Maximizing Solar Energy Harvest for A Campus Charging Station: A Comparative Study of Two Solar Panel Types

Abstract

The rising reliance on mobile devices among students highlights the need for sustainable and accessible powering
solutions in educational settings. This study proposes a solar-powered charging station for Politeknik Kota Kinabalu,
aiming to reduce carbon emissions and promote green energy on campus. The primary objective is to compare the
performance of monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels in generating sufficient power to charge a mobile
device battery. Two phases of experimentation were conducted, i.e. laboratory testing under artificial lighting and
on-site testing under natural sunlight. Both solar panel types were configured in series and parallel arrangements.
Voltage, current and irradiance were measured using multimeters and solar meters, with a 10kΩ rheostat included
to simulate varying resistance conditions. Findings revealed that the parallel configuration provided the most stable
current output and performed best in both laboratory and real-world conditions. Even under relatively low
irradiance, the battery showed consistent power restoration. This study concludes that a solar-powered charging
station using a parallel configuration of either panel type is a feasible solution for campus use. Further research is
needed to optimise the design for varying climatic conditions and to support broader implementation in sustainable
campus infrastructure.