How to Build a Mini Solar Panel Car

Building the Car

• 1

  Cut your cardboard, wood slat or foam board into a car shape. The car must be at least an inch wider and longer than your solar panel and should be sturdy. If you're concerned about a cardboard or foam board base, glue a second layer to the original car base.

• 2

  Glue or attach the axle holders to the underside of the car base.

• 3

  Glue a wheel onto one axle. Make a second axle-wheel assembly. Leave the glue to dry for a few minutes.

• 4

  Attach the drive mechanism to the drive axle. If you're using gears, connect one gear to the drive axle. If you have a pulley system, place one pulley on the drive axle.

• 5

  Slide the axles into place on the base, then glue the remaining wheels onto the axles.

Powering the Car

• 6

  Attach the motor to the vehicle. Connect the other gear or pulley to the motor, then install the motor near the drive mechanism. If you're using pulleys, place the motorized pulley near enough to attach the motor to the drive axle with your elastic. If you're using gears, mesh the teeth together and attach the motor there.

• 7

  Wire the solar panel to the motor. Make sure the contacts touch exposed wire on both ends. You need to attach both wires to create a full circuit. If you want to install an on-off switch, do so now by attaching a wire from the solar panel to it, then to the motor.

• 8

  Install the solar panel on the vehicle, connecting it at an angle to catch the most light.

• 9

  Test the vehicle. If the vehicle runs backward, try switching the wires on the motor.