Easy Steps To Help You Learn How To Build a Solar Panel

If you want to know how to build a solar panel you are not alone. Solar as an alternative power source has many different advantages. It is clean energy, totally renewable and doesn't harm the environment. It doesn't require much to get a solar power system going, some simple tools, a little common sense, and the right materials. Luckily, there are many different resources to help you find the materials you are going to need. You can find the photovoltaic cells, batteries, inverters, and voltage regulators online.

You will need to buy 36 3"x6" PV cells for each solar panel. This is the first step on how to build a solar panel. One solar panel is going to produce about 18 volts, or 75 watts of power. One panel may not be enough to power your whole home, but it's a start. The more panels you make, the more power they will produce. You will also need a multi-meter in order to check the voltage output of each cell, this is done by setting the cell into direct sunlight, and testing the wire leads.

There are two different popular options on how to build a solar panel. One of these is a PV cell arrangement of three cells across by 12 cells down, or a four by nine pattern. It all depends on the space you have available. The next step is building the frame for the dimension of the cell grid. It is a good cheap idea to use plywood and thin wood strips to frame out the panel. You cut the plywood to the size of the cell block, with an extra 1" around for the wood border. You will also need a large piece of Plexiglass, to cover the panel when you are done. Make sure this is UV proof or it will start to turn yellow and make the solar panel less efficient.

Now you need to wire the cells together, and for this you are going to need solder, flux, and a soldering iron. These cells have to be linked in a series, as well as connected together. All of the cells have to be connected together in a series. Nine cells make up a roll, so solder this first roll together, then the next three. Now the electrodes on the negative side, which have a bluish surface, need to be soldered to the positive contact points on the next cell.

Once this is done, the next step on how to build a solar panel is to secure the grid to the plywood. Put a little bit of silicone one the back of each cell, then stick it to the plywood. Now connect all the wiring to the positive and negative lead wiring, which will be connected to the rest of the power system. Finish the frame, then firmly attach the Plexiglass to the top of the frame, sealing it with some silicone to keep out moisture and the weather. After putting all of this together, test the panel. It should produce about 18 volts, or two and a half to three amps. While this is the easy way to knowing how to build a solar panel, there are many more detailed resources online.

DIY Solar Panels and Windmills Building Guides

Earth 4 Energy
Make your own solar panels or wind turbine.
More info here

Home Made Power Plant
There are some other guides for DIY wind and solar generators, but all of those that I've read don't get into the same details.
More info here

About the Author:
More tips and tricks on how to make a solar panel are available at Purelysolarpower.com. Learning how to build your own solar panel actually isn't that hard, and a very enjoyable project.

Article Source: Easy Steps To Help You Learn How To Build a Solar Panel