Homemade solar cells

[VWedelich]

Has anyone tried to make a homemade solar cell? I have read about the copper plate type cell with saltwater, and I have heard about screen printing a solar cell.

Has anyone had any luck with these techniques? Any other methods?

 

[nbucska]

The CuO really works !! <nbucska@pcperipherals.com>

 

[VWedelich]

I saw a fairly decent explaination on this solar cell on the internet. Did you actually try it, and if so, what size cell did you build? How many volts and amps did it produce in direct sunlight? What was the ratio of salt to water used as the electrolyte?

I am very interested in making a homemade solar cell panel and inverter.

 

[nbucska]

Yes I tried. I made about 1 sq. cm. and it worked but not
too well. It was good enough to illustrate the principle.
<nbucska@pcperipherals.com>

 

[triffid1]

I made copper oxide solar cells in the early 1990's in my apt.kitchen. these solar cells are less than 5% efficient.
I have not heard of them in saltwater before.The one I made
produced a current which moved a needle on a voltmeter.triffid1