Solar energy (power) refers to collecting this energy and storing it for another use, like driving a car. The sun blasts 174 x 1015 watts (which is 174,000,000,000,000,000 watts) of energy through radiation to the earth, but only 70% of that amount actually makes it to the surface. And since the surface of the earth is mostly water, both in ocean and cloud form, only a small fraction of the total amount makes it to land.
A solar cell converts sunlight straight into electricity. Most satellites are powered by large solar panel arrays in space, as sunlight is cheap and readily available out there. While solar cells seem ‘new’ and modern today, the first ones were created in the 1880s, but were a mere 1% efficient. (Today, they get as high as 35%.) A solar cell’s efficiency is a measure of how much sunlight the cell converts into electrical energy.
We’re going to use solar cells and the basic ideas from Unit 10 (Electricity & Robotics) to build a solar-powered race car. You’ll need to find these items below. Note – if you have trouble locating parts, check the shopping list for information on how to order it straight from us.
- Solar cell
- Solar motor
- Foam block (about 6” long)
- Alligator clip leads
- 2 straws (optional)
- 2 wooden skewers (optional)
- 4 milk jug lids or film can tops
- Set of gears, one of which fits onto your motor shaft (most solar motor kits come with a set), or rip a set out of an old toy
Here’s what you do:
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The solar cell in Brian’s electronics kits aren’t intended to drive motors. You will need to purchase a solar cell rated for 3V or more.
My car is not working! I am using the solar cell from Brian’s electronics kit and a normal 3V DC motor.
Hi there, this is me Skye
Me and my mom where wondering, where do we get the “kit?”
As well as, is there any kind of kit my mom can order online that will have most of the materials for the experiments…?
Thank you in advance- Skye