As energy prices rise, it is always good to look for cheaper alternatives to slash bills. After initial costs, solar power is energy for free. Getting the kit installed can be pricey though; here are a few tips to help build your own solar panel.
Ahead of anything else, it is important to ensure you have the right tools and equipment. Most importantly of course are the solar cells themselves; spend some time selecting which will be best for you.
There are a few other items needed. Plywood, a length of 1 x1, copper wire, a diode line, batteries and Plexiglas will be required for construction. You will also need a circular saw, screws and screwdriver, caulk, outdoor paint, soldering kit and glue.
The first step will be to draw a grid, suitable to your solar cells, on the plywood, (use them as a template). Having determined the size of the panel by this, you can cut the plywood to size and the fun can really start.
Take your 1 x 1 and cut to size; determined by the size of your plywood panel. The panel should be attached to these using your screws, and applying suitable amounts of caulk and painted with outdoor paint to protect from the elements.
Before applying the cells, they need to be soldered together; using tabs at the back to attach one to the other. This work needs to be very careful, as the cells are very delicate at this point. Once in a suitable series, they can be applied with glue onto your plywood grid.
The copper wire should now be attached from the cell to the electrical system and batteries. To ensure no power is lost in the opposite direction, a diode line will also need to be attached at this point.
The final step is to entirely weatherproof the panel through Plexiglas over the cells. Secure in place with caulk and allow to dry. You have now managed to build your own solar panel.
Ahead of anything else, it is important to ensure you have the right tools and equipment. Most importantly of course are the solar cells themselves; spend some time selecting which will be best for you.
There are a few other items needed. Plywood, a length of 1 x1, copper wire, a diode line, batteries and Plexiglas will be required for construction. You will also need a circular saw, screws and screwdriver, caulk, outdoor paint, soldering kit and glue.
The first step will be to draw a grid, suitable to your solar cells, on the plywood, (use them as a template). Having determined the size of the panel by this, you can cut the plywood to size and the fun can really start.
Take your 1 x 1 and cut to size; determined by the size of your plywood panel. The panel should be attached to these using your screws, and applying suitable amounts of caulk and painted with outdoor paint to protect from the elements.
Before applying the cells, they need to be soldered together; using tabs at the back to attach one to the other. This work needs to be very careful, as the cells are very delicate at this point. Once in a suitable series, they can be applied with glue onto your plywood grid.
The copper wire should now be attached from the cell to the electrical system and batteries. To ensure no power is lost in the opposite direction, a diode line will also need to be attached at this point.
The final step is to entirely weatherproof the panel through Plexiglas over the cells. Secure in place with caulk and allow to dry. You have now managed to build your own solar panel.
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By using solar panels for homes you can save money, help the environment, and generate electricity using free energy from the sun with DIY solar panels. You are welcome to reprint this article - but get your own unique content version here.
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