Build A Solar Panel - Tools And Equipment Needed For A Successful Project!

Where to Find Solar Cells

Where to Find Solar Cells

The quantity of solar cells you require is going to depend on what output you want from your solar panel. If you don't want to pay full price for your solar cells you can try a local company who repairs solar equipment or try eBay. There are many companies who use solar cells to power road signs, their signs suffer from wear and tear and are chucked in the skip. The good news is that the solar cells work fine and just need a bit of TLC.

Plywood - 15mm Thickness

The plywood is the main part of the construction of your solar panel. Choose your plywood with care, you want a quality piece which is nice and flat. The plywood will be painted with a UV protector ensuring the elements do not destroy your panel for many years.

Hard Wood

If you can afford hardwood then get this as it will last longer when left outside at the mercy of the elements and again we will treat it with a UV protector to enhance the lifecycle of your solar panel.

Flexi-Glass

Flexi- glass is used to protect the solar cells and all the electrical wiring. Some people like to use special glass that has the ability to collect infrared light. This is expensive but it will make your solar panel more efficient as the infrared feature will allow you to convert the suns energy in cloudy conditions.

Soldering Wire - Tabbing Wire

This soldering wire enables you to connect the various solar cells together and so make a complete solar panel. The tabbing or soldering wire is manufactured from tin and has a very melting point.

Silicone Sealant

Silicon is used to make the solar panel water tight by filling the gap between the flexi glass and the wooden frame. The great thing about the silicone sealant is that you can also use to fix the solar cells to the plywood backing.

Wiring Solder

The solar cells are joined to the copper wire using solder. The solar cells produce the current, and this current is then carried from the solar panel to your home and connecting to the inverter or batteries depending on which system you have employed. Sometimes the tabbing wire lifts of the backing board or cell, you can use the solder to stick it back down again.

Flux

A flux pen is used to assist the tabbing wire to stick to the solar cells. The flux is applied to the zone where the tabbing wire is to be positioned, the tabbing wire is then assembled with the aid of a soldering iron which melts it in place.

UV Plywood Protector

To give your solar panel assembly as longer life as possible, it is recommended that the frame which holds the flexible-glass in place and the plywood be given a coating of UV protection.

Volt Meter

The volt meter is used to test each cells output as it is assembled to the board. The more solar cells you add so the more volts you will produce.

by: Joe Maurer

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