A homemade solar cell is one of the most efficient ways to power your home using renewable energy. A solar cell converts energy from the sun into electricity and is normally installed on a person's roof of their home. You are able to purchase these new from different stores, but the problem is that they are very costly. You might spend upwards of $1,000. It's a great way in knowing how to generate electricity for free. A better way is to build your own homemade solar cell. Here is how:
Materials You Need
• Copper Sheeting•Clear Plexiglass/Perpex/Acrylic Sheeting • Some Thin Wood Strip • copper Wire • Duct Tape • Metal Guillotine • Bandsaw • Electric Ring Hob These materials focus on the most cost efficient technologies in terms of cost per generated power.
How A Homemade Solar Cell Works
1.) Photons in sunlight hit the solar panel and are absorbed by semiconducting materials, such as silicon.
2.) Electrons (negatively charged) are knocked loose from their atoms, allowing them to flow through the material to produce electricity. Due to the special composition of solar cells, the electrons are only allowed to move in a single direction. The complementary positive charges that are also created (like bubbles) are called holes and flow in the direction opposite of the electrons in a silicon solar panel.
3.) An array of solar cells converts solar energy into a usable amount of direct current (DC) electricity. To find out more information about the steps going into building a homemade solar cell, visit building a homemade solar cell.
How To Prepare A Solar Cell
For preparing the solar panel, the solar cells are arranged in rows. These must be connected for a smooth flow of energy. A sheet of plastic or glass is placed on the panel of cells so that they are protected. After this, the edges of the solar panel are framed.
Josh is an avid writer on the topic of "Going Green" and wants to spread the word about the efficiency of a homemade solar cell.
