Build Your Own Solar Panels Cheap

Solar power and solar panels are getting a lot of attention as part of the solution to our energy crisis. Solar energy, also called photovoltaic energy, is undergoing rapid changes thanks to massive investment in research and development. This article will discuss the basic makeup of photovoltaics in hopefully easy-to-understand terms.

Solar Cells

A solar panel is made of several photovoltaic cells. The cells are very thin, about 1/100th of an inch thick and usually 3 to 4 inches square. These cells convert sunlight to energy by the photovoltaic effect (we will discuss this effect in detail in a later article). These cells do not require fuel and have a standard lifetime of 20-30 years.

Solar Panels & Modules

Photovoltaic (PV) cells are assembled together to create a solar module. The module is what you are used to seeing as a panel. It has anywhere from 2 to 200 cells assembled together, encased in tempered glass and aluminum to make them weather resistant.

Tying Them Together

Like batteries, cells can be combined in series or in parallel to create larger and more specific voltages and amperages. For instance, four 1-volt/1-amp cells in series will combine for 4 volts, but the amperage will stay at 1 amp. By contrast, four 1-volt/1-amp cells in parallel will maintain 1 volt but have 4 amps of output. You can multiply the amperage by the wattage (in the example above 4 x 1) to get the watts generated. A watt is a measure of energy (think of a 40-watt light bulb).

Sizes and Shapes

Modules can be made in a many sizes and shapes to fit their application. Panels come in standard rectangular, triangular, foldable, and even thin-film rolls. This means they can be used in a wide variety of applications, from boats and rv’s to electric cars and space stations.

The Solar Array

Modules are combined to create solar arrays. An array is a group of modules assembled together and designed to meet a certain electrical load. You’ve probably seen most arrays mounted on the rooftops of homes. These arrays are designed to generate a certain amount of electricity over the course of a year.

Efficiencies

Generally solar modules convert about 10-15% of the energy that strikes them into electricity. This means that for every 100 units of energy that actually hit the panel, only 15 of them actually enter the home as electricity. This is the biggest area of research now, as scientists recognize that significant advancements in solar efficiency will lead to cheaper solar energy.

AC vs DC

Panels generate direct current (DC) electricity. Think of a garden hose that is simply turned on produces water in a steady stream. Most household electronics and the electrical power grid are designed to take alternating current (AC) power. Now imagine that the water of coming out of the garden hose is being turned off and on so quickly that it has a “pulse”. This is done because AC power travels over long distances much more efficiently.

This means however, that the electricity coming out of the solar array must be converted to AC if it is going into your home. This is done with an inverter, which takes the DC power and makes AC power. The power is then ready to service your home, an electrical grid, or a device. Some devices (certain lights, batteries, special devices) use DC power and therefore do not need an inverter.

About The Author

Kriss Bergethon is a writer and solar expert from Colorado.

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How To Build Solar Panels For Power – A Beginner’s Guide To Building Solar Panels For Power

Here’s a simple beginner’s guide to building solar panels for home power…

Okay first and foremost, you must have all the necessary materials at the ready!

1) Solar cells
2) UV protector/paint
3) Silicon sealant
4) Wire
5) Solder
6) Flux pen
7) Non-reflective glass
Plywood panel and some wood

Once you have the above materials at your disposal, then it’s time to proceed with the assembling details.

1) How many solar cell you have? 80 cells will typically generate around 100 watts of power. If you have 80 cells, then cut the plywood panel to accommodate that amount.

If you need additional power, you can always build more panels and connect them together with some basic wiring setup.

2) The plywood panel should be coated with some UV protector/paint. After this you can start building the circuitry of the panel by linking together all the cells.

3) Take a look at the back of each cell. There’s a tab right on the back. This is where you put a tiny bit of solder and use the flux pen to get the job done pronto!

If you want to know how to build solar panels for power, you have to refine your soldering technique. Really basic stuff and it’s not that hard at all!

4) Now you should put the wire over the tab that you’ve soldered. Press it down a bit to make it stick. Now link cells together – negative meets negative and positive meets positive. Simple stuff!

5) Take out the silicon and attach all your cells to the plywood panel. Make sure you hold them all in place. You can leave the wires exposed.

6) Create 2 holes to put the wires through the back of the plywood. Each wire goes through one hole.

7) At this point, you can start fixing the glass and framing wood to the panel.

You know, back when I first leaned how to build solar panels for power, this is the step that I messed up badly!

I used regular glass sheet instead of non-reflective ones!

Once you’ve assembled the panel, then you can link the wire to either your deep cycle battery or charge controller.

Okay n
1000
ow you quit figuring out how to build solar panels for power because you’re all set to generate clean electricity for your home!

By: Thomas Hussey

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Attention Please:Many beginners had requested for videos and photo-based instructions so that they can learn

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