DIY Solar Panels – The Benefits of Solar Panel Systems
Solar energy is undoubtedly the future. Solar energy is “green” meaning it leaves no negative impact on the environment not to mention it is likely to be around for a couple billion more years, or so the experts say. Another factor to consider is the fact that, aside from initial setup and installation, solar energy is free which will hold some appeal to homeowners.
Solar panels are not that difficult to build at home. You should know how to use a soldering iron and handle a saw, if you can do this your solar panels will be ready in no time. You can find solar cells online, and you will need wood to build a container and plexiglass for the cover. Caulk should be used to attach the solar cells to the wooden container. If you can find solar cells that already have the tabs on them it will make wiring them up easier. If you can not find solar panels with tabs you will have to solder on the tabs before you glue them in place. If you have a 12 V battery, similar to those found in most vehicles, you are in luck as these are necessary to store the electricity generated by solar panels. Sealed lead acid batteries seem to be the most popular type because they are inexpensive, safe and robust. Some institutions provide these batteries for free which is something you should look into if you are going to need a lot of them. Once the battery has stored enough electricity, you can use the energy by hooking up a power inverter to convert it to AC. You need to get one of the following power inverters which includes modified and true sine wave devices. However, the best one is the one that creates the exact same type of electricity that comes out of the wall socket and that is the true sine wave. Only a true sine wave inverter, not a modified sine wave device, will convert the energy properly, but at a higher price. If you are looking to build your own solar panels you must visit and learn how to make solar panels at home.
It is first necessary to realize that you will need a container in which to place your solar cells in order to create your own solar panels with the do it yourself method. Wood is the most widely used material for these containers although there are a wide range of other materials that can also be used. Your local hardware and lumber store can direct you to many types of woods available although the final choice is yours It is recommended that you have some wood inside the box to separate the cells and hold them upright as well as a covering of plexiglass over the top too. This plexiglass covering serves two purposes, to protect the cells from the elements and also to allow sunlight to reach the cells too. It’s important that you remember to drill a whole for the wires to be pulled out of. Once you mount the solar cells, you will need to do a bit of soldering to connect the cells to each other.
As you can see, building a solar panel requires a bit of skill with tools but it is something anyone can do. It will not take that long to get your solar panel up and running and powering you entire home with sunlight.