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.

Turning the energy from the sun into a heat and electricity for the homeowner is not that complex for people who wish to take advantage of this resource.  Black plastic hoses coiled in the heat of the day will heat the water inside to a temperature that will be more than needed to shower or warm a pool.   This is the simplest form of capturing the rays from the sun which of course, heat our world.

Primitive Solar Energy Systems

Making a box lined with aluminum foil will create an effective but slow grill or broiler for the barbecue as well. Not a great need for technological skill here, but try this on hot summer days and amaze the neighbors!

Moving up one step to capturing homemade solar energy is nearly as simple. Thermal panels can be constructed from a black painted radiator.  This is then set in a box facing the sun at an angle of 30˚.

Copper tubes are attached to the rear of the radiator and with a small pump the heated water can be collected in a well insulated storage tank for use within the home.

Showers, kitchen faucets and most washing purposes can be supplied on a continual basis even if the sun hasn’t been very strong for a day or so.

Using Vacuum Tubes

An even more effective form of homemade solar energy is the evacuated tube collection system, quite easy for the DIY enthusiast to take on as a project. It is very similar to the flat plate collector to look at, but with a vacuum tube that has a heat conductor attached to more efficiently trap the sun’s energy. This is similar to a heat exchange system, and while certainly more expensive the energy can be stored and utilized more effectively.

Photo Voltaic Cells

The Cadillac in homemade solar energy is the photo voltaic cell to produce electric power. This is one of the cleanest and efficient forms of renewable energy with a positive effect on the environment.

Simple systems using a minimum of technical expertise will provide a substantial amount of the energy needs for the household during most of the year. The bigger the cells and the more that are linked together, then the greater potential to supply the power needs of the home.

Homemade solar energy will requires very little disruption to the look or structure of the home.

Installation on the roof is an obvious site.  Most roofs will support the small amount of extra structure required.  Generally, reinforcement won’t be needed. You just need to avoid shaded areas and overhanging tree branches.

Solar Art

Solar panels can even be incorporated into the sculptural and landscape design of the home or in raised beds in the garden as a bold statement of environmental conscience.

The advances in systems for creating homemade solar energy have been immense in the last decade. These are not just expensive toys for the enthusiast, but efficient and convenient ways to save on utility bills.

New technologies and advancements are more reliable and dependent only on having strong sunlight.   Storage makes them useful even during the cold of a winter’s day. Homemade solar energy can be employed all year round, and at less than 50 per cent of the cost of a few decades ago.

Of course, solar energy has been used for thousands of years to dry meat and grains for use out of season!   There is really little “new under the sun” after all.

The sun is shining, and the only cloud in the sky is the latest utility bill that seems to rise every month… and rise, and rise …and keep rising!

The answer may be that you need to consider building your own solar panels.   Here are a few tips that just might help…

You Need the Right Tools

Check out the online specials for materials and save on the construction cost. In addition, there are many suppliers who will offer everything that is required to complete the job, as well as plans and advice on assembly.

The tools needed to build your own solar panels will likely already in your workshop and include hammer, saw, soldering iron, screw drivers and a knife. Invest in a good ebook with plans and descriptions, one of the most important tools.  Here is a good one:

http://www.windnsunenergy.com/go/e4esolar

Materials

The materials list is a little longer but you can use some scrap or inexpensive lumber to make the frame for mounting the panels on the roof.   Old scrap lumber will also do to make the housing for the cells.

Purchase pre tabbed photo-voltaic (PV) cells and the tab wiring to connect them. Some eva glue, solder and flux, plastic sheeting to cover the lid of the housing as well as blocking diodes to stop current reversal, and you are ready to get started.

Take a Deep Breath and Get a Cup of Coffee!

The next step is to make a cup of coffee and make some decisions on where the panels are going to be mounted. A south facing slope of 30˚ that is not shaded or in the path of natural pests is required, and if possible one that will allow wiring to be easily conducted into the area you choose to house the storage batteries.

When starting out to build your own solar panels, allow a weekend and clear a space on the workshop floor that is clean and dust free. The process is essentially an assembly project once the cells are attached to a backing board in rows.

Puttin’ it All together

Join the cell tabs with the wire and add the blocking diodes and cable to connect up to the storage battery and cover with the plastic lid. Seal the whole unit with the silicone grouting.

Mounting the panels on the roof should occur after some insulation has been applied to the rear of the housing, and to really make the unit efficient paint all the housing black – not the lid though!

