Michael Davis of Arizona has always had an interest in renewable energy. Last year he needed a way to provide electricity in a remote location and learned that used parts found on eBay can be used to build a solar-powered electric generator.
Most of us understand the benefits of using the sun to produce electricity. Sunlight is available for free and there is less harm to the environment. Up until now, the main stumbling block has been the cost of solar panels which contain electricity-producing photovoltaic (PV) cells.
Michael found some damaged PV cells on eBay and decided to give them a try by using them to construct his own solar-powered electric generator. Here is what he learned:
* Damaged PV cells can perform just as efficiently as new cells.
* These cells are much cheaper than new cells.
* They can be purchased on eBay or from other sources.
How To Construct Your Own Solar Generator
If you are handy with tools, you can construct your own solar-powered generator following these basic steps:
1. Calculate The Number Of Cells You'll Need
First, decide whether you want enough electricity for your entire home or just a few appliance. I would suggest starting with a small system and expanding it over time.
2. Find A Source For The PV Cells
While eBay isn't the only source for damaged or blemished cells, buying them online is convenient. With some investigation, you may be able locate other sources, including cell manufacturers or contractors that install panels.
3. Connect The Cells Together
All of the cells must be connected together in order to function properly. This will likely involve the use of solder and special wire. You can learn to perform this process with a little practice.
4. Build A Panel To Hold The Cells.
The solar panel is a shallow box that holds the PV cells. You'll mostly construct this from wood, but other materials will work. The size is not critical but should be small enough that you can handle it easily.
5. Assemble And Install Your Panels
Mount your solar cell assembly inside the panel. Cover the panel with Plexiglas to increase its efficiency. and will help protect your panel from the elements. Before installing the panel on the roof, test it out in direct sunlight.
6. Install Your Panels
Most likely, you'll want your panels to be on your roof, but you can place them anywhere that sunlight is available. If you're in the northern hemisphere, face them toward the south.
7.Tie your panels into your home's electrical system.
As a final step, you will need to connect the panels to your home's electrical system, or at least to the lights and appliances that you want to run. In addition to wiring, you'll need these items:
* Inverter - necessary to convert your solar-produced electricity from DC to AC
* Safety shut-offs
* System monitor and Battery back-up (optional)
You can start out small and expand your solar power system over time. If you generate excess power, you can even sell it to the local power company and start seeing a profit.
Most of us understand the benefits of using the sun to produce electricity. Sunlight is available for free and there is less harm to the environment. Up until now, the main stumbling block has been the cost of solar panels which contain electricity-producing photovoltaic (PV) cells.
Michael found some damaged PV cells on eBay and decided to give them a try by using them to construct his own solar-powered electric generator. Here is what he learned:
* Damaged PV cells can perform just as efficiently as new cells.
* These cells are much cheaper than new cells.
* They can be purchased on eBay or from other sources.
How To Construct Your Own Solar Generator
If you are handy with tools, you can construct your own solar-powered generator following these basic steps:
1. Calculate The Number Of Cells You'll Need
First, decide whether you want enough electricity for your entire home or just a few appliance. I would suggest starting with a small system and expanding it over time.
2. Find A Source For The PV Cells
While eBay isn't the only source for damaged or blemished cells, buying them online is convenient. With some investigation, you may be able locate other sources, including cell manufacturers or contractors that install panels.
3. Connect The Cells Together
All of the cells must be connected together in order to function properly. This will likely involve the use of solder and special wire. You can learn to perform this process with a little practice.
4. Build A Panel To Hold The Cells.
The solar panel is a shallow box that holds the PV cells. You'll mostly construct this from wood, but other materials will work. The size is not critical but should be small enough that you can handle it easily.
5. Assemble And Install Your Panels
Mount your solar cell assembly inside the panel. Cover the panel with Plexiglas to increase its efficiency. and will help protect your panel from the elements. Before installing the panel on the roof, test it out in direct sunlight.
6. Install Your Panels
Most likely, you'll want your panels to be on your roof, but you can place them anywhere that sunlight is available. If you're in the northern hemisphere, face them toward the south.
7.Tie your panels into your home's electrical system.
As a final step, you will need to connect the panels to your home's electrical system, or at least to the lights and appliances that you want to run. In addition to wiring, you'll need these items:
* Inverter - necessary to convert your solar-produced electricity from DC to AC
* Safety shut-offs
* System monitor and Battery back-up (optional)
You can start out small and expand your solar power system over time. If you generate excess power, you can even sell it to the local power company and start seeing a profit.
About the Author:
About the author: John Horning has a website devoted to solar energy. Learn more about building solar-powered electrical generator on his website, www.DIY-Solar-Power.net.
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