With rising prices, it is good to get cheaper power. With solar power, it is practically energy for free, and could end up earning you money. For even more affordability, it is possible to build your own solar panel.
The first thing is ensure you have the necessary tools and equipment. This will mean sourcing the best solar cells for you, which should be given a good portion of time to decide. There are many out there.
There are a few other items needed. Plywood, a length of 1 x1, copper wire, a diode line, batteries and Plexiglas will be required for construction. You will also need a circular saw, screws and screwdriver, caulk, outdoor paint, soldering kit and glue.
The first step will be to draw a grid, suitable to your solar cells, on the plywood, (use them as a template). Having determined the size of the panel by this, you can cut the plywood to size and the fun can really start.
The 1 x 1 will need to be cut into sections depending on the size of the base, and attached using the screws and the caulk. Once all set, this should be painted with the outdoor paint; though not over the grid of course.
The solar cells now need to be glued into place. However, they first need to be attached in a series. This is quite simple; soldering the tabs at the back of each together. It does need to be done carefully though, as the cells are delicate.
The copper wire should now be attached from the cell to the electrical system and batteries. To ensure no power is lost in the opposite direction, a diode line will also need to be attached at this point.
Finally, a suitable sized piece of Plexiglas should be attached with caulk. This will ensure it is weatherproofed, and cannot be damaged by debris and the like. Having learned to build your own solar panel, perhaps you’ll make enough power to sell back to the grid?
By learning to build your own solar panel you can save money, help the environment, and generate electricity using free energy from the sun with do it yourself solar panels.