How to Make Solar Panels for Kids

children solar cells photovoltaics Since recently more and more people began thinking about climate change, as more and more factors indicate this serious problem. It is necessary to adjust to the changes and that is why the alternative sources of energy like solar power are becoming increasingly relevant. If you are interested in renewable energy sources and solar panels, in particular, visit the website of Solar Panels Company and find out more.

Making Solar Cells on Your Own

Why building solar cells on your own and with the kids? Such activity helps them to learn about the basic principles of science and comprehend the necessity of energy conservation. In fact, every household should consider getting solar panels for children. You can find the stuff for a handmade panel at the nearest hardware store. Are you ready to get to work, learn how it works and how interesting practical science can be? The easiest and most popular methods are mentioned here. For making the solar panels you will need the following:

  • Two copper sheets
  • Stove top
  • Sandpaper
  • A plastic cup
  • Hot water
  • Salt
  • Two metal spring-loaded clips
  • A microampere meter

Step 1: Hot up one copper sheet with the help an iron or an electric stove for about 30 minutes. The copper sheet must become black – that will let you know when to stop heating. After that wait about 20 minutes and allow the material to cool. When it turns reddish, you can carry on. Warning: control the children and make sure to protect them from accidents and injuries.

Step 2: After the sheet cool down, there may be black dots on the surface – delicately remove them using the sandpaper. Note: if you try to scrape the copper sheet too hard, it will endamage the copper oxide layer.

Step 3: Take another, unheated copper sheet and place it on the heated sheet into a plastic cup. It is necessary to make sure that the sheets face each other. Next, prepare two tablespoons of hot water and two tablespoons of salt; pour it into the plastic cup and mix carefully.

Step 4: Take two metal spring-loaded clips and attach them to every copper sheet. After that, connect a microampere meter with both of the clips.

Step 5: Place the whole construction on the sunny side and wait for 30 minutes. Approximately half an hour later check the microampere meter: your mini solar panels should produce a noticeable amount of electricity. But it won’t generate a lot of power like commercial solar panels do.

Why Do We Need Solar Power

It is necessary to explain kids the significance of the project and the importance of solar energy – use plain language and accessible terms to explain the benefits of solar panels. First of all, focus on the fact that solar power is good for the Earth and our environment, because it is a clean, green energy, which sum gives us. It is only natural that famous politicians like Barack Obama support solar technologies.

Solar power will never cause greenhouse effect; it does not pollute any part of nature (air, water, etc.). This type of energy is ‘self-sufficient’ – it other words it requires a little water to start producing power. It doesn’t affect the nature and suits those who enjoy off the grid lifestyle and eco-friendly habits.

One more undeniable advantage of solar cells: it is available. Usually, people make use of energy (coal, oil, or natural gasses) from another country or even another part of the world. Sun power allows producing your own electricity from domestic solar panels. If people make the sun the main source of energy, that will help save the planet and stop (or, at least, slow down) the climate change. Both private owners and the government should support clean energy movement. This is the best example for the new generation.

Tell kids about the advantages of solar panels and make the project interesting for them – that is the best way to show them the positive impacts people can get if they start using solar power instead of fossil fuel.