How to Make a Solar Energy Model

Solar energy gains in popularity each year. The sun provides us with power that is not just renewable, but is also clean and efficient. The best part is that it is free, aside from the initial cost of purchasing solar panels to convert the sun's rays to electricity. The easiest way to understand solar energy is to experiment with it, and the simplest way to do that is to construct a solar energy model that performs the same way a larger scale solar project would. If you are considering solar power and would like to make sure you can do it, follow these steps to make a solar energy model that you can base your designs on.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Solar panel
• DC motor
• Rechargeable battery
• Resistor
• Diode
• Wires

1. Purchase a DC powered motor to use in your model. Motors that operate on DC are designed for use with battery power, as opposed to being plugged into the wall. You can obtain a DC motor from your local hobby shop, or from any old battery operated toys that are no longer being used. It does not have to be a large motor since you are just making a model of solar energy (see Resources below).

2. Buy a solar panel large enough to supply power to your DC motor. These panels are often referred to as photovoltaic cells (see Resources below). The purpose of the solar cell is to take energy from the sun and convert it to DC power. This power is then transferred to a generator or a rechargeable battery, where it can be used to provide power for your motor or other appliances.

3. Connect your solar panel to a rechargeable battery. Start by connecting a wire to the negative terminal on your solar panel and running it to the negative post on your battery. Next run a wire from the positive terminal on the solar panel to a diode, which will prevent energy from leaking out of the battery. Connect an additional wire from the diode to a resistor, which will prevent the battery from being overcharged. Finally, connect a third wire from the resistor to the positive post on the battery. You can purchase a diode and resistor at Radio Shack or a similar electronics store.

4. Wire your DC motor to the battery. This is a straight process involving two wires. Run one wire from the negative terminal on the motor to the negative post on the battery. Run a second wire from the positive terminal on the motor to the positive post on your battery. Your circuit is not complete, and consists of a rechargeable battery being energized by solar power and feeding current to your DC motor.

5. Test the motor. Supply the solar panel with a source of light. A reading lamp is often sufficient, but direct light from the sun works best. When the panel is exposed to light, the motor should begin to operate. Many people like to attach small fan blades to the motor to add to the visual effect of the energy being converted to DC power.

Tips & Warnings

• Adding a toggle switch to one of the wires connecting the motor to the battery will allow you to turn the motor on and off without interrupting the light source.

Resources

• 24V DC Motor
• Low Cost Solar Cells