Our planet is spinning in a constant solar energy bath of 1360 watts per square meter…direct radiant energy from our Sun. Some of that energy is deflected or scattered, but at ground level we receive approximately 1000 watts per square meter of light energy, for many hours each day. (In the U.S. that translates into a little over a horsepower per square yard.)

Photovoltaic cells convert a stream of light photons into a flow of electrons in wires. Our solar cells have alligator clips for easy experimentation.

In a motor, a flow of electrons creates electromagnets in coils on the shaft, creating a ‘push-me, pull-me’ effect with the permanent magnets on the motor housing. This causes the shaft to spin. We draw power from the spinning shaft with gears or drive-belts. Motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy.

CREATIVE AND INVENTIVE

Children can build solar cars on the supplied coroplast, or use recycled materials to make their own solardriven creations.