Homemade simple and practical home solar panels

Single solar cells are not suitable for direct use as a power source. To function effectively, multiple cells must be connected in series or parallel and then sealed into a module. Solar panels, also known as solar modules, are the core component of any solar energy system and play the most critical role in converting sunlight into electricity.

Homemade simple and practical home solar panels

Tools & Materials

You will need a piece of copper, approximately 30cm by 15cm, two spring clip leads, a sensitive micro-ampere meter that can read between 10 to 50 microamps, a large transparent plastic bottle (1 liter or more), a 2-liter mineral water bottle, salt, tap water, sandpaper, and a metal sheet cutter.

Method / Step-by-Step Guide Step 1: Creating Cuprous Oxide

Start by cutting a piece of copper to match the size of your electric stove. Make sure your hands are clean and free of grease or oil. Wash the copper sheet with soap or detergent to remove any oils or impurities. Use sandpaper to polish the surface and eliminate any sulfides or corrosion.

Homemade simple and practical home solar panels

Place the cleaned and dried copper sheet on the electric stove and turn it to maximum heat. As the copper heats up, you'll notice a beautiful oxide layer forming—colors like orange, purple, and red will begin to appear on the surface.

As the temperature increases further, the color changes to black copper oxide. This is not what we want. Allow the process to continue, and the black oxide will peel away, revealing the desired cuprous oxide layer beneath.

Homemade simple and practical home solar panels

Once the electric stove is hot, the copper sheet will be covered in black oxide. Let it heat for about 30 minutes so that the oxide layer becomes thick enough to peel off easily. A thicker layer is easier to remove without damaging the cuprous oxide underneath.

After 30 minutes, turn off the stove and let the copper cool slowly. Rapid cooling may cause the black oxide to stick to the copper. As it cools, the copper and the oxide layer will shrink at different rates, causing the black layer to flake off.

Homemade simple and practical home solar panels

When the copper has cooled to room temperature, most of the black oxide should have peeled off. Gently rinse the copper under running water to remove any remaining small black spots. Avoid scrubbing or bending the copper, as this could damage the cuprous oxide layer.

Homemade simple and practical home solar panels

Step 2: Assemble and Cut Another Piece of Copper

Cut another piece of copper of the same size as the first one. Gently bend both pieces so they can fit inside the plastic bottle without touching each other. It’s best to place the cuprous oxide side facing outward since it has the smoothest and cleanest surface.

Attach one spring clip to the new copper piece, connecting its wire to the positive terminal of the ammeter. Attach the second spring clip to the copper sheet coated with cuprous oxide, connecting it to the negative terminal of the ammeter.

Next, mix two tablespoons of salt into hot tap water until fully dissolved. Carefully pour the brine into the plastic bottle, making sure the spring clips stay dry. The water doesn’t need to completely cover the copper—leave at least 2 cm of space to prevent the solution from reaching the clips when you move the setup.

Bluetooth Headphones & Speakers

Bluetooth headphones & speakers

DongGuan BoFan Technology Co.,Ltd. , https://www.ufriendcc.com