Save Money Build Your Own Solar Panel
After seeing my utility bill climb again this year I decided to do something about it.
I have already constructed my own wind turbine and come upon the idea of combining solar with wind.
I knew I could build my own solar panels if I had the proper instructions.
You too can build your own solar panel and save money.
I first studied which solar cells to purchase, and I decided to purchase a grade A cell which I purchased from a company in California.
They had kits which included different stages of cells, either tabbed or un-tabbed.
What this means is that they either come with wires or without, so I bought the un-tabbed or the ones without wires.
I purchased the kit which included 108 solar cells, tab wires, flux pen, and three blocking diodes which would give me the ability to make three complete solar panels.
To build your own solar panel you need to solder cells together forming a group of nine cells times four which will give you 36 cells for your panel.
However, my first attempt to solder the tab wires on was really a disaster, breaking cells, applying to much heat, and not getting my cells lined up properly.
After trial and error I finely mastered building my stringers of cells.
Here is a small insight to why I used 36 cells built with four strings of nine cells.
First of all these cells where 3 x 6 cells which averaged one half volt per cell, and when wired in series they give you 36 times ½ volt gives you 18 volts which is what is needed to charge a 12 volt battery.
This is another reason you need a guide to show you why you do this and not some other thing.
Alright, my cells are soldered and ready to be mounted on a backing board or other material.
I used a piece of plywood coated with sun resistant paint.
To attach the cells to the board I used clear silicone caulk which you can purchase at your home supply store.
I put some guide line pencil marks on my white painted to mark where to lay my strings of cells down.
Next, I applied a thin coat of caulking to the board using a large putty knife.
Then I carefully laid the cells down on the silicone caulk pressing gently to stick them to the board.
I am very close to completing my first solar panel project actually enjoying the building process which gave me a since of pride to save I built my own solar panel.
After soldering the four strings together and attaching the wires that go to my battery supply, I carefully enclosed the cells in a frame covered with a clear non-yellowing Plexiglas cover to protect my project from the elements.
This whole project seemed complicated at first but after purchasing a guide-book it really helped me understand what exactly I was doing.
You to can build your own solar panel and save money, exactly how much money did I save? I figured by doing this by myself I saved at least four to five hundred dollars building a complete solar panel for around $150.
I have already constructed my own wind turbine and come upon the idea of combining solar with wind.
I knew I could build my own solar panels if I had the proper instructions.
You too can build your own solar panel and save money.
I first studied which solar cells to purchase, and I decided to purchase a grade A cell which I purchased from a company in California.
They had kits which included different stages of cells, either tabbed or un-tabbed.
What this means is that they either come with wires or without, so I bought the un-tabbed or the ones without wires.
I purchased the kit which included 108 solar cells, tab wires, flux pen, and three blocking diodes which would give me the ability to make three complete solar panels.
To build your own solar panel you need to solder cells together forming a group of nine cells times four which will give you 36 cells for your panel.
However, my first attempt to solder the tab wires on was really a disaster, breaking cells, applying to much heat, and not getting my cells lined up properly.
After trial and error I finely mastered building my stringers of cells.
Here is a small insight to why I used 36 cells built with four strings of nine cells.
First of all these cells where 3 x 6 cells which averaged one half volt per cell, and when wired in series they give you 36 times ½ volt gives you 18 volts which is what is needed to charge a 12 volt battery.
This is another reason you need a guide to show you why you do this and not some other thing.
Alright, my cells are soldered and ready to be mounted on a backing board or other material.
I used a piece of plywood coated with sun resistant paint.
To attach the cells to the board I used clear silicone caulk which you can purchase at your home supply store.
I put some guide line pencil marks on my white painted to mark where to lay my strings of cells down.
Next, I applied a thin coat of caulking to the board using a large putty knife.
Then I carefully laid the cells down on the silicone caulk pressing gently to stick them to the board.
I am very close to completing my first solar panel project actually enjoying the building process which gave me a since of pride to save I built my own solar panel.
After soldering the four strings together and attaching the wires that go to my battery supply, I carefully enclosed the cells in a frame covered with a clear non-yellowing Plexiglas cover to protect my project from the elements.
This whole project seemed complicated at first but after purchasing a guide-book it really helped me understand what exactly I was doing.
You to can build your own solar panel and save money, exactly how much money did I save? I figured by doing this by myself I saved at least four to five hundred dollars building a complete solar panel for around $150.
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