How to Make Your Own Solar Panels

A solar cell or photovoltaic (PV) cell is constructed of semiconducting material. The most common semiconductor material employed in the construction of a solar cell is known as silicon. When a light source such as sunlight falls upon a solar cell, part of the light energy is absorbed by the semiconductor material, which bangs electrons loose, causing them to flow freely.

However, pure silicon is a poor conductor of electricity so impurities such as phosphorus and boron are added to the silicon to create what is known as a semiconductor. This not only allows the silicon to conduct electricity, but also forces electrons freed by the absorption of light to flow in a specific direction.

This directional flow of electrons is also referred to as an electric current. Because this electric current flows in one direction only, it is called direct current (DC). This current can be drawn off externally by placing metal contacts on the top and bottom of the solar cell.

A solar electric module or solar (PV) panel consists of a sheet of highly durable, low reflective, tempered glass with an aluminum frame and with the individual solar cells fixed to the inner surface of the glass. Individual solar cells are wired in series strings to increase the panel's voltage and the series strings are again wired in parallel to increase the panel's current output.

The back of the photovoltaic panel is protected by another sheet of tempered glass or a different type of long-lasting material. The output of the series and parallel connections are passed through the protective backing and then wired to a weather proof junction box mounted to the back of the panel. The panel's output connections are made in the junction box and this is where you to draw the electricity from the panel.

A PV panel may also consist of several modules wired together, and is then also called an array of solar modules. photovoltaic panels can also be wired in series or parallel to increase the total current or voltage output needed to power your home. Solar panels are placed in your yard or on your rooftop where they can get the most amount of sun during daytime.

The electricity from the PV panels flows as direct current (DC) at a low voltage, but household appliances require alternating current (AC) at a higher voltage. An inverter is then used to convert the DC (usually about 12 volts) to AC (110 volts or 220 volts, depending on where you live).

No electricity is generated when the sunlight is not available at night or on overcast days. Special batteries (called deep-cycle batteries) are used to store surplus electricity during sunny days, and electric power is obtained from the batteries when the sun is not available. A charge controller is required to ensure that the batteries aren't overcharged or drained too much. This will ensure that the battery lasts longer.