Making Your Own Solar Panels - DIY Alternative Energy
If you've been pricing solar panels today, you may have come to the conclusion that they are far above your price range. The good news is that you can still enjoy solar power. You can do this by making solar panels yourself. It is possible to make a DIY solar panel fairly easily, and it definitely saves a whole lot of money. If you are interested in building solar panel systems yourself, then here is a closer look at how you can make a homemade solar panel right at home to save money and enjoy the benefits of solar energy.
When you're planning to build a solar panel yourself, you'll probably want to start with polycrystalline solar panel cells. They have about 1.70 watts each, and they come in large lots. They are very effective, reasonably priced, and efficient. The only problem is that they are quite fragile, so if you are using them to make DIY solar panels, you must be quite careful with them. Since each of these panels only has about 0.5 volts each, you'll have to put together 36-40 of them in order to get the voltage that you are going to need.
By making sure you collect some safe packaging before you make your solar panel purchase means that you will overcome the concerns with travelling with the fragile materials. This can be collected from any hardware or DIY store and is really quite cost effective. So for this small outlay you will ensure you arrive safely with the sola panel cells still in good order.
If you take a close look at the solar panel cells you're using to build a solar panel, you will notice that there are some small white lines, and two big white lines. The tabbing wire is going to go on the two bigger lines. You'll notice that on the bag there are some white dots, which is where you can solder the tabbing wire to the solar cells. The tabbing wire will be used when making solar panels to essentially chain these cells together. You leave more than enough wire so they can be attached to the next cell. Before you do the soldering, use the flux pen on the two white lines so that that the soldering joints are going to be more easily accepted. Make sure you very carefully get the wire on the lines and gradually work your soldering iron down the cells length so that this wire is attached.
Once you're ready to start attaching cells, you use the flux pen on the dots on the backs of the cells, then bead a bit of solder on the dots, and quickly connect the tabbing wire from the previous cell so the two cells are then connected together. On the backs, you should only solder on the white dots. As you go along connecting the cells, it is a good idea to take them outside to see if they work. This way they can be replaced before you get too far into the project. A volt meter will help you make sure that they are working the way that they should.
This individual steps are each important as they will ensure the most effective processing of the solar energy into electricity power. Knowing that each step is important as you make your way through the process will allow you to enjoy long-lasting results from the focused work that you put in from the outset.
If you need 18 volts, then you'll need 36 of these solar panel cells to get what you need. After putting them together, you will need to encase your cells in glass to keep them protected as well. This way they will be well sealed so they won't be damaged outdoors in the elements.
In order to make these DIY solar panels, you will find that you need some patience and time. You can definitely save money when you decide to make a homemade solar panel, since it will usually cost you about $200 or so to make one of these solar panels. If you are on a tight budget and you are willing to take the time, this can be a great option to consider.
Thinking of the positive changes you are making to your hip pocket and to the environment is a great motivator to get the job done. Knowing the details as we have outlined above can really play to your advantage on a range of different levels because not only will you know exactly what to look for when going along to purchase the right solar cells for you, you will begin to know exactly the right steps you have to take to make your solar panels get the job done for you.