You Can Build Your Own Solar Panel

2012-06-05T23:09:00.000-07:00

Build your Own Solar Panel

With energy resources dwindling fast and global warming changing climates across the globe, more people look towards renewable energies for reducing their carbon footprint. However, even the most environmentally passionate person cannot pursue such endeavors without the proper financial resources. The professional installation of a solar energy system can cost in the thousands, so many resourceful individuals are turning to the many great resources that help you build your own solar panel.

It is possible to completely build your own solar panel, but for the most part, these panels are small and do not produce the wattage necessary to power more than a simple lamp and only for a couple of minutes. The most effective way to produce power from the sun, when you can’t afford to hire the professionals, would be with a solar panel kit. These build your own solar panel kits come with everything you need to successfully build your own solar panel in the comfort of your living room, or the garage may be a wiser choice.

Surprisingly, build your own solar panel kits are not difficult to find. With large companies like GE producing these kits, the build your own solar panel sets are very affordable and offer quicker return on your investment than purchasing and professionally installing a solar energy system. In general the instructions are easy to follow, even for teens and children, and in no time you are on your way to your own solar power system.

If you are looking to build your own solar panel there are a numerous resources and guides available to help you through the process. By involving the whole family in the building process, every one will learn how a solar power system works and exactly how the components are put together. Also, when you build your own solar panel you are giving yourself the knowledge to expand your system on your own, without calling back the installers, and the ability to adapt your current system to meet new design needs.

Making the choice to build your own solar panel is a great investment for your future and the world’s future. Start making your own power at home and take advantage of this great way to educate yourself while saving money and helping the environment and learn how to build your own solar panel today.

How to Make Solar Panels From Home

2012-06-04T23:08:00.002-07:00

How to Make Solar Panels From Home

By Gary Taylors

These days the prices of fuel are ridiculously high, therefore making things like electricity even more expensive. So today I'll help you save on your electricity bill by telling you how to make your own solar panels from the comfort of home.

So what exactly are solar panels? And how can you make your own?

Solar panels (the ones utilizing photovoltaic cells) are large panels used to convert the sun's rays to electricity. This is not only the cheapest way to obtain electricity, it's also the most eco-friendly way there is! There are two main types, namely the solar water heating panels and the solar electricity cells.

A) The solar water heating panels

The solar water heating panels are used to heat water that is used in the homesteads; it is also used to heat water for swimming pools or generally to heat water for other purposes. These panels don't require the photovoltaic cells, but they also cannot store energy for later use.

B) The solar panels (Photovoltaic)

Unlike the solar water heating panels, the photovoltaic solar panels are used to generate electricity. They sometimes have battery supplies attached to them and can be used to store energy, as well as power just about anything conventional electricity powers today. Solar power has previously been common in areas so desolate other forms of electricity weren't available, or the infrastructure simply wasn't there. With the new leaps forwards we've taken in technology in reference to solar energy, we're now able to make solar panels affordable for the average consumer.

First you need to prepare the provisions that'll be used. Below is a list of materials you will need:

Cotton cloth, Silicon caulk, Respirator, Caulk & Soldering gun, Gloves, Solder, Multimeter, UV protective paint, Flux pen & paste, Knife, Paint brush, Screwdriver, Saw, Thirty six solar cells, blocking diode, Wires, UV protective clear panel cover, Stainless steel screw, wood.

Steps in Making Solar Panels

1. First, test out the panels in order to determine how much voltage the cells can handle.

2. Use the calculations of the height and width of the solar panel to choose from either the 4 by 9/the by 12 form of layout. But be sure to leave some allowance for expansion.

3. Attach four side walls to the wood board for the solar cells to be placed.

4. Once the cells have been placed inside the wood, it is to be painted using the UV protective paint for durability of the panel.

5. After that, you now wire the solar cells using the solder. Apply it to the tab ribbon which will then be connected using the solder to the electrode that is at the back.

6. Last but not least, identify the location the solar panel is to be placed and using the back of the solar panel, attach it to the substrate. Place the substrate inside the wooden box then seal it by screwing. Attach two wires, used for the flowing out of power, that'll represent negative and positive and place a blocking diode at the rear of the positive wire to stop power from flowing back.

You can use the UV protective clear panel cover to prevent the panel from destruction. Also check for holes that might give water access to the panel and cover them using the silicone caulk.

Note: Put your solar cells on a surface that's soft if you ever want your solar cells facing south.

These are the basic steps to building your very own solar panel to start generating electricity! This is merely a quick guide, there are much more detailed video tutorials online that can get you up and going much quicker.

Gary Taylors has been an expert a building and maintaining solar panels, as well as other green energy sources, for years! To find out more information about green energy in your home, visit Find Green Energy today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6954226

How To Make A Solar Panel At Home

You Can Build Your Own Solar Panel

How to Make Solar Panels From Home