How to Build a Portable Solar Panel for Kids

Harvest energy from the sun with a portable solar panel.

Solar panels work by collecting thermal energy from the sun and converting that energy into power. Solar panels range in size and are typically used for powering individual homes, small businesses or appliances. You can make a small solar panel at home for your kids to experience with a few supplies from the hardware store and a little effort.

Things You'll Need

• 1 sheet of copper flashing
• 2 Alligator clip leads
• Micro-ammeter
• Clear plastic 2-liter bottle
• 2 Tablespoons of salt
• Electric drill with a sandpaper attachment
• Sheet metal shears
• Electric stove
• Measuring tape
• Liquid dishsoap
• Towel
• Tap water
• Small bowl
• Measuring cup

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the electric stove burner with the measuring tape.

2. Use the sheet metal shears to cut a square piece of copper flashing that fits the measurements of the stove burner.

3. Attach the sandpaper attachment to the electric drill and gently sand both sides of the copper flashing. Wash the copper flashing with liquid dish soap and dry it with a paper towel.

4. Place the copper flashing on the burner. Turn the burner on to high heat and cook the copper flashing for 30 minutes, allowing the copper to gather cuprous oxide. Then turn the heat off and allow the copper flashing to cool for 20 minutes until it is room temperature.

5. Use the sheet metal sheers to cut off the top of the 2-liter bottle, leaving a wide opening.

6. Use the sheet metal shears to cut a second piece of copper flashing the same size as the first.

7. Bend both pieces of copper flashing into a half-moon shape roughly the same size as the plastic bottle and place each inside the bottle on opposite sides. Ensure they are not touching each other.

8. Attach one alligator lead to the clean copper flashing and attach the second alligator lead to the cuprous oxide copper plate. Then connect the alligator lead on the clean copper flashing to the positive terminal on the meter and the alligator lead from the cuprous oxide copper flashing to the negative terminal on the meter.

9. Pour three cups of hot tap water into the small bowl. Mix in two tablespoons of salt

10. Pour the salt and water mixture into the two-liter plastic bottle, leaving an inch from the top of the plastic bottle to the water level.

11. Place the solar panel in the sun to test.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful not to pour water onto the alligator clips, as water can damage them.

References

• Scitoys: Building Your Own Solar Panel