Kids can be inventors, too! 12-year-old William Yuan from Beaverton, Oregon has invented a way to create solar energy, or energy from the sun. His invention is so amazing that it may help to solve the energy crisis!

William realized that the sun’s solar energy was being underused. He figured out how to develop a 3D solar cell that can absorb both visible and UV light and generate electricity. William hopes that solar panels will be able to use his 3D cell. A 3D cell could allow a solar panel to produce 9 times more sunlight and 10% more energy from the sun than normal solar panels that use 2D solar cells.

William believes that using the 3D cells in solar panels will make a positive impact on the environment. Right now he is looking into getting the solar cells manufactured and marketed. Way to go, William!

Today, energy from the sun can be absorbed by solar panels for heating water and air in people’s homes. Right now more than 10,000 families in the US get their home’s electricity from solar power and that number is growing!

Even if your family doesn’t use solar panels, you can still use the sun as an energy source when you make your very own solar cooker!

Go to the Make website to learn how to make a pizza box solar cooker and tell us your findings!

 Also, if you want to learn about other forms of energy, make sure to visit the Austin Children’s Museum’s new exhibit, All Systems Go, and explore the Energy Lab!