Even though the prototype selenium cells converted below 1% of incident light into electricity, James Clerk Maxwell and Ernst Werner von Siemens realized the importance of the finding. After the work of Russell Ohl during the 1940s, Calvin Fuller, Gerald Pearson and Daryl Chapin made the silicon solar cell in 1954. The objective is to remove the regions that can easily be taken off. Do not damage the copper that stays below the oxidized layer. This is needed to build the solar panel. More Steps Cut the top part of the plastic bottle off, forming a makeshift bucket. Take the second copper piece, then bend it to fit the bottle shape. Experts recommend that you get rechargeable batteries from available green companies. Get any size of deep cycle 12 volt lead/acid or gel battery. You will need the deep cycle battery for nonstop use. The type in the car is a cranking battery, which is good for starting engines. You may also want to look for bargains and other good deals that will cost only around $50 to $60. The disadvantage in terms of availability is that you cannot access the energy if there is no sunlight. You cannot rely on solar power at night or in places that tend to be very cloudy for several months. People living in tropical areas or desert regions can rely on solar panels. However, those who experience very long winter months may not get the best effects. Allocate one day to construct and install your solar cell panels. There are so many books and online resources where you can learn more about solar energy and how to harness the power yielded to the maximum. Talk to other experts and find out about other benefits by adjusting your setup. The good thing about solar energy today is that more and more people are becoming experts in the field, thereby widening your options in getting information. Becquerel's discovery triggered the invention of the first true solar cell by Charles Fritts in 1893, which was created by coating selenium sheets with a thin gold layer. The solar panel was then created afterwards. Russel Ohl is an American inventor who used to work for Bell Laboratories. He patented the first silicon solar cell in the world in 1941.