real-LIFE SKILLS 1 PAIR WORK Write down the step-by-step instructions for making a battery at home using the objects shown in the pictures. You can search the internet for some ideas. copper coins cardboard discs aluminium foil wires salty water tape 2 Your family is thinking of installing a photovoltaic solar power plant to produce electricity. The following are the basic components of a home solar plant. Search for information about them and write a description of each component, explaining what its function is. Solar panel Inverter Racking Batteries 3 GROUP WORK Following the previous research, examine the characteristics of the different types of components and discuss which ones would be the best for your home installation. Tick the ones you choose and give reasons for your choice. Components Type Characteristics Solar panels 60-cell More suitable for small spaces 72-cell 25 cm bigger and heavier than 60-cell systems, cheaper to install on a large surface String inverter (solar panels wired together and connected to a single inverter) Most cost effective Micro-inverter (used on each solar panel) Each solar panel is independent from the others Inverter 104 ELECTRICITY If one panel produces less energy, the whole string would suffer reduced output More expensive than string inverters, especially on a large scale