Build Low Cost Solar Panels - Tips to Get You Started

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Build Low Cost Solar Panels - Tips to Get You Started

Build Low Cost Solar Panels - Building your own low cost solar panels doesn't have to be a chore, and is not as difficult as you may think. If you have several thousand dollars to spend on a solar system, then by all means, invest in professional installation.

However, if you want to enjoy the benefits of solar without breaking the bank, then you need to go ahead and build low cost solar panels yourself. Simply by following some easy tips, you can be well on your way to producing your own homemade solar power.

Contents at a Glance

Build Low Cost Solar Panels
Build Low Cost Solar Panels - Tip # 1: Ask the Right Questions

Build Low Cost Solar Panels - Tip # 2: Shop Around for Materials
Have you checked ?
Build Low Cost Solar Panels - Tip # 3: Decide How to Build Your Panels

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Build Low Cost Solar Panels

How Solar Panels are Made - Video

How It's Made - Solar Panels

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Build Low Cost Solar Panels - Tip # 1: Ask the Right Questions

It's important to start asking the right questions to know what you need.

Before beginning to build low cost solar panels, there are some things you need to consider:

How much solar power do you want to make?

This is crucial, in determining the size and cost of your panels. If you are looking to power just a water heater or parts of your house, then your expense is going to be very small. However, if you want to be "off the grid", then expect to spend a bit more cash.

How much money are you willing to spend?

A few hundred dollars is about how much you will likely spend on a homemade solar power system. However, if you want to completely saturate your roof with panels, then expect somewhere in the tens of thousands.

How much sunlight do you receive?

If you live in Arizona and gets months of continuous sunlight, then you are going to generate a lot of electricity. However, if you live in Washington, and only receive sunlight one month out of the year, expect to get a little less juice out of your panels.

...How much power?
...How much money?
...How much sunlight?

Build Low Cost Solar Panels - Tip # 2: Shop Around for Materials

Go shopping local, regionally, and online to find the best hardware & prices.

Now that you have determined your power needs and exactly how much you are willing to spend, you are ready to build low cost solar panels. Here are some tips on great places to find your materials:

Your local hardware store

You probably won't find solar cells at your local hardware store, unless you have a local store owner that is really into solar power. However, you can still find all the materials and tools you'll need to construct your panels, including electrical equipment, wood to build your solar casing, and possibly some great information of what other homeowners are doing.

RV Shop

Often overlooked, RV shops are great places to find inexpensive and small panels, for any purpose.

Garage Sale

You never know what someone out there might be throwing away. One person's junk is another person's treasure. And old browning panel are a virtual goldmine. They may be old and ugly, but they still produce electricity. If you can find a panels with a minimum amount of damage, make sure to buy them all.

Government Auctions

Government power plants often replace old technology for newer technology, every couple of years. If you can find an auction or public sale, seize the opportunity. Bidders: expect to pay pennies on the dollar for what a new panel might cost.

eBay

Probably, the greatest place to find low cost solar panels is of course, eBay. There is a hot market out there for used solar panels. And, of course, hot market = hot competition = hot prices...expect to find some great deals.

Have you checked ?

Yard Sales
Classified Ads
Ebay, Craigs List
Local Hardware Store
Government Auctions

Build Low Cost Solar Panels - Tip # 3: Decide How to Build Your Panels

DIY Kits vs. Professional Installation vs. Manuals....what is the best choice?

Now that you have all the materials that you need, you are now ready to start building them. But wait, how exactly do you build low cost solar panels? Here are some good ways to get started:

Buy a Solar Kit

Whether purchased online or in a hardware store, solar kits are one of the best ways to learn how to build low cost solar panels. Solar kits offer all the right parts plus a step by step guide. This can be a lifesaver, when you honestly have no idea what you are doing.

Professional Installation

If you have no idea what you are doing, got no desire to learn a new skill, and got the cash, then this method is definitely for you. Although this takes the "low cost" out of low cost solar panels, it's a better alternative than panels that don't work at all.

Check out the forums and blogs

One of the most overlooked areas to find information are online forums and blogs. It is always good to do your research first. There are lots of interesting blogs and forums you can Google up, that can give you some great information.

Find a guide & build your panels from scratch

Probably the most gratifying way to build your panels, is to find a great guide and build them from scratch. All you need are some low cost materials, a great guide, some sweat, a little bit of determination, and you are on your way to making your own low cost solar panels

Build Low Cost Solar Panels - Tip # 4: Test Your Panels

Never assume that your panels are generating electricity.....test your system.

Once you got your solar panels built and hooked up, now what? You turn them on, right? Well, before you build low cost solar panels that start producing loads of electricity from your new panels, there are some things you need to do first:

Test your panels

Before you sit back and relax, and realize that months later, you panels are producing zero power, test your panels with a multimeter. Multimeters are cheap and can be found at any hardware store. Make sure to stick your panels in direct sunlight before running your test. Don't expect to produce your full power output, especially if your panels are used, older panels.

Hook up your inverter.

Unless you are trying to power something small like a water heater or an RV, you're going to want to hook up your panels to your main power supply. Unfortunately, your solar panels will produce Direct Current, while your house runs on Alternating Current. So what do you do? Simple, hook up an inverter. An inverter will convert all your homemade current, and help feed your existing power supply.

Hook up your batteries

If you are looking to produce power year round, then you will need some batteries for your solar power system. Unless you live in a desert, you are going to have cloud cover every once in a while. Batteries will ensure a constant supply of solar energy year round, even when you can't make any.

Maintain your panels

Let's face it, your panels are going to take a beating throughout the year. Solar panels are designed to take a moderate amount of damage and still function. But, it is important to check them every couple of months for corroded wiring, fractured panel glass, and fully functioning equipment. Making small repairs throughout the year will save you large repair bills in the long run

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Build Low Cost Solar Panels - Tips to Get You Started