Homemade Solar Panels

Homemade Solar Panels

The net has lots of do-it-yourself (DIY) websites, electronic books and forums on the topic of homemade solar panels. You’d|You would] believe that almost everyone would have homemade solar panels on their home with all these information.  

One setback is that majority of the people do not know whether they actually have the expertise or tools necessary to make their own solar panels.  In addition, lots of DIY solar panels can end up costing as much as pre-made ones when it’s all said and done and it’s apparent why there hasn’t been a DIY solar panel revolution.

The good news is that it is easier than majority of people think. The toughest part is getting past the initial barrier of wondering if you can do it. Homemade solar panels can be a fun and satisfying do-it-yourself project for the entire family as well.

There are 3 important parts of the solar panel – solar cells, a container to shelter the cells, and electronics such as control and wiring units.

The box or container is the most complicated part of the solar panel.The solar cells is hit by sunlight on one one surface and power is created   Most solar systems are direct current so the wiring is rather simple.No electronics knowledge is required since majority of the inverters, controllers, ready made

However, the boxes have to be clear on one side (where the cells “look out” towards the sky), must be weather proof, relatively shock proof, and not heavy that they are easily handled for moving, mounting, etc.~ They must also have gaps for wires to exit, a way for someone to open them again to service the solar cells should they need it, etc.  Generally, when something on a solar system fails, it’s the panel boxes and not the cells themselves that have the problem.

So building or buying sturdy, well-bulit boxes is important.  Aluminum, light steel, and plastics (especially PVC) are the most common supplies used to build the boxes.  Glass or clear plastic are most often the covering for the top is also most common.  

When buying ready-made panels, the cells are usually the most expensive component.  When constructing your own panels, however, you will possibly find that the boxes were the most expensive part.  Once built, test them carefully for weatherproofing (use a garden hose) before setting up the solar cells.

Solar cells can be bought in ready-made panels (without a box), laid out in a series, or they can be bought separately and wired in a series.  Most DIY panel builders will purchase individual cells, as they are often cheaper and easier to get.  Many online outlets sell blemished, damaged, or otherwise unsatisfactory solar cells at a steep discount.  Those with some knowledge of the cells can get these and often repair them or make them functional for their project.  If you don’t have that kind of know-how, you are better off getting new cells that have a warranty and that are compatible with one another so you can merely connect them together to string a series.

Most of the time, they will be purchased in “bricks.”  These are series of pre-wired cells that can be attached, in turn, with other bricks to make more.  They are usually sold in voltage quantities, so a typical brick might have 1/2 volt (V), a full V, or some other variation.  As an example: to charge a car battery (12V), you will need between 16 and 18V.  Keep in mind that the voltage measurement for your brick is it’s maximum production.  In most of the U.S., you can expect to get 50-75% efficiency from a [solar panel].  Remember that when creating your series.

Other factors to consider include how to wire in series and how to add voltages to calculate totals when doing so.  Basic soldering ability is essential for building panels, but are not tricky to learn.  Buy some low-priced electronics at a thrift and try wiring them together or “combining” them – such as toys remote controlled cards and make sounds (talking teddy bear).  This inexpensive rehearsal will pay off when dealing with costly cells later.

Finally, handle all of your tools with the PV  panels with care while putting them together.  Leave plenty of room, after assembly, between cells, the box itself, etc. so that you can easily get in to remove and replace a brick or fix a connection if needed.