Make Sure You Have Enough Help

This may be a two person job, not just because it is heavy, but because it is awkward work and more difficult when working at heights.

If the whole thing seems a little too much for the DIY skills at hand, then you can purchase a kit or even a complete unit. Before you buy, check out someone who has already gone down the same track, or at least try to see a solar powered unit in action.

The project should be fun, as learning how to build your own solar panels is survival technology that can give the homeowner some true independence in times when supply of power can be unreliable.

Plans and instructions available at http://www.windnsunenergy.com/go/e4esolar will be invaluable.

Everyday the sun shines and provides enough energy for the entire globe for 27 years. Solar energy is just one of the renewable energy sources up for grabs. Wind energy and geo thermal energy are other alternative renewable energy sources with potential opportunities as well.

This article will detail the alternative renewable energy resources available to give you some insight into what choices you have.  Supplies of fossil fuels will eventually run out therefore it is important to consider renewable energy options.

Growth in Solar Power Popularity

As stated above, solar power is an excellent source of renewable energy and utilizes sunshine to create energy (heat and electricity). Solar power uses direct conversion of radiation in the form of a solar PV (Photovoltaic) system.  Many other usages of solar power exist include solar hot water systems and solar water purification systems and many more.

At the present time in the US, approximately 200,000 homes use solar power to generate electricity. As the technology becomes more affordable it becomes a viable option for people wishing to save money, reduce carbon emissions and use a clean green source of power.

Wind Energy Resources

Wind energy is another potential form of alternative renewable energy resources, currently being utilized by people who want to cut down on their energy cost and reliance on fossil fuels.  Wind power has been around for a long time and wind power first generated electricity in 1890, fast forward to the present and there is a growing market for wind energy.  Commercial wind farms are popping up everywhere, not without some level of controversy.

Contrary to popular opinion wind does not have to constantly blow a gale to power homes with wind energy. Like solar energy, the great thing about wind power is that wind is clean, green and you can produce it in your own back yard. Out of all the renewable energy resources available, wind power has the greatest scope to grow.

Remote Locations

People that live in remote locations with available land find wind power a viable option particularly where grid power is not available. Wind power is both reliable and consistent; the equipment costs are relatively low as well. These systems work when wind power is available, and during low winds people at remote locations can use battery powered systems to store energy.

Even if you don’t live in a remote location you may still want to take advantage of small scale wind power. Small wind turbines can generate about 20 kilowatts of energy and this is usually enough energy to power most US households.

Hydroelectricity

There are other alternative renewable energy resources aside from solar energy and wind power, however these other systems are not as successful and are only suitable in certain locations. Hydroelectricity uses dams with high pressure water flow to produce energy. At the moment less than 10 per cent of domestic energy production is in the form of hydro electricity. Most of the large scale hydroelectricity dams are located in the west and north in Canada which has immense water resources.

People who are interested in using water to power electricity can take advantage of hydropower by placing hydropower generators in small back yard rivers and streams.   This is of course subject to local regulations and restrictions.

Small wind turbines are not just projects for enthusiasts, but are a real possibility for the home owner to generate their own electrical energy with the possibility of surplus power to sell back to the utility company.

Learning how to build a wind turbine is not overly complicated. The options range from purchasing a kit that just needs assembling, to starting from scratch and constructing the tower, generator and even carving the windmill blade from suitable wood. (Though machine made blades will likely be a better solution)

Do Your Research First

Before you begin to choose what type of construction you would like, a little investigation into the wind potential for the site is a good idea.  Where on your property is the best location for your tower and turbine? Wind atlas details are available online, and you can also monitor the prevailing winds using a small wind meter over a period of months. This will give you all the information needed to decide where a windmill could be located.

Before selecting the power generation capacity and making the decision to build wind turbine, an eco-audit of the entire home’s energy usage may show that savings can be made that reduce demand substantially reducing the amount you require.

Components

The basic parts needed to build a wind turbine include the structure to support the generator, (or a strong enough roof), the windmill blade assembly and connection to the generator, the tail assembly to keep the unit facing into the prevailing wind, and electrical hookup for connecting to your panel.

This becomes an assembly project that the whole family can get involved in.   Many hands are a good help when it comes to putting it all together.

Where to Start?

It may only take a matter of days to build a wind turbine. Once all the parts are together, limited knowledge of electrical circuitry will suffice to get it properly connected. However, if the unit is to be designed to return any surplus to the grid, more sophisticated charge controllers and qualified licensed electrical contractors will be required.

