter. The
experiment will be conducted under consistent conditions to ensure reliable data. Initial
hypotheses predicted that blue light would produce the highest voltage and yellow light the
lowest, based on energy and wavelength characteristics. However, it was observed that the
colored films absorb a significant portion of light, reducing the intensity reaching the solar panel.
This prompted a revision of the hypothesis, suggesting that the yellow film would yield the
highest output voltage while the blue film would produce the least.

The findings from this investigation aim to enhance the understanding of light-material
interactions and their implications for improving solar panel efficiency, contributing to
advancements in sustainable energy practices.

Background Information

A solar cell, also called a photovoltaic cell, is a semiconductor device that converts
sunlight or artificial light directly into electricity. Sunlight is composed of photons, or
particles of light energy, whose energy depends on their wavelength. When photons
strike the semiconductor material in a PV cell, they may be reflected, transmitted, or
absorbed. Only the absorbed photons that have enough energy can excite electrons,
which will result in a flow of free electrons and build up a voltage potential. When this is
connected to a circuit, there is the ability to generate electricity.

The efficiency of the above process is dependent on both the wavelength and the
intensity of light. The energy of a photon (E) and its wavelength (λ) are related as E =
hc/λ, where h is the Planck's constant and c is the velocity of light. While the shorter
wavelengths, like blue and ultraviolet, have higher energy, photons need to have an
energy equal to or greater than the band gap energy of the semiconductor. The band
gap is the minimum energy needed to raise electrons into the conduction band. Photons
with less than this amount of energy cannot contribute to the output of the PV cell.

Colored plastic films function as filters, selectively absorbing certain wavelengths while
transmitting others. For instance, a red filter transmits red wavelengths while blocking
blue and green. This filtering modifies the light spectrum and intensity reaching the PV
cell, influencing energy conversion efficiency. Filters transmitting wavelengths above the
band gap enhance photon absorption, whereas those blocking these wavelengths
reduce energy availability.

Most PV cells rely on a broad spectrum to achieve maximum efficiency, and their EQE
—a measure of the cell's ability to convert specific wavelengths into electricity—usually
peaks in the green-to-yellow range for silicon-based cells. Short wavelengths, such as
blue, carry high energy but can be overly absorbed by some filters, reducing light
intensity reaching the cell. On the other hand, longer wavelengths, as passed through
yellow or green filters, create higher voltage outputs by promoting greater interaction
between the PV material and the photons.

All of these interactions have practical uses: in BIPV, tinted glass in building facades
balances the aesthetic with energy production, regulating light impinging on the solar
panels. In both greenhouse farming and optical systems, selective filters optimize
functional and environmental needs regarding the transmission of light. Also, filters can
improve performance under cloudy or low-light input conditions in solar panels by
shaping the transmitted spectrum.

Environmental factors such as temperature and light intensity also affect PV efficiency.
The excessive light absorption by some filters encourages heat and, hence, reduces
efficiency, while filters allowing the transmission of optimal wavelengths enhance output
under varied conditions. These insights are useful for the development of advanced
solar technologies, emphasizing spectrum management in the optimization of
renewable energy systems for diverse applications.

Hypothesis
The blue light is expected to produce the lowest output voltage, while yellow light is predicted to
generate the highest output voltage in the solar panel.

Explanation (effect
Type of Variable Variable on experiment) How
Determines the color
of light reaching the Colored films allow
solar panel, impacting specific wavelengths to
Independent Variable Wavelength voltage. pass.

1 ResearchGate, 2022, www.researchgate.net/figure/The-relationship-between-photon-energy-

and-wavelength-According-to-the-energy-equation_fig1_360070112.
 Voltage generated by
the panel, reflecting
Output Voltage of light absorption Measured using a
Dependent Variable solar panel efficiency. voltmeter.
Maintains consistent
light intensity across Same bulb type and
Light source: bulb trials. power setting used.
Distance between light Ensures uniform light
source and solar panel intensity reaches the Distance measured and
(30 cm) panel. fixed at 30 cm.
Exposure time (5 Prevents variations in Timer used to ensure
Controlled Variable minutes per trial) energy absorption. equal exposure time.
Avoids heat buildup Timer ensures a
Cool-down time (2 affecting voltage consistent cooling
minutes between trials) readings. period.
Ensures consistent
performance with a 30
Solar panel type and cm x 30 cm panel, 1 Same panel used for all
size cm height. trials.
Eliminates external
factors like Trials conducted
Environmental temperature or ambient indoors in a stable
conditions light changes. setting.
Approx. 30 cm x 35
cm and 0.05 mm thick,
ensuring consistent Identical films used for
Size of plastic films coverage. uniform light filtering.

