Build Your Own Solar Panels

I’m going to let you in on a little secret: I’m a little construction challenged. I have my other virtues (or at least I hope I do), but for whatever reason, the process of building something from scratch has always proved to be a Herculean task for me. I remember receiving a fancy computer desk a few years back on Christmas. My goal was to put it together by myself; no calling friends for help this time. After about an hour’s worth of work or so with the proper instructions and the proper tools, my finished product bared little resemblance to the picture on the box. Indeed, my finished product looked more akin to a poor work of abstract art designed by Picasso. Not everyone is like me though. I know this, because I have a healthy resource of handy friends. These people would be able to build solar panels with relative ease.

It’s not particularly difficult. Many American families have done it. It’s part of the green trend that has integrated itself into the American mainstream. Solar panels on the home are a fantastic method of reducing greenhouse emissions while at the same time powering your home. Not only does it provide this benefit, but more importantly for many families, it’s a great way to save money in energy costs. The tools needed to build solar panels cost roughly $300-$350, but the money this will save you over the years in power bills is staggering. The average is roughly $50 a month. After a half a year, the panel will have paid for itself.

So those are the benefits of building solar panels. Now how does one actually go ahead in actually constructing one of these things? For tools, you will need a saw, plywood, a soldering iron gun, a paint brush, a Rosin flux pen, wire cutters, a screwdriver, a caulking gun, a volt meter and a Plexiglass cutters drill. Parts you will need include plywood sheeting, Plexiglass, tin wire, solder, silicon caulk, UV-ray protective varnish and solar cells.

First cut your plywood to be large enough to fit the amount of solar cells you would like on each and in the dimensions of the space of which it will be put. After this, apply the varnish to the plywood using your paintbrush. It will take quite a while to dry, so use the downtime to work on the solar cells. Use the Rosin flux pen to apply flux to the bus strips on your solar cells. This is the stage when it is best to connect your solar cells. After they are connected, they should be affixed securely to the plywood, that is if the varnish is dry. Use as little silicon as possible when doing this. For the unattached wires hanging off the solar cells, drill holes through the plywood and feed those wires through them. Use the remaining silicon to fill the gaps. Make a frame for the panel and apply this frame to the plywood by using even more silicon and wood screws. Secure the Plexiglass to the frame with the same tools from the last step and drill the holes in the Plexiglass prior to the attachment. The final step is to find any gaps in the panel, no matter how small, and covering them up with the silicon you have left. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture.

Does this process require some elementary carpentry skills? Absolutely, skills that eclipse my capabilities certainly. But there’s no reason this can’t be a fun group project. Just tell your friends about the amazing benefits that these panels provide and who knows, maybe you will be at the process again next week at their house. After they understand the benefits, I don’t know how they could refuse. If you’re interested in k and k, check these out.