Home Science Tools Solar Powered Car

DESCRIPTION Experiment with "green energy" on a small scale! This economical solar powered car operates on either sunlight or a rechargeable AA battery. A four-position switch allows you to choose between 1) running the car on the solar cell, 2) running the car on the battery, 3 ...DESCRIPTION Experiment with "green energy" on a small scale! This economical solar powered car operates on either sunlight or a rechargeable AA battery. A four-position switch allows you to choose between 1) running the car on the solar cell, 2) running the car on the battery, 3) recharging the battery from the solar cell, or 4) "off." Two binding posts allow the voltage and amperage developed by the solar cell to be measured in all four switch positions using an optional digital multimeter, not included.

The solar cell can be tilted to show the effect of the sun's angle on the solar cell voltage. Perform additional experiments using a digital multimeter and a light bulb. The dimensions of the Solar Powered Car are about 15 cm (6") L x 7 cm (2.75") W x 8 cm (3.25") H and it weight about 150 g (5 ounces).

A rechargeable AA battery is included.