Materials Needed
● Solar Panel: A small, standard solar panel suitable for experiments. (30x30cm would be
ideal.)
● Colored Film Filters: Blue, green, yellow, red, and pink.
● Multimeter: For measuring the output voltage of the solar panel.
● Light Source: A bulb or LED light source.
● Connecting Wires: For connecting the solar panel to the multimeter.
 ● Clamp: To securely hold the light source in place.

Safety Aspect
● Let the light cool before handling.
● Ensure safe electrical connections.
● Avoid direct eye exposure to light.
● Organize wires to prevent tripping.

Procedure
1. Place the solar panel on a stable table or surface, ensuring it won’t move.

2. Adjust the light source/bulb to a fixed distance from the solar panel and do not change it.

3. Set up the multimeter and connect it to the solar panel.

4. Record the output voltage with no light on to establish a baseline measurement.

5. Place the first colored film on top of the solar panel.

6. Switch on the light source and start the timer simultaneously. Leave it on for 5 minutes.

7. After each trial, take a 2-minute break before starting the next one.

8. Conduct a total of 5 trials for each colored film, recording the output voltage at the end of

each 5-minute period.

9. Replace the colored film with the next color and repeat steps 5-8.

10. Calculate the average output voltage for each colored film based on the recorded

measurements.

Reasons for repeating trials 5 times

● Ensures the results are reliable and can be replicated.

● Reduces random errors that may occur during each trial.

● Improves the overall precision of the measurements.

 ● Minimizes the effect of any equipment inconsistencies.

● Confirms consistency by identifying and averaging out anomalies.

DATA COLLECTED:

yellow light voltage after 5 mins

trial 1 13.26
trial 2 13.21
trial 3 13.07
trial 4 13.06
trial 5 12.66
average 13.052

2 U.S. Energy Information Administration. “Photovoltaics and Electricity.” Www.eia.gov, 17 Mar. 2022,
www.eia.gov/energyexplained/solar/photovoltaics-and-electricity.php#:~:text=A%20photovoltaic%20(PV)%20cell
%2C.
green light voltage after 5 mins
trial 1 12.62
trial 2 12.59
trial 3 12.44
trial 4 12.35
trial 5 12.3
average 12.46

red light coltage after 5 mins

trial 1 11.76
trial 2 11.72
trial 3 11.69
trial 4 11.68
trial 5 11.67
average 11.704

blue light voltage after 5 mins

trial 1 11.52
trial 2 11.5
trial 3 11.49
trial 4 11.48
trial 5 11.48
average 11.494

pink light voltage after 5 mins

trial 1 11.69
trial 2 11.68
trial 3 11.68
trial 4 11.67
trial 5 11.68
average 11.68

Color Average Voltage (V) Standard Deviation (V)

Yellow 13.052 0.211
Green 12.46 0.015
Red 11.704 0.033
Blue 11.494 0.015
Pink 11.68 0.006

The data collected was analyzed using a One-Way ANOVA test to determine whether the color

of light, filtered through plastic films, significantly affects the output voltage of the solar panel.

The results showed an F-value of 140.05 and a p-value of 2.52×10^-14, indicating that the

differences in mean output voltages across the colored films are statistically significant.

This supports the hypothesis that the wavelength of light affects the energy conversion efficiency

of the solar panel. The yellow film generated the highest voltage, 13.052 V average, while for the

blue film, the voltage was the lowest, 11.494 V average. The trend follows the absorption

properties of the films, where shorter wavelengths, such as blue, are absorbed more, allowing

less light to reach the panel, while yellow manages to transmit more light efficiently.

