Conserving energy is not only good for the environment but also for the pocket as it helps people save money for electric bills. With the continuing economic downturn and increasing concern for environmental care, putting up a homemade solar panel is the most efficient thing to do to help address these issues. Making your own panels is fun and easy, especially if you are a DIY person. To make your own solar panels, you have to prepare or buy the materials from the nearest hardware store.
Fundamentally, you will be needing woodworking tools like drill, screwdriver and saw. Also, wood glue, silicone caulk, wire cutters and strippers, solder and soldering iron are essential materials to help you make your own solar panel. In putting up a homemade solar panel, you will need to have solar panel kits. These are just containers filled with solar cells.
To start with your homemade solar panel project, you need to get solar cells. The standard measurement for a cell is 3×6” that can generate 0.5 volts and 3.5 amps. The most efficient solar panels, though has an output of 18 volts; thus you will be need about 16 cells for every panel. Solar cells can be best purchased from online stores like eBay. In fact, a lot of auctioned solar cells are being sold; however, you need to make sure you are getting only Class A solar cells. Lower class normally has broken corners, stains and other problems that keep them from generating enough energy.
To make your own solar panel, you also need to make a container where the cells will be placed. The solar cells are attached on a flat surface, like a plywood, which will be placed inside the box. You can decide on the dimensions and layout for your box. You need to put a clear cover for your boxes. You can use plexiglass and lexan, which are the usual materials used for this purpose.
For a systematic and clear guide as to how homemade panels are made, you may look for instructional videos online or read some step-by-step guides that can also be accessed through the internet. It is very affordable to make your own solar panels. DIY solar panels just cost between $100 USD - $130 USD. Of course it will be a bit pricey if you buy pre-made solar panels.