How to run a small DC motor??????

I can't know your knowledge of PV and electric motors and electronics so I'll try to keep it in simple terms and hope that I do not insult you. As much as it pains me not to just give you the links to what you will need to accomplish this task, I feel it would do you and everyone else here a great injustice. Afterall, "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for life."

There is no shortage of small PV modules that can produce 12 volts dc nominal at .55 amps. Here are just a few examples. Compare the specs. of nominal 10 watt PV modules.
.55 X 12 = 6.6

http://www.southwestpv.com/Catalog/Solar%20Modules/Unisolar%20Solar%20modules.htm

 A problem might occur though with the motor being able to withstand the higher "working" dc voltages of a PV module during high light levels as well as the lower dc voltage from a PV module during low light levels. The motor may over heat and melt down or if it can stand the higher or lower "working" dc voltages of a direct PV connection it may only run at full speed for an hour or two at noon time. This is were an LCB or Linear Current Booster would be used.

http://www.solarseller.com/solar_converters__inc__linear_current_boosters___faq_.htm

Check out the specs. on the "PPT 12/24 - 3"
http://www.solarseller.com/dc_photoswitch__dc_timer__voltage_controlled_switch_dc_relay.htm
They are a little high compared to your motor but I am sure someone makes them smaller.

http://chuck-wright.com/SolarSprintMotorPV/SolarSprintMotorPV.html

More fun with electric dc motors.
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/Elec_p009.shtml
My favorite is the "high voltage motor in 5 minutes."
Seconded by "12,000 volts from a rubber band and a soda can."

http://www.wondermagnet.com/

There is also no shortage of used PV yard lights at yard sale and such that may still have good PV cells in them. Just be mindful that you will need a multimeter maybe a soldering gun and stuff if you go this route. Remember; .55 X 12 = 6.6

Tom:  Thanks for your quick response, and no, I'm not insulted:  I don't know anything about this stuff and I welcome the chance to learn.  I'll look over the links you provided and ask further questions as I'm sure I'll have several.

One question I now have as I read your initial response has to do with a potential problem you raise:

"A problem might occur though with the motor being able to withstand the higher "working" dc voltages of a PV module during high light levels as well as the lower dc voltage from a PV module during low light levels. The motor may over heat and melt down..."

Now I understand that the Linear Current Booster will compensate for lower "working" dc voltages during the early and later parts of the day, but will it also address the higher voltages during mid-day? I'm not clear on that one and I certainly do not want to worry about melting fans while I'm at work!

Again, thanks for your help and I look forward to studying what you've provided!