hi tom,
good stuff working with your son on that science project together. not just for the sake of learning but for the life long memories it builds between father and son.
here are some pre made kits. (some assembly required)
http://www.starmagic.com/Solar-Science-Kit.htmlyou will see all kinds of others like it searching around.
this looks like a fun one..gotta get this myself!
http://www.amazon.com/Frightened-Grasshopper-Solar-Powered-Bug/dp/B000QX3NYG/ref=pd_sim_t_3 a spinning motor or a jumping grasshopper is a sure way to get the kids attention but once you have them captive the project should hit them hard with the principles behind it. the science behind the "photovoltaic effect" and such.
perhaps help your son get the actual solar data for your exact location. then make up an array with the proper angle of tilt and power production estimates for the cell used. then figure out how many of these cells it might take to run the school for example.
you should be able to power a cell indoors with a bright (non florescent) light. i believe the quartz lights work well for this. in fact all photovoltaic modules are tested to standards (stc) indoors with a calibrated flash setup.
http://howto.altenergystore.com/Electrical-Characteristics-of-Solar-Panels-PV-Modu/a87/ have fun, dave
