Build Your Own Solar Panels
The sun continues to shine and the only clouds over your head are the bills which you have to painstakingly pay every month.
One way to address this problem is by delving into the possibility of using solar panels as a means to generate your own electricity, from the free resource that is the sun.
You may check on the internet for some sites which give free resource and which merchandise on solar panel parts. There are also some local suppliers who can help you set up everything. The latter may be more convenient, especially if you have concerns which only experts can answer.
The tools and equipment to be used in making solar panels are very basic and can even be found in your own workshop. These tools will include the following: hammer, saw, soldering iron, and knife.
The needed materials are many though. But you can utilize any used timber to make the frame by which you mount the housing of the cells. This frame should be compatible with your roof.
You have to purchase these materials: pre tabbed PV cells, tab wiring to connect these cells, eva glue, solder and flux, plastic sheeting for the housing’s lid cover, and blocking diodes to prevent any form of current reversal.
You will have to decide then on which part of your roof will you place the panels on. Ideally, the panel should face south, be inclined at an angle of 30˚and be free from pests and animals which could damage the setup. The location should also be near the storage batteries.
A weekend may be enough time to make the panels and set them up on your roof. But before that, you will have to clear your workshop floor from dirt and dust. You will be actually doing an assembly project, as you fix the cells on the backing board.
To come in terms with the actual assembly, you just have to join the cell tabs with the tab wiring. You then use the blocking diodes and cable and connect them to the storage battery. The whole unit should be covered with the plastic sheet then and sealed with silicone grouting.
The mounting of the panels on your roof comes next. But before that, you have to check if the rear of your housing is insulated. The housing should also be painted black (excluding the lid), as this absorbs more of the sun.
In setting up the panels on the roof, you have to ask assistance from another person as some materials are heavy and there is also the danger of heights.
If you think your DIY skills do not suffice, you have the freedom to buy a kit set or probably a fully functional unit. But before doing so, you should at least look if other people have already done the same thing and you learn from their experience.
Last thing, you should enjoy making your own solar panels. The project may be challenging but it is very worthwhile, especially when you know you’re helping the environment and your wallet. With that, good luck on your solar power venture!
Tags: Assembly Project, Construction Cost, Cup Of Coffee, Diodes, Eva, Glue, Insulation, Lid Seal, Pests, Photo Voltaic Cells, Plastic Lid, Plastic Sheeting, Screw Drivers, Screws, Silicone, Slope, Solar Panels, Soldering Iron, Storage Batteries, Storage Battery