photovoltaic solar

photovoltaic solar

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Build Your Own Solar Panels- Can You Say Free at Last?

Had enough of the electric company's price gouging and its monthly adjustable fuel rate that never goes down in price? Want to stop it and start putting some of your money back in your own pocket? Good, because you've come to the right place. Then here is some advice for how to make a solar panel and also how to complete your project faster and easier.

Stay on the Grid or Get Off

You might want to play this a little cautious at this time and remain with your electric company until you are confident enough to go "off grid." Whatever your choice, check with your electric company with regards to the requirements for permits and their equipment requirements for your solar system. You should anticipate needing some special equipment in order to have compatibility with their electrical system. For the purpose of this article it is assumed that you will be staying "on grid". If you're going "off grid" then you need to do much more research for equipment and requirements.

What Do I Need to Build This Solar Panel?

The tools needed are ones you more than likely have around the house. The tools you'll use are hammer, saw, screwdriver, knife, wood screws, glue and a soldering gun. The building supplies are going to likely require you to take a jaunt to the local hardware store. You'll have need for electrical supplies such as copper wiring, junction boxes, plywood and the framing wood. Also you'll need plastic or glass sheets for cover over the housing frame and structural support in the housing frame. Last, but not least, you'll need the photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic cells will convert the energy from the sun into electricity by use of a silicon semiconductor. You can possibly find photovoltaic cells locally but if not then you'll find them on the internet. Try to buy the pre-tabbed photovoltaic cells with the tab wiring for connection. The tab wirings take the electricity off to provide power for your electrical needs. Also an inverter is required to convert the DC power derived from the solar panels and convert it into AC power for the home use. The inverter is a safety requirement for staying "on grid".

Note: Ask the vendor who is selling you the supplies for suggestions about your installation requirements. Free installation advice could also be helpful. You never get unless you ask.

How Big Do I Make This Solar Panel?

Thought you'd never ask. You have to determine the needs of your family. For this information start with your electric bills. List out the kilowatt hours that have been used daily which is taken from your electric bill. Use a normal cycle period that covers a 12 month period. You are looking for the average daily usage amount. Using this number look for the highest usage day in that month. For example if your optimum day was 8 KWh then your solar system would have to be able to cover this demand if you were to consider going "off grid" for that day. It is important to note that photovoltaic cells don't always capture all the sunlight on any particular day. You should factor about a 15% capture from the solar panel when figuring optimum energy demand. Remember this article is assuming you are staying "on grid" for now with your utility company and the solar system is used as a supplemental system. So you'll have some margin when you calculate the energy you wish to get from the photovoltaic cells.

Where Do I Put This Solar Panel?

You need to assure that you have the solar panel at the correct angle and facing in the right direction. These solar panels can be fixed in place on the roof of your house. If you are living in the Northern Hemisphere then the solar panel needs to be facing south. The Southern Hemisphere is the opposite and should face north. place the panels at a 45 degree angle. If your roof faces somewhat to the east or west you can utilize the panels but you will lose heat efficiency.

Do You Feel You Should Have A Guide Plan?

This is probably a good plan to get a guidebook that will detail for you step by step instructions on building your own solar panels. The task can be intimidating especially for the first time. Try to discover a book where the writer has actually constructed a solar panel and gone through the entire process and not just read about it. Experience is the greatest teacher of all.

I am a true do-it-yourself enthusiast and practitioner. I have always believed there is no greater satisfaction than being able to start a DIY project and then complete it to the finish. Now let's learn about Building Your Own Solar Panels

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