How to Build a Simple Solar Cell using a 2N3055 Transistor

Want to learn how solar panels work?

Build your own mini solar cell at home!

It is a fun project for electronics enthusiasts and uses a common part called a transistor.

This is a basic model and wont power your house, but it is a great way to see how sunlight can be converted into electricity.

Circuit Description:

Parts List:

Begin by selecting a functional 2N3055 power transistor from your collection of spare electronic components.

Carefully grind off the top cap of the transistor ensuring that the internal circuit remains undamaged as illustrated in the diagram.

Subsequently, as depicted in above diagram connect the emitter and collector pins of the transistor to establish the positive output while utilizing the base as the negative output.

Following these steps exposing the modified region of the transistor to sunlight will promptly generate approximately 0.7V across the positive and negative outputs of the transistor.

To elaborate further the 2N3055 power transistor functions as the core component of the homemade solar cell.

By modifying its structure and configuring the connections, you essentially repurpose it to harness solar energy.

The grinding process is crucial as it allows sunlight to reach the internal components initiating the generation of a voltage difference across the positive and negative terminals.

This simple yet effective approach enables the transformation of a common electronic component into a functional solar cell demonstrating the principles of photovoltaic energy conversion in a DIY setting.

How to build:

Building a simple solar cell using a 2N3055 power transistor involves a few steps.

• Choose a 2N3055 power transistor from your collection of electronic components.
• Ensure that it is functional.
• Use a hacksaw or a file to carefully grind off the top cap of the transistor.
• Be cautious not to damage the internal circuit of the transistor during this process.
• This step is crucial as it allows sunlight to reach the internal components.
• Join the emitter and collector pins of the transistor together.
• This forms the positive output.
• The base of the transistor can be used as the negative output.
• Use a soldering iron and solder to secure the connections.
• Ensure that the soldering is done neatly and the joints are secure.
• Use a multimeter to check the continuity between the positive and negative outputs.
• This step ensures that the connections are properly established.
• Once the connections are verified, expose the modified area of the transistor to sunlight or a bright light source.
• The exposed region should be the one where the top cap was removed.
• Use the multimeter to measure the voltage across the positive and negative outputs of the transistor.
• You should observe a voltage of around 0.7 volts or more.

Note:

• This DIY solar cell is a simple demonstration and is not intended to generate significant power.
• It serves as an educational project to understand the basic principles of solar energy conversion.
• The 2N3055 power transistor is used here as a makeshift solar cell, and its efficiency is limited.
• Commercial solar cells are much more sophisticated and efficient in converting sunlight into electricity.

Safety:

• Remember to exercise caution when handling electronic components and using soldering equipment.
• Additionally, this simple solar cell using a 2N3055 Transistor project is more of an educational experiment rather than a practical solution for powering devices.

References

Power Transistor 2N3055 as a Solar Cell Device

Turn a transistor into a solar cell! (Screw it, a phototransistor!)