DIY Project - Build Your Own Solar Panels
In these tough economic times and with summer on its way you may be interested in studying how you can build your own solar panels, which will undoubtedly save you money from your electricity bill.
Before we go into how you can build your own solar panels, it's interesting to know the science behind it.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) cells are produced from thin silicon wafers that are connected together to form a solar panel. When exposed to sunlight, these cells convert the light directly into energy in the form of electricity. When a number of these panels are wired together, they form a solar array which is the major component of a solar powered system.
Photovoltaics is the technical definition of the process in which light converts into electricity at the atomic level. Some materials known as Semi-conductors, such as silicon exhibit a property known as the photoelectric effect. This property causes the material to absorb photons of light and release electrons. The electric current that results is harvested and used as electricity.
So, do you live in the desert or somewhere sunny? If you don't then don't worry. Solar Panel technology has advanced rapidly in recent years that you can still collect electricity even on the dullest of days.
Here are a few tips that will help you decide whether it's a project you might like to undertake.
Depending on your skill level, you can either bulid your own solar panels from a kit, or build it completely from scratch. You will also need some basic carpentry and electrical skills.
First, have a search on the internet for potential suppliers. For example, there are numerous kits you can purchase from a certain popular online auction website. You will also find that there are there are many suppliers who will offer everything that is required to complete the job, as well as plans and advice on the assembly process.
You probably have all the tools needed to build your own solar panels in your shed somewhere. These include a saw, hammer, soldering iron, knife, screws and screw drivers.
To construct the frames for the solar panels, you will need some wood, woodscrews etc, and mounting brackets to attach it to your roof. To save time you can get the wood cut for you at your local supplier. I don't know about you, but I find it impossibly difficult to saw two pieces of wood to make a perfect ninety degree join.
Other items needed are pre-tabbed photo-voltaic cells and the tab wiring to connect them. Glue, solder and flux, plastic sheeting to cover the lid of the housing, as well as blocking diodes to stop current reversal.
The next step is to stand back from your house and have a good look at your roof to decide where to mount the panels. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you should mount it on the south side of your roof. If you are in Australia or New Zealand, then it will need to be mounted on the north side.
Your solar panels will need to be slanted at 30 degrees to collect the optimum sunlight. Obviously there should be no trees or anything else in the way that will block the suns rays from the panel.
The solar panel configuration required is usually a 6 by 6 array. Join the cell tabs with the wire and add the blocking diodes and cable to connect it to the storage battery. Cover with the plastic lid, seal the whole unit with silicone grouting and you're done
Mounting the panels on the roof should occur after some insulation has been applied to the rear of the housing, and to make the unit really energy efficient you need to paint the housing black.
About the Author
You now have the basic facts you need build your own solar panels. For more information, please visit http://www.yourgreenprojects.com
Roof Mount Wind Turbine
Compare____________________________________________________
|
|
Solar Bear ABOVE GROUND POOL Roof PANEL Mounting Kit $65.99 |
|
|
HOME WEATHER STATION SYSTEM with ROOF MOUNT SOLAR POWER PANEL/CELL SENSOR KIT $119.75 |
|
|
Eco Saver Solar Swimming Pool Panel Roof Mount Kit $29.99 |
|
|
Solar Grid Tied Contractor kit. 2kW System w Roof Mount $10,382.00 |
|
|
UNIVERSAL Z STYLE Solar Panel Flat Roof Mounting kit 4 Brackets with Nuts bolt $18.99 |
_____________________________________________________
Compare____________________________________________________
|
|
Designers Edge L-949 10-LED Rechargeable Solar-Panel Shed Light $22.50 ... |
|
|
