http://www.instructables.com/id/My-home-made-solar-cell-1/

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My home made solar cell step by stepby alessiof76 on May 3, 2009

Table of Contents

My home made solar cell step by step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Intro:   My home made solar cell step by step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Step 1:   Materials you will need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Step 2:   How to prepare copper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Step 3:   Cooking the copper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Step 4:   Prepare the cooked copper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Step 5:   Assemble the cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Step 6:   Fill and seal the cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Step 7:   Test the cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

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Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

http://www.instructables.com/id/My-home-made-solar-cell-1/

Intro:  My home made solar cell step by step

Here is a low power low efficiency photovoltaic cell that you can make you own in the kitchenwith materials from the hardware store.This cell is made from cuprous oxide instead of silicon and you can build a working solar cell in 2 hoursto build it i follow this instruction: http://scitoys.com/scitoys/scitoys/echem/echem2.htmlon

Step 1: Materials you will needA sheet of copper flashing from the hardware storeA transparent CD caseElectric wireSodium bicarbonate or Table salt

An electric stovehot gluesolderSheet metal shears for cutting the copper sheet

I suggest you visit http://scitoys.com there are many projects and interesting kit

http://www.instructables.com/id/My-home-made-solar-cell-1/

Step 2: How to prepare copperThe first step is to cut a piece of the copper sheeting that is about the size of the burner on the stove. Wash your hands so they don't have any grease or oil on them.Then wash the copper sheet with soap or cleanser to get any oil or grease off of it. Use the sandpaper or wire brush to thoroughly clean the copper sheeting, so that anysulphide or other light corrosion is removed.

Next, place the cleaned and dried copper sheet on the burner and turn the burner to its highest setting.

http://www.instructables.com/id/My-home-made-solar-cell-1/

Step 3: Cooking the coppercook the copper for at least 30 min.As the copper gets hotter, the colors are replaced with a black coating of cupric oxide. This is not the oxide we want, but it will flake off later, showing the reds, oranges,pinks, and purples of the cuprous oxide layer underneath.The last bits of color disappear as the burner starts to glow red.When the burner is glowing red-hot, the sheet of copper will be coated with a black cupric oxide coat. Let it cook for a half an hour, so the black coating will be thick. Thisis important, since a thick coating will flake off nicely, while a thin coat will stay stuck to the copper.After the half hour of cooking, turn off the burner. Leave the hot copper on the burner to cool slowly. If you cool it too quickly, the black oxide will stay stuck to the copper.

Step 4: Prepare the cooked copperWhen the copper has cooled to room temperature (this takes about 20 minutes), most of the black oxide will be gone. A light scrubbing with your hands under runningwater will remove most of the small bits. Resist the temptation to remove all of the black spots by hard scrubbing or by flexing the soft copper. This might damage thedelicate red cuprous oxide layer we need to make to solar cell work.When you are finished cleaning the copper should be as in the photo

Step 5: Assemble the cellCut another sheet of copper ,Solder a wire to each copper plateglue to insulate the solderingglue the plate as in photo

http://www.instructables.com/id/My-home-made-solar-cell-1/

Step 6: Fill and seal the cellseal the cell and fill it with a solution of baking soda (or cooking salt) and water

http://www.instructables.com/id/My-home-made-solar-cell-1/

Step 7: Test the celltest the cell whit SunlightA note about power

my cell produces 58 microamps at 0.10 volts.

Don't expect to light light bulbs or charge batteries with this device. It can be used as a light detector or light meter, but it would take acres of them to power your house.

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http://www.instructables.com/id/My-home-made-solar-cell-1/

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Comments

50 comments Add Comment view all 207 comments

 RabakomabaR says:  Feb 11, 2015. 2:52 PM  REPLYI think it's good idea. Inplix is nice. I can recommend it

 jak_kr0 says:  Jan 4, 2015. 9:45 AM  REPLYi like this project and intend to experiment with it a good bit. there a few points that come to mind though.

first: id like to find a way to do it cheaper with as many free, recycled, easy to find, and scrap components. also suggestions for alternative materials would benice so that the primary things are not simply directed to acquire from the hardware store.

some of my ideas were to use old cat-3 phone line (which is often solid inside walls and braided when outside). i use solder from old pluming or circuit boards.actually an old computer could give you the wiring and enough solder for a few of these.

1/2" copper pipe translates to about 1.6" when cut and flattened and has a thickness of 0.028mm to 0.049mm, depending on type, and can be cut to whateverlength.

