Making a solar car
The sun provides us with great power which we can harness to provide us with electricity. In this experiment you can learn how to use photovoltaic cells to convert solar energy into electricity in order to move a model car.
You will need:
- 3 pieces of plywood ( 4 ml thick x1 m long x 10 cm wide)
- 2 smaller pieces of plywood (10cm Χ10cm x 5 ml thick)
- 1 electric motor, with an attached cogwheel
- Two wheel axles (metal rods) one of which having a cogwheel which can interact with that attached to the motor.
- Some super-glue
- Wheels from used model cars or new ones
- Some photovoltaic cells (we will use between 5 and 20 cells, depending on the size of the car and the type of the photovoltaic cells)
- Some acrylic colours
- A knife
- Brushes
- A small screwdriver
- A metal ruler
- A small saw
- A pencil
- Double sided sticking tape
And last but not least ... a helping hand from an adult.
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Method
First you must draw the shape of your dream car onto the plywood pieces, cut the various pieces out and glue them together to create the upper part of your car.
When the glue is dry attach the motor, the wheel axles and the wheels.
Paint the car with the acrylic paints and while you are waiting for the paint to dry, connect the photovoltaic cells together and attach the terminals of this created solar panel to the terminals of the motor.
The photovoltaic cells can be connected together either in parallel or in series, that is with the positive end of one cell to the negative of the other cell.
The specifications of the motor will guide you on how best to connect the cells together. You will need an adult to help you solder the cells together.
Attach the photovoltaic cells to the top of the car with tape.
You are now ready to test drive your solar car!