subject: How To Make Solar Panels [print this page] As with any new thing in life you get involved with, occasionally there will be a learning curve. When you are learning [link] for the first time, you'll have a slight learning curve.
For you to avoid common mistakes that many first timers make, I created a list of important things to remember when [link].
Here are the 3 essential tips:
Tip #1: Don't build the solar panel frame first
Without even thinking, many just jump and start with the frame. Maybe, because it is somewhat easier than soldering solar cells. That, I would agree on. But when you think about it, you first need to calculate the size of the solar panel.
By now, you have probably estimated the required power for your household appliances. Therefore, you also know, how many cells to connect together.
Now, you have to measure the length and width of the solar cell array. And then I suggest you mount the solar cell array on the substrate, that you should have made. Only at this point you can be sure about the dimensions for the solar panel frame.
Tip #2: Leave enough space for solar cells
It's an important thing to know that solar cells expand and contract based on the changing weather conditions. On warm days the cells ecpands and on colder days they contract.
You should carefully plan out the space for the solar cells inside the frame. Leave a little extra between the corners and the cells and the plexiglass and cells.
Don't be crazy with silicon caulk, as many people are. Don't fill in every free space in the frame box. This will cause the solar cells to break.
Nobody wants to climb up to the roof and, loosen the screws, bring the panel down and do the repairing and so on. It is a real pain!
Tip #3: Worry for the big stuff
There are many types of people personalities. But if you place yourself amongst perfectionists, then I would say it will rob you a lot of time when learning how to build solar panels yourself.
There will always be some small mistakes you make. Be it small blobs of glue left over the joints, some insignificant misalignment of the cells or wiring or something else. It is like with soldering, you get better with every solar cell you pick up.
