Do you think it’s odd that CDs are used to make solar panels? Many of us are undoubtedly wondering if making one is even doable. Surprisingly, building a solar panel out of a CD can be fun.
You’ll get a step-by-step method to making solar panels from CDs if you read this entire post. Aside from having fun with a DIY project, it would help if you learned more about the benefits of solar electricity in our daily life.
Don’t be perplexed; if you look around in other places, you’ll find all the instructions on creating solar panels with CD in this article. It’s a clever way to repurpose outdated CDs and a simple way to watch the futuristic phenomena of solar power. So, continue reading if you also want to make a solar panel with CD:
Table of Contents
Things To Consider Before Making A Solar Panel With a CD
Work on a flat surface that can be reached from all sides, such as a small table, for all tasks; Each disc must be flawlessly consistent and free of any cracks or scratches. Each flaw lowers the device’s effectiveness and doubts the panel’s long-term viability.
Before soldering and laying the discs, the substrate’s joints need to be sealed. This method will give you access to all corners and enable you to seal the joint completely. Before moving forward, the sealant needs to be entirely dry. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and pressure may harm the delicate surface.
It is preferable to purchase everything you require just before assembly rather than using the correct parts from previous designs to eliminate unintended errors and ensure that the design functions properly the first time. The longer the product lasts without requiring maintenance or time-consuming rework, the newer the components are.
How Does A CD Solar Panel Work?
The completed model can be viewed structurally as a base that has reflecting surface pieces successively fixed to it. Their number is determined based on your objectives to obtain a specific amount of electrical energy from the panel. With more reflecting components, creating a larger energy-dependent gadget concerning power will be feasible.
The size of the battery, however, is a different issue. Considering its size, weight, and height, installation may be challenging.
The solar cell output on the CDs is poor because they are not designed to collect and process solar energy. One way to solve this issue is to use conventional solar panels from a reputable manufacturer instead of alternative reflectors. Try to increase the number of discs if you are pursuing an initial goal and are more interested in the assembly procedure than applying the end result.
Such a battery will be straightforward to locate and efficient enough for basic experimentation and hands-on training in using alternative energy sources.
Steps To Make A Solar Panel With CD
Collect Supplies
You might believe that making a solar panel with a CD requires many tools and equipment. To make the solar panel with CD, you’ll only need a few simple pieces of equipment, which are given below.
- A CD
- Cardboard
- A sharp knife
- Marker
- Ruler
- Tape measure
- S hooks
- Paint spray
- Multimeter
- Insulated electric wire
- A low-voltage device
- Wire cutters
1) Measure The Disk
Measure the length and width of the CD appropriately. Once you have measured the CD, you can draw and cut the template on Cardboard. This way, executing this plan with proper measurement and planning would be easier.
2) Paint Cardboard
Continue to the next step by spraying any one side of the Cardboard, ideally completely black, as dark colors absorb the heat from the surroundings. You can use a coating material for the best results or improved aesthetics. However, before adding other colors, you must wait at least half a day for the paint to dry completely.
3) Attach Wires With CD
Begin by inserting the copper wire into the CD’s center hole and bending it to adhere. The wire’s edge can be attached with adhesive. Now wrap the copper wire around the cd’s bright side to form a coil. When you’re done, use glue to secure them together.
4) Connect Diodes
It’s now time to attach the voltage-regulating Zener diodes. Place the diodes between the copper wire’s cut sections. Solder the copper wire ends to the diodes’ ends using the soldering iron. Connect the insulated wires by leaving one of the holes free.
Connect Insulated Wires
Once you connect the diodes to the CD, it’s time to connect the copper wires with the insulated wire. Make sure to connect two different edges of insulation wire with different sides of copper wires. You should experiment on a sunny day.
Place the CD in the Sun with the shiny side facing the Sun. Connect the voltmeter to the CD using the electric line. The reading on the meter will rise, indicating that the CD panel is producing solar energy.
On the other hand, a solar panel with a CD may only provide one voltage, which is insufficient to power the homes. However, you can improve your innovation skills by working on this non-traditional solar energy project. You should be able to profit from free solar energy in only a few steps.
With a little imagination, you can generate enough energy to heat your room, house, or even a swimming pool.
What Are The Benefits Of CD Solar Panels?
Every experiment has its advantages, and this one is no exception. It’s a do-it-yourself educational project that allows you to participate in a creative science experiment. A successful endeavor always boosts the inspiration for a new idea. CD solar panel is perplexed about how the Sun’s rays may generate electricity.
The project teaches kids that the Sun is a tremendous source of energy. Toys can be made with this DIY solar panel. The CD solar panel is commonly used to power homemade fans and lights. This CD solar panel could be a low-cost energy source because additional energy can be generated by adding more CDs.
Making a solar panel out of many CDs would improve voltage, but it may not be enough to power your daily needs. However, all the energy you receive from the panel is completely free. It’s a creative endeavor that can lead to a large energy source through increasing creative motivation.
Why Do You Prefer Using Solar Energy?
The CD, DVD, and Blu-ray discs have become old artifacts in this technological age. Despite this, you can recycle the old discs to make them usable again. Plastic discs’ glossy surfaces can be used to make a solar panel that produces energy or a solar thermal panel that heats the water.
You may recycle your old CDs from the mountain of obsolete CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs lying around your home or lawn! A hands-on learning experience on “how to create a solar panel using a CD?” should boost your capacity to do a progressive solar project to harness the sun.
Final Verdict
CDs don’t seem to be as popular as they once were in this digital age. Connecting to PCs and other gadgets has never been easier or more convenient.
However, this does not imply that we should discard our old CDs. We can recycle or reuse them into something more valuable. Their shiny or reflective surfaces are suitable for making a DIY solar heating panel. As a result, it is feasible to generate free solar energy.
Working on this unconventional solar energy project will strengthen your ability to innovate. You should be able to use solar energy’s free power in only a few simple steps. With a little imagination, you can generate enough energy to heat your home, room, or swimming pool.
Making a solar panel out of a CD is a fun and useful job. This solar panel may not be able to power all your daily appliances, but it can power little lights and toys.
