An experiment using real hardware and under real test conditions can be remotely conducted by engineering students and other interested individuals in the world via the Internet and with the capability of live video streaming from the test site. The presentation of this innovative experiment refers to the determination of the current voltage characteristic curve of a photovoltaic panel installed on the roof of a laboratory, facing south and with the ability to alter its tilt angle, using a closed loop servo motor mounted on the horizontal axis of the panel. The user has the sense of a direct contact with the system since they can intervene and alter the tilt of the panel and get a live visual feedback besides the remote instrumentation panel. The whole procedure takes a few seconds to complete and the characteristic curve is displayed in a chart giving the student and anyone else interested the chance to analyse the results and understand the respective theory; meanwhile, the test data are stored in a file for future use. This type of remote experiment could be used for distance education, training, part-time study and to help students with disabilities to participate in a laboratory environment. (Contains 8 figures.)