Saturday, March 6, 2010

Your Guide on How to Make Solar Panels

More and more people want to learn how to make solar panels these days due to the economic instability. Every day solar energy systems are being installed around the world. They are both environmentally friendly and a great way to lower your home energy costs. Making your own solar panel does not require you to be technically inclined.

Since the cost of purchasing and installing a home energy system can be quite high, many people have not made the move to solar energy. Ready made solar panels can cost thousands of dollars. The cost of the pre-made panels is what is causing people to want to know how to make solar panels. The supplies to build your own solar panel may run you around two hundred dollars, depending on where you shop. What is the main part of a solar panel? The main part of a solar panel is the photovoltaic cell. If you have a 200 watt solar panel, then you should have enough electricity to use in your home.

What Parts are Required to Make Solar Panels?

You will need the following items: glass, copper wire, photovoltaic cells, battery, wood and a soldering iron. It is important to look around when looking for photovoltaic cells. Not all cells are good quality. If you can make your own solar panels, then that is much cheaper than buying pre-made ones. Depending on how much solar power you want, you may need to make more than one solar panel.

You will also need a charge controller. This device regulates the amount of energy that is sent to each battery from the solar panel. Over charging the battery can reduce its life.  So, you may need more than one, which may end up costing several hundred dollars, but that is much better than several thousand dollars.

Once you can make your own solar panels, you may even offer your services to others who are looking at making their own home solar energy system. Some homeowners have even been able to find cheaper materials at yard sales and second hand building supply centers. In conclusion, the reason so many homeowners want to know how to make their own solar panels is the potential to save up to eighty percent on their home energy costs. In addition, the high cost of pre-made solar energy panels also has people thinking about making their own solar energy panels. Whatever your reason, why not join thousands of other homeowners and fight back against the continuously increasing costs of energy.

Learn more about how to make solar panels. Stop by Eric Moffat's site today and see what solar panels can do for you.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Residential Solar Power - Is it For You?

Given the constant rise of fuel and energy sources, it may not come as a surprise that more and more household are digging into alternative energy sources such as residential solar power. Aside from it is green and environment friendly, it also helps take off financial burden in the part of struggling families. Cheaper yet equally effective sources top the priorities of most financially ailing families these days.
Opting to have residential solar power might not be at all new though. The advertisements on the use of this form of green energy have been campaigned for a long time. Due to a variety of reasons such as depleting nonrenewable energy sources, as well as ailing state of the planet, the use of greener energy sources seemed to have nabbed the public's attention.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

How To Make Your Own Solar Panels

This guide will provide the basics on how to make your own solar panels. First off, what is a solar panel? A solar panel is simply a frame that is filled with solar cells that will convert energy from the sun into energy you can use to power your appliances.

The main reason why more people are not using this form of home energy system is the overall cost of the solar cells.

However, many people are now building their own solar panels. Do it yourselfers are building the frames and installing the solar cells as a means to save money.

Building the Frame

The frame is usually about ¾ inch deep. You will need to know the dimensions of the solar cells before building the frame. Once you have the dimensions, then you can build your plywood box. Attach a border or frame around the entire perimeter of the shallow box. Insert corkboard or masonite into the box and fasten with wood glue.

The solar cells will need to be soldered together on each soldering point. The cells should be fastened to the corkboard with caulking. Each cell will need to be soldered together as well.

Lastly, the cells will need to be wired together. At the end of the series of panels, you will need a blocking diode to prevent the discharge of energy at night. Plexiglass can be attached to the frame to protect the cells.

You will need to contact your local government to make sure that you have the necessary permits or licenses for your solar panels.

Now that you have a basic idea on how to make your own solar panels, will you actually go out and do it. If you are truly serious about this venture then a good solar panel manual will help ensure that everything is done correctly.