I Learned To Make Solar Panels So I Could Save On Energy
Looking for a way to save on home energy costs?
More and more, people around the world want to use better ways to manage renewable energy. When you consider the growing costs of fossil fuels, going green is quickly becoming a realistic option. 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.
There are numerous ways to make solar panels, none of which is really all that hard. Depending on the type of supplies you use, your solar panel might very well cost about 200 dollars.
Choosing Your Supplies
You have a choice of many types of supplies when you make solar panels. Your first major cost will be to buy the solar cells. A recent Ebay search showed tabbed solar cells for about $1.80 each and untabbed solar cells for about $1.10 each.
Plywood might be your cheapest material to purchase, and you may even have some lying around the garage already. However, rather than plywood, I would recommend using a sheet of white or black plexiglass. It's lighter, better looking, and is more durable. You can probably find the size you need at your local hardware store or it can be ordered online. Once you have the back of your solar frame, you'll want to put a frame around the edge. You can use either aluminum C frame material or wood. Aluminum is more costly, but it will last a good deal longer and weather the elements better.
Making A Plan with the Right Information
Your final piece of the puzzle is the cover. Some people use a sheet of glass. I would not recommend using glass, simply because it's so fragile. Clear, UV-protected plexiglass is the best option. Make sure, however, that it is UV-protected or it will turn yellow and reduce your panel's effectiveness.
As you begin your project, plan out each step and put your plan into writing. You can easily make a solar panel with the right guide book. The right guide book will help steer you in the best direction to make good decisions. Start small and work big. Be realistic in your outcomes. Your first panel may not be prettiest girl at the party, but you'll get better.
Take the time to plan out your solar panel project. Budget your project and balance cost with longevity. Just because you have an old scrap of plywood lying against the back fence does not mean that you have to use it just to save a few dollars. You may opt for untabbed solar cells to offset the cost of a plexiglass frame over a wood frame. Finally, keep in mind that you will be working with electricity, so have fun, but always be safe.
We recommend Green DIY Energy if you want to make solar panels or wind turbines yourself.
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.
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.
will solar panels work during winter
If you live in an area that has long, harsh winters you may be wondering if your house is a good candidate for solar panels. After all, days or weeks of overcast skies, snow flurries or monsoon rains hardly seem compatible with a technology that relies on the sun for its power.
