Make-Energy.net

I’m about to build a homemade power source and was considering solar cells and fans (air), anyway.

Solar cells are expensive and don’t really generate that much power. The area will be about 30 cm2. I’ve seen that It’s possible to build your own solar cells but they generate very little electricity.

So what can I use instead of solar cells (for sun light or uv rays)? Is there some way to create more powerful solar cells at home instead of buying? How?

P.s. this is for a project in school, so I need cheap and effective solutions.

Thanks!