Wind N Sun Energy

A New Phenomenon in Homemade Solar Panels

In our day and age, technology has rapidly evolved into a dynamic dimension in the last two decades. Technology has advanced in turning the sun’s energy into electrical energy. An exciting and environment-friendly change? I think so! Numerous individuals have taken interest and decided to give it a go!

Let’s think of the advantages of these homemade solar panels for our homes and environment. First of all, they are lightweight and easy to transport from place to place. Apart from the batteries used in storing, the panel mounts don’t really require special equipment for installation and you don’t have to have vast knowledge about the whole electrical system.

Eco-Friendly Home Power

The real benefit in constructing homemade solar panels is for the homeowners, like us. We get the advantage of actually learning about the eco-friendly benefits and how to repair and maintain them when damage occurs. The tools you’ll need for installation can be found around the tool shed, these tools include a hammer, saw, soldering iron, screw drivers and a paintbrush.

With advantages come some pitfalls for everything. Here are some tips to avoid when considering homemade solar panels.

Materials – Getting Started

If you’re a beginner, some of the materials are easy to get a hold of but the range of cells may confuse you at first. To begin with, photo-voltaic cells are the easiest to work with and they are cost-friendly. Don’t use materials that are dipped in wax or “b” grade because the end result might not meet the power output you expect. In addition, some supplies from countries have been substandard and unreliable in delivery. Always keep in mind, that when you’re in “the actual construction process” for these homemade solar panels, you should assemble all the equipment and materials in a dry and dust free space.

When it comes to the material list. These include lumber, for the construction of the frame for the mounting of the panels on the roof. The screws and wood panels, to make the housing for the cells and plain black paint.

Where to Start? How to Do It!

Do you need more in-depth details about the construction process? Here it goes…

• You should consider getting an “energy audit” before you start this project because you will get the benefit of adopting energy saving practices even before installing these homemade solar panels.
• You should obtain photo-voltaic cells and also a tab wire to connect them together.
• Selecting pre-tabbed cells make the project more entertaining and make the process faster.
• Look around the house for some glue, a solder iron, flux, plastic sheeting to cover the lid of the housing and blocking “diodes” to stop current reversal.
• Use silicone filler to seal it for the outer housing and lay the cells our on a backing board.
• Create a 6×6 arrangement and glue them all together with the tabs facing upward. Join the tabs in a series with a soldering iron and tab wiring.
• Add the “diodes” to stop current reversal when the unit isn’t getting enough sunshine.
• Place the panel in the housing, seal and cover it with the plastic cover material. It is then ready to add to the roof frame once you have painted it.

The reason for the paint is to help heat energy absorption which we all need to remember for a better outcome of these homemade solar panels.

Getting It Done

You don’t need to be a professional to make the homemade solar panels work correctly. There might be a slight variation but the thought of actually doing it yourself gives you an exhilarating feeling. Just remember, don’t expect getting as much energy from the panels all the time. You have to consider the many factors that might be present, such as the sunlight strength and the length of day the sun is shining. The determination of the systems quality is based on the sunlight. Keep that in mind.

In the spirit of “thinking green”… homemade solar panels are definitely a must try. Making it yourself, a definite boost for one’s self esteem, especially when you have a grasp of vital information about these homemade solar panels. It’s worth a try; it’s a way to help out mother earth even with small changes.