DIY Solar Cells for the Classroom

Solar cells are extremely neat devices-- they can convert sunlight into carbon-neutral, renewable energy that we can then use to charge our smart phones and even power our entire communities. Solar cells have always thought to be "high-tech" devices that are manufactured in factories far away, until NOW!

At Northwestern University, our researchers have taken cutting edge science out of the laboratory and created solar cells that can be made cheaply with common household chemicals. What that means is that students in middle school and up can make their own functional solar cells and use them to light LEDs.

We understand that STEM education is important, and we also apprciate the fact that early exposure to STEM and renewable energy could inspire student to pursue such careers or adopt these technologies in the future.

We now know how to make these DIY solar cell kits, but we don't have the resources to bring them to the students in our nearby communinites, namely Evanston/Skokie District 65 schools and the Chicago Public Schools.

For every $5 you donote, we will be able to give one student the experience of making her own functional solar cell and take it home with her when completed. We don't just have to talk about renewable energy and settle for store-bought panels to simply connect wires to-- the student can learn about what goes into one when making it. Imagine-- she could very well become the next Elon Musk!




Thank you for your support!