Sunforce 50048 60-Watt Solar Charging Kit $279.95 Dead batteries got you down? Soak up some sunshine with this 60 - watt Solar Kit! Solar power: efficient, abundant and FREE. Looking for a little juice? Solar may be the answer! These super-efficient crystalline Solar Panels were designed for use with cabins, outbuildings, RVs, boats... anywhere running electrical line is not practical. A 7-amp charge controller and 200W inverter help use the sun'... |
|
|
Sunforce 22005 12-Volt MotoMaster Eliminator Folding Solar Panel $95.00 Imagine being able to charge your cell phone, MP3 player or portable video game console while you catch some rays on the beach. This versatile and portable solar power panel can recharge the batteries on many consumer electronics, or simply power them outright. Sunlinq Folding Solar Power Panels are lightweight, flexible, weatherproof and durable CIGS (copper indium gallium diselenide) solar cells... |
|
|
HQRP 30W Flexible Solar Panel Power 30 Watt 12V Mono-crystalline PV Module w/ 4 Stainless Grommets for RV Boat Yacht plus HQRP UV Chain / UV Radiation Health Tester $139.91 1 Year Full Quality Warranty! 3 years limited power warranty: designed to produce over 90% of rated power. HQRP 30 Watt (30W) Flexible Solar Electric Power Panel. Being reliable in service and compact this unite is right for using it outdoors and during travel. Durability of the panels gives you a good opportunity to produce unlimited quantity of energy and charge batteries and accumulators for y... |
|
|
Sunforce 39810 80-Watt High-Efficiency Polycrystalline Solar Panel with Sharp Module $499.95 High-efficiency polycrystalline cells are ideal for areas with high sun exposure. 12 Volt solar battery charger delivers 80 Watts for homes, boats, RVs and back-up power. Also designer for 12V battery charging and solar power stations, pumps, beacons, lighting equipment and more! Works in all weather conditions. Completely weather resistant. Requires 30 Amp controller Item# 336615 (sold separately... |
_____________________________________________________
Compare____________________________________________________
|
|
Sunsolar Energy Technologies SQ-RMK5 SunQuest Roof-Rack Mounting Kit $29.51 Includes everything you need to mount a solar panel on a roof or rack. 5 Straps and mounting brackets. |
|
|
OEM 10-watt 16-volt Solar Panel with Charger Kits $180.65 Use the 10-watt 16-volt solar panel by OEM to power a convenient appliance with free green energy from the sun. With an amorphous crystal design, this solar panel performs both in the bright sun or partial shade.Power: 10 wattsAmorphous crystal solar panelPower an appliance, light, small motor, or batteryIncludes alligator clips, bare wire and a 40-inch cableDimensions: 19 inches long x 12.2 inches wide x 0.8 inches thick Does not include a voltage regulator that you will need between the panel and a battery to prevent overcharging the battery and consequent damage. |
|
|
Tripp Lite Roof Mount Fan Panel - 230V $223.99 Rack Shelf Roof Mount Fan Panel - 230V Roof Mount Fan Panel - 230V Ideal for increasing the ventilation of SmartRacks Features (6) 230V fans mounted in a roof panel Required mounting hardware included Cold rolled steel with black finish SRXFANROOF Tripp Lite www.tripplite.com |
|
|
Solar Powered Address Light $38.62 Solar-powered house number light is visible from 500 feet. Only 1.5 hours of sun each day will keep the 4 high numbers glowing bright red all night. Daylight color is white. An extra 8 feet of wire is included for remote mounting of the solar panel on the roof or where ever necessary. Made of durable ABS plastic completely weather proof and needs no electrical installation. May be mounted on its 16 inch theft-resistant ground stake or wall mounted on your house or mailbox. Type: Accessories |
|
|
All Power Supply GP-RV-80E 80 Watt Solar Expansion Kit $796.32 Go Power! 80 watt solar expansion kit. This high efficiency polycrystalline solar panel expansion kit can be used to add to an existing solar system to increase charging power capacity. The Go Power! GP-RV-80E 80 watt solar panel expansion kit adds 4.6 amps of charging power to your existing solar system and averages up to 193 amp hours of charge per week. This solar panel expansion kit includes the mounting hardware to mount the panel flat to the roof and the interconnect wire to hook into your existing system. |
|
|
TRIPP LITE SRFANROOF SmartRack Roof-Mounted Fan Panel (120V) $259.99 Features: Roof Mount Fan Panel - 120V Ideal for increasing the ventilation of SmartRacks Features (6) 120V fans mounted in a roof panel, 6-ft. cord Required mounting hardware included Cold rolled steel with black finish |
_____________________________________________________
Mail this post
