Making Solar Panels
Making Solar Panels
Making Solar panels is not very difficult and if you are looking to create your own energy sources, and a small investment in making solar panels can pay dividends in a matter of just a few days.
A solar panel is basically a series of linked cells that, when joined together, create an electrical current that can be stored and released as electrical energy whenever needed. It’s fairly easy to make the solar cells from scratch, but if you are interested in making solar panels then we recommend you use resources online to check out auction sites and to find sites that have surplus stock. In this article, we will looks at the pros and cons of these options.
Cost of Making Solar Panels, Types of Cells and Sourcing Options
Prices and quality can vary significantly from site to site. About $1.20 USD is the average cost for a solar panel cell, but beware… recently solar cells from China have been found to have quality problems and supply issues as well. We do not recommend sourcing solar cells from China.
There is a very large variety of types of solar cells available, but for homeowner use and diy making solar panels projects usually photovoltaic cells, amorphous silicon or crystalline units will be used.
Avoid solar cells dipped in wax because they will be difficult to work with and statistically they are less efficient. Other related materials needed for your project can be sourced from the same suppliers which can often be easier when getting your project underway (one stop shopping and combined shipping).
Related materials needed to complete your project will include:
- Tabbing wire
- Ribbon wire
- Flux pens
- Solder
- Eva glue
- Waterproof encapsulaters
- Blocking diodes
- Housing boxes
All of these materials are easily obtained by online sourcing and possibly even from local hardware stores and suppliers. Having all of these materials on hand will make assembly easy. Of course, if you want to take a short cut, you can just buy a ready-made solar panel, but since making solar panels is relatively simple when you have good instructions and the right materials, we recommend keeping costs low with a diy solar panels project for a quick return on your investment.
Typically, it takes a few hours to construct a fully assembled solar panel and the tools required are probably already in your workshop.
Standard Plan for Making Solar Panels-
- Layout the colar cells in a 6 x 6 formation
- Glue the cells to the backing board (plywood is usually a good option)
- Solder the tabbing wire in a series to link the cells, keeping the blocking diodes at the end to stop the chance of electricity flowing back to from the storage battery when your system is inactive
- Set your assembled panel into a frame/box that is insulated well on the reverse side
- Cover the top with a clear plastic lid to keep your panel waterproof
- Silicon grouting as a sealant is recommended to improve waterproofing
- Link the wiring to your storage battery (usually a 12 volt unit is effective and easy to store)
Making solar panels is easy and a fairly simple diy energy project. Kits are available with instructions and how-to videos which can make your project even easier.
Click Here To Get Complete DIY Plans Including How To Videos For Making Solar Panels
Solar panels systems as described here have been around for a few decades, but improvements in solar cell technology and production techniques have really helped functionality, reliability and reduced costs. For the most part, reliability problems are a thing of the past.
Another benefit of making solar panels yourself is that the skills you learn will make maintenance even easier to do (although maintenance on solar panels is infrequently required when built correctly).
The biggest benefit that you will realize very quickly is a significant reduction in your power bills. Plus, you will have an added benefit and independence when your neighbors are experiencing power shortages or outages – you will have power stored and ready to use! Solar energy is one of the true green energy sources that will be available as long as the sun keeps shining and making solar panels is a great diy energy project for beginners.
