subject: How To Build Solar Panels [print this page] If you want to build solar panels by yourself, there are several things you need to keep in handy. Solar cells which will supply the electricity, a trusted multimeter to measure the voltage and current you generate, soldering wires, plastic insulators.
The first component of you solar panel is the solar cell. These solar cells are nifty little pieces that can convert sunlight into electricity. These solar cells create around 0.5 volts of electricity and around 6 amperes of current. When constructing your solar panel, it would be wise to determine where you will need your panel in order to determine how many solar cells you need. Solar cells can be purchased online through suppliers or even through online auction sites. Once you have determined how many solar cells you need, you can begin the process of wiring them together as you build your solar panel.
Solar cells need to be wired in series in order to add up the voltage that they generate individually. Series wiring means that the negative terminal of one cell should be connected to the positive terminal of the adjoining one. The negative terminal is usually located on the front end of the solar cell and conversely, the positive end of the cell is located at the back. You can connect the cells together by soldering the connecting wires.
Once you have soldered the cells together, it is also highly recommended that this array be protected from the elements. Oxidation on the terminals of your solar panel can create a drop in the voltage output, thereby reducing the efficiency of your panel in generating electricity. You can protect you solar panel by covering the cells in ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sheets.
Since you chose to build solar panels by yourself, you know whether the panel will be connected directly or if you want to store the power it generates. Solar panels are usually connected to a battery to store the power. You will need to minimize the effects of reverse current once the panel is connected to a battery. This can be done by wiring a diode at the terminal of the panel going to the terminal of your battery.
