Solar Boat Kit :: KidWind Project

Step 5

1. Position the solar panel where it will catch the most sun. The top deck of your boat is a perfect place. The solar panel can be attached to the wooden deck using the two sided mounting tape. One experiment you can try is to change the angle of the solar panel on the deck. You want the sun's rays to hit the solar panel at a 90 degree angle (perpendicular), so before you tape the panel on the deck, set your angle where you want it.

2. You need to attach wires from the motor to the solar panel. The solar panel has two terminals  positive and negative. Slide one of your stripped wires from the motor through the positive lead and the other through the negative lead. Loop the wires over themselves, but DO NOT ATTACH THEM PERMANENTLY! Depending on which wire you attach the motor will spin clockwise or counter-clockwise. If you want your boat to go forward using the propellers included, they have to spin counter-clockwise. Test the boat in the sunlight to get this right. If your motor seems to be spinning the wrong way, simply switch the wires at the solar panel.

3. At this point, your boat is nearly complete! It will have about 1" of a screw poked out of the bottom. This is a perfect place to mount a rudder. A rudder will keep your boat going straight as an arrow. Without a rudder, you may find your boat turning around willy-nilly through the water. You can use whatever you want for a rudder, as long as it is straight. The small pieces of balsa wood included in your kit are perfect for making a rudder. You can also design your own rudder using another material.

4. To attach the rudder, use a small strip of duct tape and wrap it around the screw onto the rudder. You can also try using glue or mounting tape, but make sure it is secure, even when wet.

5. Now double check that everything on your boat is ship-shape! If so, take it outside to some water (or under a VERY bright light) and begin testing, experimenting, and racing your solar sea-faring vessel!