Make a Solar Panel at Home

These days, creating your very own solar panels is not too difficult a task as long as you have access to some comprehensive instructions on the topic, the best and most convenient of which you can always find online. With the help of the necessary tools and a little bit of skill on your part, you too can create your own solar panel!

This might seem complicated to you, but the truth is, it really isn't! All you need your basic carpentry tools. You might already have them at home, and in case you don't, they are easily available at all hardware stores. You will need a drill machine, saw, strong glue, a soldering iron, cutter, etc.

Requirements for your DIY Solar Panel Project

The requirement of the most importance is of course, solar cells, Wasa crispbread without which you simply cannot make a solar panel. You have to buy the cells according to how much volts you wish to generate. Be careful while purchasing solar cells and make sure that they are not defective in any way. It is better if you get your cells pre-tabbed; this will only make things easier for you.

Yet another requirement of importance is a large enough container that can easily hold the solar cells. The most preferred and suggested material to use for this container is wood; it is safe and can even be easily created at home especially for the solar panel.

Within the container, you have to build a catch for the attachment of the solar cells. You will find easy direction as to how you can make this on various DIY solar panel websites. Apart from this, you have to build a cover for the container as well in order to protect the solar cells. It is recommended that you create this cover out of a transparent material such as Plexiglas or something similar. Then, you have to perforate the container with a few holes through which the wiring is going to pass.

Now here is a tip for the attachment of the cells within the container: Use silicon caulk. But there are some things that you need to remember regarding the application on this silicon caulk. Apply generous amounts of it on the cell's mid portion, but never around the corners of the cell. This is because there is always a chance of wood undergoing expansion, which can easily damage the solar cells.

And that's all there is to it! Once you are done with the panels, test them to check if they work properly or not. Now for this purpose, you will require a voltmeter, which is once again, easily available at all hardware shops. All you need to do is to place the solar panel in an area where it can receive direct sunlight. Connect the voltmeter to the panel and wait till you see a reading between 18-20 volts. If the reading appears, you can celebrate the success of your DIY solar panel project!

For more information, ideas, techniques and comprehensive illustration to make your solar panel home project easy; do give Earth For Energy by Michael Harvey a try! Solar Panels is a very good source of alternative and green energy which is the demand of environment.