subject: Homemade Solar Panels - How To Build Solar Panels [print this page] With rising prices, it is good to get cheaper power. With solar power, it is practically energy for free, and could end up earning you money. For even more affordability, it is possible to build your own solar panel.
The first thing is ensure you have the necessary tools and equipment. This will mean sourcing the best solar cells for you, which should be given a good portion of time to decide. There are many out there.
Other than this, you will need plywood, a circular saw, good sized length of 1 x 1, screws and screwdriver, caulk, outdoor paint, soldering equipment and solder, glue, copper wire, diode, batteries and Plexiglas.
Using your chosen cells as a guide, draw a grid on the plywood. Once satisfied, saw out the entire base and place to one side. It is now time to construct the actual panel itself.
The 1 x 1 should be cut into lengths according to the plywood and attached to the sides using the screws and caulk. Once fixed into place, all but the grid can be painted with the protective outdoor paint.
The solar cells now need to be glued into place. However, they first need to be attached in a series. This is quite simple; soldering the tabs at the back of each together. It does need to be done carefully though, as the cells are delicate.
Once all set into place, the copper wire and diode line can be attached from the panel to the electrical system. The diode is necessary here, as it will prevent power being lost through reverse transfer from the batteries.
Plexiglas now needs to be attached across the entire panel. Fix this into place with suitable amounts of caulk to thoroughly protect from the elements. Now you have managed to build your own solar panel for the first time; there should be no stopping you.
