Are you curious about the operation of solar panels?
Building a small solar cell at home makes this possible.
Those who enjoy electronics and are familiar with the well known transistor component will find this project enjoyable.
Even though this model is simple and wont power a house but its an excellent way to learn how sunlight can be converted into electricity.
Circuit Working:
Parts List:
Choose a working 2N3055 power transistor from your collection of extra electronic parts to start.
Gently remove the transistors top cap while making sure the internal circuit is unharmed as shown in the diagram.
Next as shown in the picture above connect the transistors emitter and collector pins to create the positive output using the base of the transistor as the negative output.
The transistors positive and negative outputs will quickly produce about 0.7V when these steps are completed and the changed area is exposed to sunlight.
The 2N3055 power transistor acts as the primary component of the handmade solar cell to power it further.
By altering the components and wiring up the connections you can effectively reuse it to capture solar energy.
Because it lets sunlight into the inner components the grinding process is important for creating a difference in voltage between the positive and negative terminals.
This simple but successful technique makes it possible to turn a common electronic component into a working solar cell showing the basic principles of photovoltaic energy conversion in a do-it-yourself situation.
How to build:
Building a simple solar cell using a 2N3055 power transistor involves a following steps.
- Choose a 2N3055 power transistor from the electronic parts you have.
- Check to make sure it works.
- Carefully remove the transistors top cap using a hacksaw.
- Take care not to harm the transistors internal circuit while doing this.
- This is an important stage because it lets sunlight into the inside parts.
- Connect the transistors emitter and collector pins.
- The positive output is formed by this.
- The transistors base acts as the negative output.
- The connections is made secure with solder and a soldering iron.
- Make sure the joints are secure and the soldering is done nicely.
- Verify the continuity between the positive and negative outputs using a multimeter.
- This step ensures that the connections are made correctly.
- After the connections are confirmed expose the transistors changed location to bright light or sunlight.
- It is best to remove the top cap from the exposed area.
- Measure the voltage across the transistors positive and negative outputs using a multimeter.
- The voltage one should see should be at least 0.7 volts.
Note:
- This homemade solar cell is not meant to produce a lot of power it is merely a demo.
- It functions as a teaching project to help people understand the basics of solar energy conversion.
- This DIY solar cell uses a 2N3055 power transistor which has a limited efficiency.
- When it comes to converting sunshine into power commercial solar cells are far more advanced and effective.
Safety:
- Always take care when working with soldering equipment and handling electronic components.
- Also this easy solar cell project that uses a 2N3055 transistor is more of an educational activity than an effective means to power devices.
References:
Power Transistor 2N3055 as a Solar Cell Device
Turn a transistor into a solar cell! (Screw it, a phototransistor!)