How to Make Simple Solar-Powered Machines

Solar machine is one of the earth's cleanest sources of energy. By harnessing the heat and photons associated with the sun's rays, man has been able to use solar power on anything from vending machines to military spy satellites. However, you can test the power of the sun yourself by making a solar-powered machine at home.

1
Ensure the electric lead wires are properly connected to the photovoltaic cell, which will be responsible for collecting photons from the sun's ultraviolet rays or artificial ultraviolet rays. Most cells will produce only 20 percent amount of the energy collected, so make sure your cell will be large enough to give you the necessary power. Cover the cell with a small towel.

2
Place the small motor on a table or platform exposed to the sun. Make sure it is free of any obstructions and anything that could catch on fire due to an electrical arcing, which is when an electrical charge shoots out. It takes only a spark to start a fire. If the spark has nothing flammable to land on, you should be OK.

3
Attach the small Popsicle stick to the motor's rotating part. Center the Popsicle stick so that when it spins there will be an even balance. Prop the spinning end of the motor up onto the clay so that there is enough room for rotation.

4
Connect the lead wires from the panel to the engine's electrical connection points. Make sure the wires can't get tangled into the propeller or stuck in the clay.

5
Uncover the photovoltaic cell and expose it to the sun. It may take a few seconds to a few minutes to transmit the energy, but eventually the motor propeller should spin.