Building Your Own Solar Power Panels - Quick Start Guide
For almost any homeowner interested in building their own alternative energy source, a fundamental understanding of solar power generation and terminology is necessary.
Technology Backgrounder
A solar panel or photovoltaic (PV) cell is the semiconductor that captures sunlight and converts it into direct current (DC) electricity. Photovoltaics will be the cleanest and most direct approach to harness the Sun's energy. Several PV cells arranged in to a panel and installed onto a set surface make up a solar panel or a PV module. Several PV modules connected in series makes up an array.
PV modules are rated in watts in line with the maximum power they are able to produce when performing under ideal conditions. The rated output determines the number of modules are needed to meet the homeowner's electrical needs. A normal household requires an electrical system that produces between 3 to 5 kW.
Types Of PV Modules
You can find three common production technologies for Solar cells.
Single Crystalline - The priciest production technique but the most efficient sunlight conversion technology available. Efficiency rating of about 10 to 12 percent.
Polycrystalline or Multi-crystalline - Slightly lacking in conversion efficiency in comparison with single crystal but cost you a bit less. Efficiency rating of about 10 to 11 percent.
Amorphous or Thin Film - Production costs less than any other method however the collectors are less efficient so more area is required. Efficiency rating of about 5 to 7 percent. These elements are often almost black in color.
Renewable Energy Investment Cost
Having an average cost of $5 per watt, a typical household will require a good investment of at least $15,000 to $25,000. And also the PV modules will account for at least $9,000 to $15,000 from the upfront cost. When you purchase commercial modules, it can save you time and frustration but this is a lot of hard earned money to spend.
A better alternative is to build your own panels. And no, you cannot build a PV system at no cost from junk yard parts. There are lots of do it yourself (DIY) guides on the Internet showing you how to construct a cheap solar panel for around $200 using used or chipped Solar cells available from eBay or bulk resellers. For the first project, purchase cells that are not broken as it can make the project easier. Typically the most popular DIY kits are Earth4energy, Energy 4 Green, making Power At Home.
What Materials Are Needed?
For the basic PV module, you'll need:
Solar collectors - basic conversion technology
Plywood - backing for holding the Solar cells
Wood - for framing a border across the cells and flexi-glass
Flexi-glass - it goes over the PV cells
Basic tools and supplies needed are:
Tabbing wire - for connecting the collectors together
Silicone - for holding the Solar cells onto the plywood as well as the flexi-glass to the border
Solder - for holding the wires to the back of the Solar cells
UV Protector - to protect the plywood
Volt meter - for measuring the PV module power output
Which are the Steps?
The basic steps for constructing a solar panel are:
Cut your plywood backing to size
Apply several coats of UV protector to your plywood
Join Solar cells together using a soldering iron and tabbing wires
Fix connected cells to plywood backing using silicone
Build the module borders using more plywood
Fix the flexi-glass to the borders and cover the solar collectors
Connect the wires to a charge controller
Repeat steps above for building more PV modules as required
For complete step-by-step instructions, any of the popular guides mentioned earlier provides detailed instructions with accompanying video instructions to even make it easier to follow.
Be sure to start small by building a few solar panels first and then adding to your power array as time passes.
What's Next?
Solar power panels are just one part of a solar photovoltaic system. An in-depth cycle battery is necessary for storing the electricity generated, an inverter for converting the DC power into alternating electric current (AC) for household appliances usage, something meter for monitoring battery levels, and a charge controller to safeguard the battery from being overcharged. With a complete solar system, you start saving money on electricity from the first day.
Just thought you may be interested in reading this guide: photovoltaic solar panels and solar panel rebate.
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