The energy produced will need to be stored in a battery for slow release when the wind slows. These batteries can pose environmental issues when it comes to their disposal.   One of the plusses of the growing demand for wind power is that battery technology is also improving.

Learning how to build a wind turbine is not just about putting up a striking piece of outdoor sculpture and watching the utility bill drop.  A wind turbine is desirable energy solution for the homeowner and good for the environment, and wind powered electrical generation is an efficient solution for home energy needs.

Efficiency

Modern wind generators are exceptionally efficient, and one of the most exciting power sources for the future.   Building a wind turbine will provide an inexpensive source of power providing the homeowner with an ample supply, and with little or no maintenance needed for some time.

Learning how to build a wind turbine is for most people a steep learning curve.   New cutting edge technology is making huge advances in supplying power to the home.

Energy production from fossil fuels and nuclear energy can be damaging to the environment due to carbon emissions, nuclear waste and other pollutants. Not only are these methods of energy production damaging to the environment but scarce resources are being consumed at an alarming rate and have a finite supply.

This is where alternative solar energy has emerged as beneficial: energy from the sun is one resource which is available in unlimited quantities and is constantly replenishing itself. Unlike most forms of non renewable energy, solar energy (renewable energy) is locally produced and consumed providing more jobs for people in your area.

A Great Energy Option

There are some great reasons why alternative solar power is a great energy option. For starters, you will soon see some real savings on your monthly utility bill (you may actually reach a point where you don’t use a utility company at all).  And…your home becomes a more valuable asset.

There are a number of ways where you can use alternative solar energy, and not just to heat your water and generate electricity. Other applications include cooking, passive solar design, pump water, heating your swimming pool/spa as well as landscape lighting.

Which Route to Follow?

When it comes to alternative solar energy you have a few different options, you can either install small solar projects such as solar lights, or use a solar cooker, or think about installing larger solar projects such as full scale photovoltaic solar generators.   Solar panels are great for heating pools.

Passive Solar Energy

Many new home designs utilize passive solar energy. If you design your home and garden to incorporate passive solar you can reduce heating and cooling bills ten fold. By taking advantage of alternative solar energy technology you will save money by not having to maintain and purchase new equipment.

Utilizing passive design is often a more efficient way of utilizing solar power, rather than adding solar technologies to a home.   Despite your best efforts these may not be entirely energy efficient.

Photovoltaic cells are often used as alternative solar energy generators. These photovoltaic cells, or PV’s as they are often referred, are semi conductors which have two layers of silicon. It is not necessary to have a complete understanding of how PV cells work, however it is important that the contractor you hire does.

DIY Home Solar Projects

If you are one of those people who doesn’t feel complete unless you have one do-it-yourself project on the go, then doing an alternative energy solar project might just appeal to you.   There are a range of projects online which take hardly any time and are a fun activity.  Check out this link for plans to do this.

Utilizing alternative solar energy is worthwhile, and you may even like to take advantage of both solar and wind power technology.

Installing alternative solar energy is a costly business at times, and can be a heavy capital investment.  In some regions there are tax credits and subsidies available? There is a plethora of information available on the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy www.dsire.org. And you can find out exactly what subsidies and incentives are available for your area.

Many people complain about paying high power bills especially during the cold winter months.  Because of this, the use of wind power has become the most practical answer to this problem. Wind power may be a solution for you.  This article will help you know more about wind power and its rewards and benefits.

This article is provided to help you decide whether the use of wind power is appropriate to your environment as well as to your energy budget.  One of the major rewards that wind power can contribute to the society is that it is environment-friendly.   Renewable energy make a positive impact on the environment.

Environmental Consequences.

Most of the energy that we are used to using today is from fossil fuel which causes degradation to the land as well as pollution to air and water. There will be a lesser amount of environmental consequences if more people convert from fossil fuel as a source of energy and develop wind power technology.

Traditional wind power technology requires a high capital investment for purchase and installation.  In addition, it takes time before you can start to gaining any return on that investment and actually save money.  Harnessing this resource depends on the wind resource in your area, the size of your turbine, your tower height and other such factors.

Home Wind Power Installation

The process of installing the wind power to your home may take longer for diy installations.  However it will provide a great feeling of satisfaction.  In fact most people get immense pride and satisfaction from doing it themselves.

The internet is the best resource when you are in search for ways on how to build your own wind generators.  These resources contain information on the materials required in building a wind generator and on the process of how to build it.   Some fabulous plans and ebooks will give you super instructions at low cost.

