More and more, everyday individuals like you and me want to use more efficient ways to make renewable energy. When you consider the growing costs of fossil fuels, alternative energy is quickly becoming a reasonable option. The Do-It-Yourself energy movement is quickly becoming one of the fastest and best ways to save money and aid the environment. Making solar panels could not be any easier. Not to mention that it's cost effective and fun.
There are a number of ways to make a solar panel, none of which is all that hard. If you plan correctly then your first panel could easily cost less than $200 dollars.
You have a choice of multiple types of materials when you make homemade solar panels. Your first major cost will be to buy the solar cells. A recent Ebay search showed tabbed solar cells for about $1.80 each and untabbed solar cells for about $1.10 each.
Plywood might be your lowest cost material to purchase, and you may even have some lying around the side yard already. However, rather than plywood, I would encourage using a sheet of white or black plexiglass. It's lighter, much nicer looking, and will last longer. You can probably find the size you need at your local hardware store or it can be bought online.
Once you have built the back of your solar frame, you'll have to put a frame around the edge. You can use either aluminum C frame material or wood. Aluminum is more costly, but it will last a good deal longer and weather the elements better.
Your final piece of the puzzle is the cover. Some people use a sheet of glass. I would not recommend using glass, simply because it's so fragile. Clear, UV-protected plexiglass is the best option. Make sure, however, that it is UV-protected or it will turn yellow and reduce your panel's effectiveness.
As you begin your project, plan out each phase and put your plan into writing. You can easily make solar panels with the right guide book. The right manual will help steer you in the best direction to make good decisions. Start small and work big. Be realistic in your expectations. Your initial panel, may not be the fastest car on the track, but you'll improve with practice.
Take the time to plan out your solar panel project. Budget your project and balance cost with longevity. Just because you have an old scrap of plywood lying against the back fence does not mean that you have to use it just to save a few dollars. You may opt for untabbed solar cells to offset the cost of a plexiglass frame over a wood frame. Finally, keep in mind that you will be working with electricity, so have fun, but always be safe.
Go Earth Energy recommends the Green DIY Energy Solar and Wind Energy Guide. You can easily make a solar panel or a wind generator to power your house, garage, cabin or well...just about anything. Check out Go Earth Energy for diy energy reviews, products, projects and information.
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