Do you aware that solar (Photovoltaics, PV) energy is the sole power source used for space exploration decades ago? Many ordinary people like you and me never realized how this complicated solar array technology can be simplified to build your own solar panels for powering the average home’s needs for electricity. This seems like another alternative energy secret that being hidden from you by electricity company.
DIY solar panel tips
Let’s talk about DIY solar panel tips that benefits you. You will not required to have an engineering solar technology degree or masters in workshop to begin your homemade solar panels building project. The most important driven is the green energy and living off the grid passion. That is the first step lead to make an alternative power source for your home. Other ingredients would be tools and resources of the garage, and a few materials that can be sourced from recycling centers or eBay, a few dollars, and a couple of days of free time (do remember to engage your kids as well). First, make a list of materials as below:
- Wooden boxing
- Plastic paneling
- Black paint
- Waterproof sealant such as silicone
- Solder
- Glue
- Wiring
- And last but not least, the cells that need to be joined together. Select the ones that have tabs already and don’t go for the cheapest. The number needed will depend on how much power is expected to be generated, and make an efficiency loss allowance for the fact that the best DIY systems usually only deliver 80 per cent of the output claimed.
Start with installing the panels
Once you get the materials ready, it’s time to get start the fun with DIY solar panel tips to kick off the project. Learning how to build a solar panel is about as easy as doing a jigsaw. Glue the cells in series of 36, [6×6] is the most effective, and join the tabs to ensure that the flow of electricity moves one way only. Place this on a backing board and fix inside a box that is well insulated. Paint it black and cover the face with a plastic panel screwed down and sealed with the silicone.
Connecting panels to a battery
The next step is to connect your solar panel to a storage battery or series of these, to release the energy over time when the sun is clouded or during night. Most people will opt to consult an electrician at this stage. The whole process will take a weekend at most, and is neither back breaking, nor too taxing on the brain. Mounting the whole system on a roof will require an area of a few feet that is not shaded by trees or other buildings. They do have to face in a southerly direction to maximize the sun’s rays. Wiring will need to be insulated and it is best to insulate the back of the mounted box as well, to avoid heat energy loss. Understanding how to build a solar panel and that it is simple, should not disguise the fact that these are serious contributors to the home’s energy demands.
Solar panels for renewable energy
In an era where non renewable energy is seeing wilderness areas under threat from mining activity, and the oceans polluted with spilled oil, any attempt to provide a workable alternative must be welcomed. Building your own solar panel to provide green energy is just one of the options that is environmentally neutral in its operation. When considering how to build a solar panel, everyone should have in the back of their mind that it is not just about getting cheaper power. The future well being of generations to come may very well depend on initiatives such as this being taken now. The sun is always going to be there for the likely existence of mankind, and it is never going to be charged for by a utility company. How to build a solar panel can be a fun project for the whole family to assist in, and a real supply of alternative energy for the environmentally conscious.