Solar energy is the electromagnetic radiation produced by the sun, and it can be used in a variety of ways to produce electricity. One way electromagnetic radiation can produce electricity is through a photovoltaic system that converts photons directly to a voltage difference. The objective of our research is to use only household items to produce an economical electrical potential with the use of solar cells. A Grätzel cell can be easily produced with household items with the exception of creating electrodes, which are usually transparent indium-doped-tin-oxide. To replace this expensive electrode, galvanized zinc steel that is woven was used, which allows photons to travel through the electrical system and create the electrical potential. Initially, the native oxide on the zinc steel metal was too thin, which caused shorting of the system. To prevent the system from shorting, a thicker oxide was applied from a zinc acetate solution as an alternative. Once the zinc acetate solution was placed in a furnace it turned into zinc oxide. This prevented the metal from acting as a battery and allowed the electrons to travel through the whole cycle of a normal Grätzel cell. These Grätzel cells, recreated using only household products, displayed 21.2 mV, which is 1/3 of the electrical potential of a standard Grätzel cell. To optimize the efficiency of the Grätzel cells, different lengths of woven galvanized zinc steel were tested. The results indicated that a piece of galvanized mesh of two inches by one inch produced the most electric potential, a voltage of 64.9 mV. This small system is promising to the community because it indicates that creating an efficient solar cell at home is feasible.

Obtaining electricity from solar energy utilizing household products

249th National Meeting (2015)

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