Build Your Own Solar Panel

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Build Your Own Solar Panel At Home

How would you like to lower your electricity bills drastically by producing your own power from the suns energy? What if you could say goodbye to your power company for good? How you may ask? You can build your own solar panel. You can make small solar panels capable of running 1 - 2 small appliances to a time, or larger solar panels that can power the whole house. Either way, you will save money, reduce greenhouse gases, and help preserve the environment.

A cheap and effective way to build your own solar panel is to buy some solar cells. These cells work together to form a solar panel. To build your own solar panel cheaply, you can buy cheap solar cells on online auction websites like Ebay. Once you receive the solar cells, the rest of the project is relatively simple and easy.

Before You Begin To Build... 

Before you begin to build your own solar panel, you will need to measure and plan the size of the solar panel for your specific needs. Build a shallow wooden box according to your dimensions. having shallow sides is a necessity so that they will not cast a shadow on the cells inside. Drill holes in the bottom of the frame to let water drain and air to circulate. Make sure there isn't any holes on the top though!

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For An Extensive Detailed Guide On How To Build Your Own Solar Panel At Home I (Alan Benton) Recommend My Squidoo Lens Readers The Following Link Below:

diysolarpanels4idiots

Next Step: Plexiglass 

Next you will need to get plexiglass cut to the dimensions of the box and clean both sides prior to attaching.

Now you will need to insert pegs onto the backing. This is what the solar cells will be attached to. Make sure to coat the box, pegs, and any other wooden components multiple layers of paint or water sealant to prevent moisture from building up inside the box.

The next step to build your own solar panel is to attach the solar cells to the pegs according to your plans. This next step can get tricky! To make your lot of solar cells into a panel you will need to solder the cells into strings by soldering the tabs from the top of one cell to the backside of another. It is important to attach them thoroughly, but being careful not to use too much pressure on the cells.

Next... 

Next, use electrical wire or copper braided wire to connect the strings of cells together, using silicone caulking to fasten the wires to the backing. Screw your solar panel into its box using small wood screws. Using more silicone caulking, install the blocking diode in the box. This prevents the solar panel from discharging the battery when its not in use.

Drill a large hole in the back of your panel for the wires to come out. Use silicone to keep them in place, and attach plug to the back side. Once the silicone and paint are dried completely, fasten the plexiglass to the frame tightly to help protect your solar cells from wind, rain, snow, and other harmful elements. And this homemade solar panel can be grouped with more for even more electricity savings!

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by Abenton

Hi There! My name is Alan Beton and because i love to work on DIY projects I made a this squidoo lens explaining a few steps on how to Build Your Own... (more)

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