The results show that the performance of the solar panel changes with the light spectrum

reaching it, hence the importance of spectral considerations in the optimization of solar energy

systems.
The graph shows that the output voltage decreases from yellow to blue, with yellow producing

the highest voltage. As you move from yellow to red, the voltage gradually decreases, with blue

generating the lowest voltage. Interestingly, the pink film shows a slight increase in voltage

compared to blue. This trend suggests that the solar panel's efficiency varies depending on the

wavelength of light, with shorter wavelengths like blue producing less voltage, possibly due to

greater absorption by the blue filter.

The error bars in the graph represent the standard deviations of the output voltages for each

color. The sizes of the error bars indicate the variability in the results across the five trials for

each film. Notably, the yellow and green films have larger error bars, suggesting more variability

in the data for these colors. In contrast, blue and pink have smaller error bars, indicating more
consistent results. There is no significant overlap between the error bars, which implies that the

differences in output voltages between the colors are relatively reliable. The distinct separation

suggests that the changes in voltage due to different colored films are not due to random

variations but are likely caused by the properties of the light and films.

The initial hypothesis was that blue light would generate the highest voltage because the original

research question focused on how different colors of light would affect the solar panel's output.

Blue light, with its shorter wavelength and higher energy, was expected to produce the most

voltage, while red, with the longest wavelength, would generate the least. However, colored

films were used instead of direct colored light, and these films absorb a significant portion of the

light. As a result, the hypothesis was revised to predict that the blue film would absorb more

light, leading to a lower output voltage. The experimental results supported this revised

hypothesis, as the blue film produced the lowest voltage, confirming that the absorption

properties of the films played a significant role in the outcome.

The higher voltages produced by colors like yellow and green can be explained by the interaction

between light wavelengths and the absorption properties of the films. Yellow and green films

allow more light to pass through to the solar panel because they absorb less light compared to

films like blue, which absorb a significant portion of it.

For example, blue films absorb shorter wavelengths, including blue light itself, reducing the

amount of energy reaching the solar panel and resulting in lower voltage output. In contrast,

yellow and green films absorb less light, allowing more photons to reach the panel, which

increases electron excitation and produces higher voltage. The varying absorption characteristics
of each film directly influence the intensity of light reaching the panel, leading to the differences

in voltage output.

These results highlight how colored films can selectively improve solar panel performance,

particularly in settings requiring filtered light like building-integrated photovoltaics.

Calculations and Errors

● Stopwatch: The stopwatch uncertainty is ±0.5 seconds due to the digital delay and

human error in reaction time.

● Meter Ruler: Half of the smallest partition on a meter ruler. The smallest partition being

0.005m.

● Break Duration Between Trials: The breaks between trials may have fluctuated by

approximately 10 seconds, impacting the solar panel’s temperature or the stability of the

light source. These small variations in timing could affect voltage readings if the panel

was not given adequate time to stabilize before measurement.

● Environmental Factors: Variations in environmental conditions, such as changes in

ambient light levels or room temperature, could influence the performance of the solar

panel. Fluctuations in room lighting or temperature during the experiment may have

introduced additional inconsistencies in the voltage readings.

For future experiments, several improvements could enhance the reliability and depth of the

findings:
 1. Wider Variety of Colored Films: Incorporating a broader range of colored films,

including shades and patterns, could provide more comprehensive insights into how

specific wavelengths affect solar panel output.

2. Increased Number of Trials: Conducting more trials for each colored film would help

to minimize uncertainty and variability in the results, leading to more reliable averages.

3. Consistent Break Duration: Ensuring a consistent break duration between trials could

help stabilize the conditions, reducing fluctuations in temperature and light intensity.

4. Controlled Environment: Performing the experiment in a controlled environment with

regulated lighting and temperature would mitigate the impact of external factors on the

measurements.

By implementing these improvements, future investigations could yield more robust and

consistent data regarding the influence of light colors on solar panel efficiency.

Conclusion

This correlation analysis, based on simulated data, indicates that while there are some

relationships among the colors, none are particularly strong. The moderate negative correlation

between yellow and blue highlights that the performance of these films varies inversely. It is

crucial to note that these findings are based on synthetic data; future experiments should aim to

gather actual trial data to validate these relationships. The hypothesis that yellow light would

produce the highest voltage was confirmed, aligning with the theory that yellow wavelengths

transmit more usable light energy.