1" copper pipe translates to about over 3" and has a thickness of about. 0.035mm to 0.065mm.

either of these aren't uncommon to find as scrap, and if bought would be much cheaper than flashing by the square inch as well as mass. is that acceptable ordoes the copper need to be thin enough to grade by mil to work? (if so, id just suggest smashing it more!)

i would also add tomato based hot sauce packets to the list of materials with which to clean the copper. it works well and rinses away clean.

secondly, i would really like to investigate how to do a solar cell with common US coins, if possible.

pennies are currently made with a 97.5% zinc core and only with a 2.5% copper coating. could the zinc be used, or perhaps the copper coating? could time andtemperature be adjusted on the stove or would the process be completely different or even totally ineffective because of the different makeup.

im not very clear on the physics or chemistry involved. if anyone could offer any assistance with making this idea work, it would be appreciated greatly.

im adding other common (non-collector) coin compositions for quick reference.

nickles: since 1946 are a mixture of 75% copper and 25% nickel cupronickel (75% copper, 25% nickel) alloy.

dimes (2.268g,) quarters (5.67g,) and half dollars (11.34g,): since 1965 are made of cupronikle alloy sandwiching a 99.5% copper core.

Sacagawea dollar (8.1g): is a 99.5% copper core surrounded by manganese bronze, an alloy which consists of about 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese,and 4% nickel.

And no, this use of American coinage is not illegal, as it is not willful counterfeit or fraudulence.

 kalpesh.dhalwalkar.7 says:  Dec 27, 2014. 6:49 AM  REPLYi wants to self make a solar panel so can u help me ?

http://www.instructables.com/id/My-home-made-solar-cell-1/

 kalpesh.dhalwalkar.7 says:  Dec 27, 2014. 6:49 AM  REPLYi wants to self make a solar panel so can u help me ?

 kalpesh.dhalwalkar.7 says:  Dec 27, 2014. 6:48 AM  REPLYi want to make a solar panel because actually to buy it is costly as well after that also if i wants to replace my home electricity supply instead to solar energy cani do this?

as well my question if i generate electricity anyhow by solar power or wind power how i can store that electricity as i can use only when its need is any idea?

http://www.instructables.com/id/My-home-made-solar-cell-1/

 kalpesh.dhalwalkar.7 says:  Dec 27, 2014. 6:48 AM  REPLYi want to make a solar panel because actually to buy it is costly as well after that also if i wants to replace my home electricity supply instead to solar energy cani do this?

as well my question if i generate electricity anyhow by solar power or wind power how i can store that electricity as i can use only when its need is any idea?

http://www.instructables.com/id/My-home-made-solar-cell-1/

 kalpesh.dhalwalkar.7 says:  Dec 27, 2014. 6:48 AM  REPLYi want to make a solar panel because actually to buy it is costly as well after that also if i wants to replace my home electricity supply instead to solar energy cani do this?

as well my question if i generate electricity anyhow by solar power or wind power how i can store that electricity as i can use only when its need is any idea?

 kalpesh.dhalwalkar.7 says:  Dec 27, 2014. 6:48 AM  REPLYi want to make a solar panel because actually to buy it is costly as well after that also if i wants to replace my home electricity supply instead to solar energy cani do this?

as well my question if i generate electricity anyhow by solar power or wind power how i can store that electricity as i can use only when its need is any idea?

http://www.instructables.com/id/My-home-made-solar-cell-1/

 kalpesh.dhalwalkar.7 says:  Dec 27, 2014. 6:36 AM  REPLYi want to make a solar panel because actually to buy it is costly as well after that also if i wants to replace my home electricity supply instead to solar energy cani do this?

as well my question if i generate electricity anyhow by solar power or wind power how i can store that electricity as i can use only when its need is any idea?

 kalpesh.dhalwalkar.7 says:  Dec 27, 2014. 6:36 AM  REPLYi want to make a solar panel because actually to buy it is costly as well after that also if i wants to replace my home electricity supply instead to solar energy cani do this?

as well my question if i generate electricity anyhow by solar power or wind power how i can store that electricity as i can use only when its need is any idea?

 kalpesh.dhalwalkar.7 says:  Dec 27, 2014. 6:35 AM  REPLYi want to make a solar panel because actually to buy it is costly as well after that also if i wants to replace my home electricity supply instead to solar energy cani do this?

as well my question if i generate electricity anyhow by solar power or wind power how i can store that electricity as i can use only when its need is any idea?

