How Much Would You Like To Save Each Year by Learning How to Build Your Own Homemade Solar Panels?
Technology has rapidly changed within the last two decades when it comes to turning the sun's energy into electrical energy. As a result people are becoming more enticed to this technology.
The real benefit of creating your own solar panels is that the homeowner will learn how to repair and maintain them when damage occurs. This is a big advantage when it is considered that solar power lends itself quite naturally to isolated locations. They are quite lightweight to transport, apart from the batteries used for storage, and the mounting of the panels before operation doesn't require special equipment or electrical knowledge.
There is no question that the simplest way is to just reach out to a specialist to do the whole installation. In the spirit of utilizing go green technology, creating homemade solar panels is worth the effort - but be cautioned there are some pitfalls to refrain from.
Many of these materials are easily accessible, but the range of cells can confuse someone who is new to this technology. To start out with, photo-voltaic cells are the simplest to work with and are inexpensive. Avoid using those that are wax dipped or 'b' grade, because the end result will not meet the output expected.
In addition, some supplies from countries such as China have been substandard and unreliable in delivery. The actual construction process for homemade solar panels is to assemble all the equipment and materials in a dry and dust free space.
When it comes to building your own solar panels the tools required are: saw soldering iron, screw drivers, a paintbrush and a hammer. These are the essential tools that are present in the workshop of the average DIY enthusiast.
The components listed include some timber to make the frame for mounting the panels on the roof. Screws and wood panels to make the housing for the cells, and black paint are required also in the construction of homemade solar panels.
Obtain photo-voltaic cells and the tab wiring to connect them, selecting pre-tabbed cells to make the project less boring and faster.
Find some eva glue, solder and flux, plastic sheeting to cover the lid of the housing as well as blocking diodes to stop current reversal and the project can be started.
Create a housing and seal it with some silicone filler. Spread the cells out on a backing board and glue them in an arrangement of 6x6 with the tabs facing up. Connect the tabs in series with solder and tab wiring adding the diodes to stop current reversal when the unit is not receiving enough sunshine.
Assembling homemade solar panels will appear just as valuable as the professional ones and the turnout will only vary slightly. You should not expect to get as much energy from the panels as first imagined because there are factors that you have consider, including sunshine hours and strength this will determine how good any system will be. To get the most out of your solar panel installation place the panel in the housing, cover and seal with the plastic cover material and it is ready to add to the roof frame once painted to help heat energy absorption.
If an energy audit hasn't been done before the project starts, it is certainly a good idea as the household may get real benefit from adopting energy saving practices even before installing homemade solar panels.
About the Author
Neville Easley is enthusiastic analyst in the Go Green spectrum. His goal is to keep his audience informed with step by step guides of do it yourself resources."Green energy" is all about saving, building and installing solar panels and wind turbines to generate electricity. You can check out my blog at: http://www.GoGreeneForLife.com for more valuable tips and resources on going green homeowner savings from now and for years to come.
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