Build A Solar Panel
How To Build A Solar Panel
So you want to take advantage of using
the sun as a source for your electricity? In a few easy steps
you can learn how to build a solar panel. The materials you
need are not that hard to find, and you should be able to do
this process at a lot less cost than buying a solar panel
yourself.
First of course you will need to buy
some solar cells. You can find these in many different places,
even people on eBay sell them. But either make sure that they
place the solar cells into wax, which will protect them during
shipping. Or you can make sure they are close enough to you to
possibly go and pick up. Mono-crystalline cells and about 36 of
them will create a 60 watt package to build a single solar
panel.
Click Here To Learn How To Make Your
Own Solar & Wind Power Today With Earth4Energy's Easy
Step-By-Step Kit
Next you will need to make a box that
will hold the solar cells once you have the panel all built. A
shallow box with sides that are three quarters of an inch will
work best. Make sure when you make your box you have vent holes
on the side that will help to vent off the heat.
Painting the box all parts of it is
another touch you shouldn't forget. Make sure that you get all
sides inside and out of the full box. It doesn't really matter
on what color you use though. To get the wax off the solar
panels is a bit of a hassle, you will need a pan of soapy
water, and one of non soapy water. Get the water to just about
boiling, and only do one panel at a time. Place the cell in the
hot water, non soapy first, and let the wax melt off, than
place it into the soapy hot water. Remember not to pour this
hot water, that the wax has been melted into; it will clog up
your sink.
Solder the cells together, you can find
many different pattern types that will work on the internet.
While doing this it's best to do only two cells at a time and
solder them together. Glue the cells down into place by using
silicone caulk. If you can get someone to help you during this
part, because you'll need to flip the pegboard over, it would
be a great help to you.
Use a copper braid to connect the solar
cells to each other. Or if you want regular wire, make sure
that you test them before you get too much further into the
process. Once you have a half panel, or six of the solar cells
together, you can place them into the box you made earlier.
Screw them down so they will stick on the board when anchored
to the roof of your home. Almost done building a solar
panel!
To connect the two half panels you will
need to run the wires via those little vent holes you created
earlier. Use the silicone caulk to hold the wire into place.
Now you will need to install a blocking diode, this will make
sure that at night or during cloudy days your panel will not
discharge. Run your wires on the outside of the box, and place
down your Plexiglas cover.
Add your plugs into the whole operation,
so that you are able to operate by switching it off and on.
Before mounting the panel on the roof be assured that you test
it and make sure it's working. Overall this system is very
inexpensive to build.
Click Here To Learn How To Make Your
Own Solar & Wind Power Today With Earth4Energy's Easy
Step-By-Step Kit
| 