http://www.instructables.com/id/My-home-made-solar-cell-1/

 kalpesh.dhalwalkar.7 says:  Dec 27, 2014. 6:35 AM  REPLYi want to make a solar panel because actually to buy it is costly as well after that also if i wants to replace my home electricity supply instead to solar energy cani do this?

as well my question if i generate electricity anyhow by solar power or wind power how i can store that electricity as i can use only when its need is any idea?

 shezada.rajputz says:  Aug 14, 2014. 9:21 AM  REPLYIs it nessary to use a electric burner

 OrionB says:  Dec 7, 2014. 6:05 AM  REPLYYes. A gas burner would not allow the oxygen to reach the copper. An oven would wake too freaking long and wouldnt work properly.

 shantanav.saurav says:  Nov 9, 2014. 12:28 PM  REPLYAssuming I were to make more than one of these, how would I wire them up so that I could make a small solar panel producing about 25 watts?

 OrionB says:  Dec 7, 2014. 6:04 AM  REPLYAssuming you have 750kg of copper, in parallel.

 strmrnnr says:  Jul 14, 2009. 6:42 AM  REPLYJust wondering if you can use two large pieces the same size with a small gap in the case. Or, do both pieces have to see the sun for it to work. Side Awould be the shiny copper and side B would show the oxidized copper.

 alessiof76 says:  Jul 15, 2009. 11:38 AM  REPLYI can not translate well to your question, if you write it with other words i'll reply, I apologize

 shantanav.saurav says:  Nov 9, 2014. 12:35 PM  REPLYHe is asking if the copper plates have to be the same size, and if both pieces of copper have to be facing the sun for the cell to work.

The answers to these are: No, no. The copper plates do not have to be that same size, nor do both of them have to face the sun. You will, however,have to make sure that the sheet which you heated will have to face the sun.

http://www.instructables.com/id/My-home-made-solar-cell-1/

 strmrnnr says:  Jul 15, 2009. 7:41 PM  REPLYI added a drawing. Would this work better or do they have to be side by side?

 gapl says:  Jul 5, 2010. 2:48 AM  REPLYhi it is nice idea can you please explain the idea to me. It would be very helpful

 alessiof76 says:  Jul 16, 2009. 11:32 AM  REPLYnow I understand what you wanted to say! thanks! Great idea! the path of ions is a little 'longer but the whole surface of the cell can collectphotons thanks for sharing your idea! it only remains to test it I apologize for my bad English Ciao Alessio

 ????? says:  Sep 19, 2014. 3:45 PM  REPLYthink you ..you are good because explane this information

 alessiof76 says:  Sep 19, 2014. 11:42 PM  REPLYthank you! you are very kind

 erialc.ticklessss says:  Sep 16, 2014. 2:48 AM  REPLYwhat could be possible alternative of copper in doing this home made solar panel? are coal / charcoal possible? please do cater my query, badly need it for mytheses write-up..thanks

 alessiof76 says:  Sep 19, 2014. 11:38 PM  REPLYalternative to chopper could be other semiconductor... no easy to find at home

 ????? says:  Sep 19, 2014. 3:45 PM  REPLYthink you ..you are good because explane this information

 Ivraine says:  Aug 26, 2010. 5:09 AM  REPLYHey, I've seen this project before in a book in our school library. I believe the original project called for something along the lines of silver nitrate? It said itcould produce about 4x the amount of power as yours, but it needed carcinogenic chemicals, high-power acids, and lots of money. Great project though, Iliked that you didn't need to make a more complicated solution.

 kimcyril.jaudian says:  Aug 26, 2014. 1:42 AM  REPLYSilver nitrate is an inorganic compound with chemical formulaAgNO

3. This compound is a versatile precursor to many other silvercompounds, such as those used in photography. It is far less sensitive to light than the halides.It was once called lunar causticbecause silver was called luna by the ancient alchemists, who believed that silver was associated with the moon.

 christacia says:  Aug 6, 2014. 6:43 PM  REPLYif i would be increasing the size of the copper sheet, would it also increase the voltage?

http://www.instructables.com/id/My-home-made-solar-cell-1/

 jgreyes says:  Oct 27, 2012. 5:15 PM  REPLYSir, it is possible to increase the output of your project up to 19-20v?

 TeodorJ says:  Aug 4, 2014. 10:00 AM  REPLYYes, by using different electrolyte and i believe using different metal sheets.Made from different metals.

 TeodorJ says:  Aug 4, 2014. 9:57 AM  REPLYDo I must to use copper? Aluminum is also Negative, and copper is pretty much positive.

