How To Build A Solar Panel
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This is part 2 of a three part article on how to build a solar panel. For part one, see homemade solar panels.
Before building your panel, you’ll need to determine the output you want to achieve based on the number, type and size of individual cells you are using.
Then you simple build a very shallow frame with a panel in the center onto which the connected solar cells are installed and then enclosed it on both sides to keep the weather out.
You can build the panel frame from wood or aluminum or PVC pipe or a combination of these materials. I’ve even seen small panels put together with cardboard and duct tape, but obviously, these won’t stand up to outdoor environmental conditions.
Which ever material you use, build the frame as shallow as you can because you don’t want to create a thick profile that could shade any part of the interior cells during times of the day when the sun is not directly overhead. One of the main keys to maximum efficiency in any solar panel is to have as many of the cells exposed to direct, perpendicular sunlight for as much of the day as is possible.
The cells are connected to each other and attached to the field panel. The wiring will have to extend outside of the frame so that the final product can be connected to the electrical system or appliance you want it to run, and then the whole thing is sandwiched between two sheets of transparent and durable sheathing such as plexiglass or EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate).
Before building your panel, you’ll need to determine the output you want to achieve based on the number, type and size of individual cells you are using.
Then you simple build a very shallow frame with a panel in the center onto which the connected solar cells are installed and then enclosed it on both sides to keep the weather out.
You can build the panel frame from wood or aluminum or PVC pipe or a combination of these materials. I’ve even seen small panels put together with cardboard and duct tape, but obviously, these won’t stand up to outdoor environmental conditions.
Which ever material you use, build the frame as shallow as you can because you don’t want to create a thick profile that could shade any part of the interior cells during times of the day when the sun is not directly overhead. One of the main keys to maximum efficiency in any solar panel is to have as many of the cells exposed to direct, perpendicular sunlight for as much of the day as is possible.
The cells are connected to each other and attached to the field panel. The wiring will have to extend outside of the frame so that the final product can be connected to the electrical system or appliance you want it to run, and then the whole thing is sandwiched between two sheets of transparent and durable sheathing such as plexiglass or EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate).
Anyone interested in building their own home solar energy system, will find everything they need there including illustrated step-by-step instructions and a lot of video guides to follow which are excellent. You can check it out here.
Whether its this one or some other guide you find on your own, just do yourself a favor and get access to a decent, well written guide of some sort.
For Part 3 of this article, see How To Make A Solar Panel. For Part 1, see Homemade Solar Panels. I hope you've found this information helpful. Stop back soon!
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You could create a frame that measures 2 ft x 4 ft and install 36 solar cells that are 3 in x 6 in each in three columns of 12 cells each. However you do it, it is imperative that the unit is properly sealed to keep moisture out and to protect the connections between cells.
Use silicone adhesive caulk for sealing the panel after it is assembled and if you build it out of wood you need to make sure you paint all exposed surfaces thoroughly with a good quality exterior paint. Your goal should be to spend as little time as possible on the roof doing maintenance once the panels are installed and tied into your system. A little extra care and effort during the building process will help in this regard, so do it right and you won't regret it.
Use silicone adhesive caulk for sealing the panel after it is assembled and if you build it out of wood you need to make sure you paint all exposed surfaces thoroughly with a good quality exterior paint. Your goal should be to spend as little time as possible on the roof doing maintenance once the panels are installed and tied into your system. A little extra care and effort during the building process will help in this regard, so do it right and you won't regret it.
There are several decent guides available for building solar panels. Some of them are pretty good and others are complete junk. I personally recommend the Earth4Energy guide. When starting out I learned most of what I know about homemade solar panels from this resource and it's a real money and time saver.