How to Make a Small Solar Panel

With the sky rocketing prices of fossil fuels and the poor shape of our environment, renewable energy is a topic of much discussion these days.  Between the known forms of renewable energy; wind, water, geothermal, and solar, solar power is by far the most efficient and reliable. 

Extensive information about solar energy can be found at Earth4Energy.org.  According to this site, solar panels can be used to collect energy during sunny periods, storing it in batteries, and that energy can in turn be stored and used when it is dark or cloudy. 

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SOLAR PANEL INSTRUCTIONS

While solar panels can be purchased for a price that is relatively cheap (compared to what they used to cost), it is also possible to make a small solar panel with supplies that can be purchased at any hardware store near you.  The supplies you will need are listed below:

• A sheet of copper plating (to be oxidized with a burner)
• A simple current-reader and connector cables
• A wire brush or sheet of sandpaper
• Salt

The first step is to oxidize a section of the copper plating by heating it over an electric stove.  You will know it is oxidized when it forms a layer of black on top.  Use the sandpaper or wire brush to remove the top layer of oxide, leaving only the red cuprous oxide underneath. 

Then the next step to make a small solar panel, is to make a solution of salt and water in a clear jar.  Then put the oxidized copper sheet and a clean copper sheet into the jar with the oxidized sheet connected to the ammeter's negative terminal and the clean copper connected to the positive side.  Once you are sure the two copper sheets aren't touching, take your device out in the sun to test it out. 

Although when you make a small solar panel, it will be too weak to power something as large as your house, you can build a larger, more effective one with the directions below. 

First decide how much power output you will be needing based on what you are trying to power. 

Next, acquire solar chips (either by buying them or by building them, as described above) and arrange them into a panel. 

Once you have the chips arranged, you need to wire them together.  If you have very little experience with circuitry, you should either seek help or review high-quality guides on the subject. 

Rechargeable batteries, though they can be expensive, are worth the cost, as they will allow you to store the energy you collect for later use. 

If you are having doubts or troubles with any step of the process, remember that Earth4Energy has detailed guides and a list of all necessary parts that can be purchased for less than $150. 

Not only does this site have guides that lead you though every step of the process, but they also have photographs and videos to ensure that you fully understand every step.  Remember, the cost of non-renewable energy is only going to go up from here, and investing in a renewable source of energy can save you a ton of money.  So I urge you to try and make a small solar panel this weekend.