| There are a lot of ways on how to build a solar | | | | very gently under running water. Be cautious not to |
| panel, depending on its simplicity, its strength to | | | | damage the copper sheet. |
| generate power, its size, and the expensiveness of | | | | 5. Cut off the top portion of the plastic bottle |
| the components used. One can make a solar panel at | | | | forming an improvised bucket. |
| home. But before that, be aware of the following | | | | 6. Get a second piece of copper sheet which is |
| precautions : | | | | exactly the same size as the first one. Slightly bend |
| - Use safety gloves and goggles throughout the | | | | the second piece of copper so it will perfectly fit |
| project | | | | inside the bottle and then slide it inside. |
| - Practice universal safety precaution if with presence | | | | 7. Do the same thing with the first piece of copper. |
| of children in the house | | | | Make sure the edges of both coppers will not touch |
| First, we will be needing all of the following materials : | | | | each other. |
| - Water | | | | 8. Using the alligator-clip lead, connect the first copper |
| - Big, wide-mouth plastic bottle | | | | sheet to the negative terminal of the micro-ammeter, |
| - Sandpaper electric drill | | | | and the second copper sheet to the positive terminal |
| - 2 tbsp. table salt | | | | of the micro-ammeter. |
| - Electric stove or hot plate | | | | 9. Add salt, making sure all particles are dissolved by |
| - Sheet metal shears | | | | stirring frequently. |
| - 2 alligator-clip leads | | | | 10. Make sure the water in the bottle will not dip the |
| - Copper sheeting/flashing | | | | alligator clips, and always keep them dry. |
| - Micro-ammeter (capable of reading up to 50 | | | | This is how to build a solar panel, and now you can |
| microamperes) | | | | place it in direct sunlight and you will see a gradual |
| Here are the steps on how to build a solar panel: | | | | increase in charge as the panel generates free |
| 1. Clean a piece of copper sheet using sandpaper and | | | | electrical power for the sun. This is just a small panel |
| cut it into a square or rectangle using a metal shear, | | | | and it cannot power large appliances. However there |
| making sure it will fit the electric stove burner. | | | | are tips which are helpful in maximizing the |
| 2. Place the copper sheet directly to a switched on | | | | performance or your home-made solar panel: |
| electric stove and leave it for at least 30-40 minutes. | | | | - Adjust the panel to a position that is directly facing |
| You will notice a thick layer of black oxidized material | | | | the sun. |
| that will coat the copper sheet. | | | | - Put it in a place that is convenient for you to adjust |
| 3. Allow 20-30 minutes for the copper to cool down. | | | | anytime of the day. |
| 4. Flake off the black oxidized coating by scrubbing it | | | | |