Pratically anyone can build a solar panel from parts that are commonly available online or at the local home center. You can literally save thousands of dollars over the cost of buying comparable commercial solar panels.
ALthough it takes a little time, building your own solar panels is actually fairly straightforward. Assuming the proper techniques and components are used, solar panels that you make at home are just as long lasting and efficient as those you would purchase, and at a fraction of the expense.
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A solar panel is basically made up from a number of solar cells that are connected and collect energy from the sun. You are probably familiar with seeing multiple panels configured together into an array, most often on rooftops. These make up the backbone of all home solar energy system. Of course the scientific details behind how solar panels work and why we can extract electrical energy from them is a lot more complicated than this and is outside the scope of this article. However, it is sufficient to know that solar cells are made from silicon imbedded with other elements and a solar panel is simply a collection of interconnected solar cells.
The amount of energy that a panel can produce is a function of the number of cells in the panel and the efficiency of those cells. Solar cell efficiency can vary based on the age, placement, size and construction of the cells, so when building solar panel it is first helpful to know what you plan to use it for, where you will put it, how much direct sunlight that location gets, and the materials you will be using. This will permit you to figure out how large your panel (or panels) must be. To build a solar panel, you solder together the appropriate number of cells and configure them into a frame. The housing material for your frame can vary. Usually plywood or aluminum are used. The choice mostly depends on where you plan to use them and the local weather/environmental conditions.
The panel must be made air and water tight to resist weathering and insure proper performance. This is most often done by encasing the connected cells on both sides of the frame in plexiglass or sturdy vinyl sheeting. Adhesive silicone caulk is then used to seal the finished panel around the frame.
Whether building your own solar panels, or buying a system from an energy contractor, the panels must be correctly wired to maintain maximum efficiency and prevent reverse current. Numerous written and video guides exist that will walk you through the entire project. I recommend this as a good investment because they cost very little and will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
You can find more information on how to build a solar panel and solar power systems by visiting our site.
