How to Make A Solar Fan

Sun is an eternal source of energy. While all the sources of energy have their own limits but sun as a source of energy has no such limit (except during cloudy days). So, to use the energy coming from the sun to a higher limit, we should discover new technology and things. And, also this energy is absolutely cost-free.

Solar Fan

Here is a project which will add to your comforts while making the best use of the solar energy. The thought is to make a fan which uses solar energy for its operation. In this fan, solar energy is converted into electric energy by the solar panels using wafer based silicon. This solar fan is ideal for cooling attics, garage, inside a vehicle or even in a small place where you need to feel the breeze. For making this project, you can get all the components from the market.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Time Required: 2 hours.

Resources required

Parts

1. Circuit box or any enclosure

2. 12-volt computer fan

3. 12-volt solar panel

4. Large 25-volt capacitor

5. Two AA Battery Holders

6. Two Rechargeable AA Batteries

Tools

1. A Soldering Iron

2. Solder

3. Wire

4. Wire Cutters

5. Drill Machine

6. Drill Bits

7. Hand saw

8. Hot Glue Gun

Estimate Cost

This project is not so expensive and a budget of around $10 is sufficient enough for its making.

Instructions

When all the tools and components are handy, our next mission is to assemble them which can be done quite easily by simply following these steps:

1. First cut and strip wires of various lengths.

2. Now, make some hole in the box so that the wires can pass through these holes.

3. Next step is to make connections using wires between the fan and the capacitor. First, by soldering connect the red/positive wire of the fan to the capacitor's positive terminal and then to the red/positive wire on the solar panel.

4. The next step is to connect the black/negative wire of the fan to the capacitor's negative terminal and then to the black/negative wire on the solar panel.

5. Afterwards on the top of the box fix the fan with hot glue gun gluing it from all around and then glue the solar panel next to it.

6. Put the entire board on which the capacitor, the batteries and the wires are attached inside the box. Thus we will have the fan & solar panel outside the box and the rest components will be inside the box/enclosure.

Frequently asked questions

Is it mandatory to use capacitors in this project?

Yes it is absolutely mandatory to use a capacitor as the solar panel will power the fan, but if there is any extra power generated then it will be stored in the capacitor just like a small battery. In case there is a shadow over the solar panel then the stored power in a capacitor will keep the fan running.

How can the output of a solar fan be enhanced?

This question has a very simple answer. To improve the power of your solar fan, just double the output of the solar panels. You can do this by using more solar panels and by connecting them in series-parallel. For that you need to be electronically inclined or you can consult a technician.

Quick tips

1. Before connecting the various parts, make some holes on the box and then connect the various parts in such a way that the fan and solar panel will stay outside the box and rest will be inside it. Pass the wires through the holes on the box first and then connect.

2. You can customize your fan as your needs grow by using more panels and a bigger fan.

3. Check the connections using a multi-meter.

Things to watch out for

1. Always wear protective glasses while soldering to save the eyes from any kind of harms.

2. Always remember that the fan and solar panel will be outside and rest capacitor battery panel and batteries will be inside the box. So, first pass the wires through the holes and then connect them to the components inside as well as outside the box.

3. Follow the stepwise instructions so as to avoid ugly situations or any confusing moments.