How to Generate Electricity Using Artificial Light and Solar Panels

You can use solar power indoors.

Unknown to many novice electricians, consumer-grade solar panels can actually operate with decent efficiency when powered by artificial lighting. As long as the light source is strong enough, a solar panel will continue to produce a steady stream of electricity until its light source is interrupted. However, since there is no light source as intense or abundant as the sun, accurately judging the light source necessary to power a solar generator becomes important.

Things You'll Need

• Solar panel(s)
• Intense artificial light source
• Digital multimeter w/ alligator clips

Instructions

1. Place the solar panel beneath an artificial light source such as a desk lamp, ceiling fixture or table lamp. Position the panel in the area of maximum light to ensure maximum energy output.

2. Connect the positive lead from the digital multimeter to the positive output of the solar panel and the negative lead to the negative solar output. Turn the multimeter on and set it to detect volts.

3. Record and compare the amount of power the solar panel exudes under the artificial light. The amount of power the solar panels are rated to be able to produce, called their "rated efficiency," is usually printed on the panel itself. This should have been part of the panel's description upon purchasing it.

References

• EMS - Simple Solar Circuits