Is Your Location Windy Enough?

Besides the amount you can save when using wind power, being self-reliant is another reward.  In fact, when you use the right technology, you may no longer need to use the electricity generated power provided by your local power station.  However, there might be a concern when you first install the wind power.  Is there enough wind to generate sufficient wind power to wholly power your home for the entire season?   Batteries backup systems can be a solution to help provide power in case there is not enough wind and in case the system down.   Best not to go off grid too fast.

Real Estate Values

The increase of the value of your property is another reward you will get when you use wind power.  This is because more people have started to become interested on wind power each year. You can check this with any of the real estate agent and find out that a property with built-in energy resource increases its value.

Hopefully this article will speak to the benefits you can get from wind power.  Get out and do something, start with a great ebook and plans , research the subject well.  Wind power is easy to achieve.  You just need to speak with your local wind power specialist about the possibilities you can have on developing wind power.  When all is set, your dream of having your own energy resource in your home will become a reality.

Hi, Pete Jones here, hope you enjoy our site!

Welcome to Wind N Sun Energy! Something New and Very Special!

This is a very special resource for you…guys and gals who want to build your own energy self sufficiency, or at the very least, build some really cool Home Made Energy projects.

In these pages and in our newsletter you will find an incredible and growing collection of resources to help you with your project(s).

Free Articles, Ebooks and Links to Other Resources.

There will be a huge number of free articles in our website and we will also offer fantastic ebooks with complete plans and instruction from start to finish on your DIY Energy projects.  These are very reasonably priced and contain, plans, instructions and just about everything you want to know to build your project.

We are so glad you joined us and know you will find this to be the very best place to find the latest and greatest info on building both solar and wind energy and who knows what else we may uncover!

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Pete Jones.

PS:  On top of the fun of creating your own Home energy project, all of us who participate in this concept are doing our own little bit to help create a greener environment.  Going off-grid, saving the planet, and being environmentally sustainable are all wonderful motivating factors as well!   What could be better, having fun and doing good, not to mention saving money!

Fossil Fuels and Global Warming

In addition, fossil fuels are identified as the leading cause of global warming which negatively influences the environment.  Global warming is the dreadful effect of the use of fossil fuels.  These effects include disruptions of the weather patterns causing heat waves, hurricanes and droughts.

“An Inconvenient Truth”

In order to understand better the effects of global warming, it is best to seek information on the role of global warming to the damages found in the world.  The best place to find information is through renting documentary videos like “An Inconvenient Truth”, Al Gore’s Oscar winning treatise on global warming.  This video provides substantial evidence which will convince you to embrace renewable energy along with your plans for your home whether you are building new or revamping your home it make it more energy efficient.

Clean Green Energy

Renewable energy is a clean, green form of energy which produces a minimal carbon footprint.  This makes renewable energy beneficial and essential.  With this, people are now more environmentally conscious by joining the renewable bandwagon.  With renewable energy, the energy used comes from solar power, wind power and geothermal energy.

Consider the awful disaster in the Gulf of Mexico from the BP blowout.  This changes how we must think about our planet and its resources.

In addition, the use of renewable energy will provide more job opportunities that will benefit any locale.  Significantly, most of these jobs come with a good pay and benefits.

Governments Support “Going Green”

Since governments are promoting the use of renewable energy, they often provide tax credits and incentive programs to those who have decided to install renewable energy technology.  This is one of the benefits of renewable energy because the federal tax credits contribute up to thirty percent on the creation of solar energy systems.  In addition, the renewable energy technology can be used for both commercial and residential properties.

Since renewable energy has been made more affordable, people are now interested in installing this technology.  Most of these people are those who promote green communities and the care for the environment.  These environmentally conscious citizens are encouraged in their communities for the benefits they bring.

The Green Guide

Most of these green cities follow a certain environmental policies in order to guide their citizens in keeping a better environment.  These environment friendly communities make sure that environmental policies are followed in order to have an efficient energy while cutting down the pollution and damage to the environment.  In fact, the National Geographic produces the Green Guide every year.  This Green Guide provides information about green issues as well as the list of top 10 green cities.  Will your city will be one of these top 10 green cities this year?

There are a lot of benefits that the renewable energy technology has to mention enough to fill many books.  However, there is one disadvantage that should not be disregarded.  That is the cost to install of renewable energy technology.  Very few people can afford $20,000 for the installation of a PV solar system.  $20,000 may be small compared to the damage we have caused the environment.  New smaller home made systems can provide great benefits at minimal cost.