Getting Together The Tools To Make Solar Panels
I've been putting together a plan to make solar panels. I am going to use these panels when I go camping to power up things that I would normally have use the battery on my truck. If you own an RV or camper you could do the same. I've decided to start with a seemingly easier project than going all out and trying to power up the house. Don't get me wrong, it's on the list, but you have to walk before you can run. A friend of mine has a large shed at the back of his property and we were thinking of powering that up with solar panels rather than running a separate power line across the property. Whatever you decide to do keep it simple and easy at the start. Since I have the basic plan, now it's time to get the cells, the wood, the plexiglass, and the tools.
Find Parts & Supplies On Ebay or Amazon
I've decided that I am going to make 3 solar panels. I conducted a search on Ebay and found a good bid for solar cells that cost about about $1.30 a piece. I've debated using white or black plexiglass as the frame and backing for my solar panels. However, since this project is not going to weather the elements for years on end I think I can get away with wood frames. At the hardware store I can get precut sheets of quarter inch plywood for about 5 dollars each. A box of stainless steel screws for about 5 dollars. I have all of the tools that I will need, a drill, a saw, a solder iron, a multimeter. I will have to purchase some solder, and clear adhesive caulk as a sealant. I also need to get some black UV protected paint, some heavy gauge wire and my plexiglas cover. In all, I anticipate, that each of the 3 panels will cost about $35 dollars.
I am planning to make solar panels that can fit inside a 16”x24” container for easy storage and portability. My plan calls for 3 solar panels with 12, 3x6 solar cells each. The cells and the panels will all be wired in series. This should give me an 18 volt system, which should be enough to charge a 12 volt deep cycle battery. The battery will be the most expensive part of the whole build, costing about $150 dollars. In this plan I am not going to use multiple batteries since it will not be necessary to power up only a few electrical accessories that I would take with me camping. If you were going to power up your RV or camper you might have to consider adding several batteries to supply both the needed amps and watts for your appliances.
Ready... Set... Go Make Solar Panels
The next part of the project is the building phase. Keeping in mind that you always want to measure twice and cut once. I'll be cutting out my backboard and fitting it to my frame. After that the plans calls for sizing up the Plexiglass and fitting it to the frame. Once I am sure that everything is going to fit nice and snug into my containers then I can paint the frames and begin soldering the cells together. All in all it should take me the better part of a day, probably the weekend, to get everything done.
Related topics about Making Solar Panels
Green DIY Energy Guide - Make Solar Panels
Green DIY Energy is an outstanding resource for the beginning solar enthusiast. The guides are well written with great diagrams and images. The video tutorials are professional, highly detailed, and easy to follow. Each of the guide books walks you through the process of building a solar panel and connecting it to an off grid solar array. Read our full review before you buy.
What You Need To Know Before you Make Solar Panels
The Do-It-Yourself electricity movement has quickly become one of the fastest and best ways to save money and help the environment. Making solar panels is easier than you might think, cost effective, and fun. You need to develop a plan and do some research, but it's easier and cheaper than you might think.
A solid plan will help you make better solar panels
You would be surprised by the number of people who start a DIY project without so much as a simple plan. Working without a plan will cost you both time and money. If you want to make solar panels then you need to have a plan. Save yourself a lot of time, money, and aggravation by developing a plan and getting it right the first time.
