How to Build a Mini Solar Bus

Make a mini solar bus with small solar cells.

Solar energy is a hot topic in the world of technology these days. With fossil fuels diminishing and climate change on the rise, we are being forced to look at other options for energy. A mini solar-powered bus is a great way to teach yourself and your kids how solar energy works. Although solar-powered transportation on a large scale cannot be done yet, in time they will hopefully become bigger and help save the planet.

Things You'll Need

• Small solar cells
• 3 wheels from a toy car
• Axle from a toy car that is still attached to its mounting bracket
• Electric DC motor
• Motor mounting bracket from toy car
• Wires
• Glue
• Double-sided tape
• Rectangular water bottle

Instructions

1. Connect the wheels onto the rear axle. The center hole of the wheels should fit snugly onto the axle.

2. Place the water bottle on its side. Glue the mounting bracket with attached axle to the rear of the water bottle. Make sure that it is centered or else the mini vehicle will go off course.

3. Place the motor inside the mounting bracket. Glue the mounting bracket to the bottom of the water bottle with the motor axle centered along the bottom.

4. Attach a wheel to the motor axle using the same method utilized with the rear wheels.

5. Attach the solar panels to the top of the water bottle with double-sided tape.

6. Run a wire from the solar panel to the motor. Attach the positive lead of the solar panel to the positive lead or wire of the motor. Do the same with the negative leads or wire.

7. Take the mini vehicle outside. When enough light hits the solar panel, the motor should begin to move the vehicle.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to get creative, decorate the water bottle. However, remember to keep the decorations light or it will be difficult for the vehicle to move.

• If the wheel moves backward, change the orientation of the motor.

• Most of the materials can either be taken from disassembling a child's toy car or found at a local hobby store. Parts may also be ordered on the Internet.

• When choosing the wheels, make sure that they are big enough to move a bottle but small enough so that they do not hit the bottom of the water bottle. If the latter occurs, cut some space into the bottom of the water bottle so that the wheels can move.

• The solar cells are very fragile. Make sure to handle them with the utmost care.

• Keep the toy car parts away from small children so that they do not swallow them.

References

• Scribd: Building Mini Solar Vehicles
• Sunwind: Solar Drive Car and Inventor's Kit
• Green Optimist: How to Build a Solar Powered Car For Your Kids