Aluminum has -1,66 V and Copper has 0,34 V

Thus meaning we get 2V.

Please i need this fast.

 papa mama says:  Jul 11, 2013. 12:53 AM  REPLYis make a water of common salt.? .............. please reply

 ArsalHussain says:  Jun 19, 2014. 10:28 AM  REPLYYes. NaCl Common Salt Works Like A Elctrolyte

 ChedSawada says:  Sep 6, 2013. 10:59 PM  REPLYSir, Ahm..............my teacher in chemistry said that when the copper plate is mixed with sodium bicarbonate.....it will have chemical reactions and the sun isonly the catalyst for this solar cell to produce electricity..........he also said that the longer it stays under the sun..........it will corrode and sooner it will turn in togas........i also noticed the green chemicals that are seen in the copper plate...thans a lot sir......i will be patienly waiting for your answer.please......God bless!

 alessiof76 says:  Sep 7, 2013. 12:28 AM  REPLYin the following link you can find the explanation of the reaction

https://www.google.it/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=11&cad=rja&ved=0CHkQFjAK&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.surfacetreatments.it%2Fupload%2Fdocumentazione%2F98%2FTesi%2520Lytovchenko.pdf&ei=idQqUqLUCuGQ4ATTxIHoBQ&usg=AFQjCNE5bq3nrtrl3-Z8cyNPDfhMjARnow&sig2=eTWHfm6RLt32LMgQKtFNpA&bvm=bv.51773540,d.bGE

https://www.google.it/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=8&ved=0CGEQFjAH&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ajol.info%2Findex.php%2Fbajopas%2Farticle%2Fdownload%2F63717%2F51544&ei=idQqUqLUCuGQ4ATTxIHoBQ&usg=AFQjCNG80JRxqUo5OAJ8CRbAX3W_VeXG8g&sig2=R5UN4oxlHIMrjW-KGMMtEw&bvm=bv.51773540,d.bGE

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092702489700233X

 alessiof76 says:  Jul 11, 2013. 4:37 AM  REPLY??? simple conductive ad transparent solution... H2o + NaCl

 papa mama says:  Jul 8, 2013. 10:06 AM  REPLYMr.alessiof! please tell me that what salt water enter the CD case with copper sheets? please reaply, HURRY. If i wrote in bad word please, i tell you sorry.PLEASE.................................Thanks

 alessiof76 says:  Jul 8, 2013. 10:28 AM  REPLYsaturated solution of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or common salt (NaCl)

 Obaid Mir says:  Mar 12, 2013. 2:50 AM  REPLYI am sure it will work but I need to know how much voltage it will generate because I am about to charge my laptop.

 alessiof76 says:  Mar 12, 2013. 4:58 AM  REPLYabout 0.05V-0,1V only some uA...... :(

 Secret Solar says:  Feb 2, 2013. 1:39 AM  REPLYThis is great I am gong to add some panels to my current solar engines setup.Thanks

http://www.instructables.com/id/My-home-made-solar-cell-1/

 sophiagabriella195 says:  Jan 4, 2013. 5:17 AM  REPLYwhat are the measurements for water and baking soda?

 prajeshkv says:  Oct 27, 2012. 10:37 PM  REPLYi m really exicted to do this solar cell at home, but my requirment is for 12 v ,plz.Mr.alessiof76, explain me in brief.,thank you.

 Neolp says:  Oct 18, 2012. 7:19 AM  REPLYGreat post, I read of a very similar method to make these cuprous oxide panels in solar energy projects for the evil genius by Gavin D.J. Harper. It claims tonot provide much power but an excellent project for the beginner.I reccomend visiting the library or your local book store and checking out some of the alternative energy books for DIY's, there are tons of books andmagazines that should inspire people to make something awesome and of course post their project on instructables :).

 Blaziner says:  Oct 10, 2012. 2:24 AM  REPLYsir it is necessary to fill it with salt solution....and if yes then it should be filled inside the case?..thank u

 swarup9880 says:  Sep 23, 2012. 8:20 AM  REPLYhi i am swarup from india. I know that the solar cell are made by pn juntion. But you use copper. how is it wort. please reply.....

 Carwen Betha says:  Sep 6, 2012. 5:13 AM  REPLYCopper Sheets aren't sold in my city, can brass sheets substitute for this??please reply.

 alessiof76 says:  Sep 6, 2012. 11:14 AM  REPLYNo... only copper

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