| Solar panels (photovoltaic panels) convert light into | | | | of 138 solar cells is available for about $190 ($1.38/cell). |
| electricity. Normally installed on a roof of a home they | | | | Each 3" x 6"cell provides 1.7 Watts from 3.5 Amps at |
| can be ground mounted and even can include a sun | | | | 0.5 V. This equals 100 MW/sq. in., the normal output for |
| tracking system to improve efficiency. The electricity | | | | any multicrystalline silicon solar cell. Sizes of cells can |
| produced, whether by commercial solar panels or | | | | vary but MW/sq. in. does not. This means a cost of |
| home made solar panels, is directed to a battery and | | | | $0.80/W. |
| or DC to AC inverter. Many smaller applications, boats, | | | | A giant panel (17 sq. ft.) with 138 cells would provide |
| and RV's need no inverter. With sufficient output, a | | | | 235 KW. However, a more manageable configuration |
| system can supply all of the electricity that your | | | | might be two 39" x 39" (8.5 sq. ft.) panels each |
| household needs. However, the investment is | | | | supplying 118 W. Another possibility would be three 29" |
| substantial. Installation of a 6 KW complete home | | | | x 29"panels (5.7 sq. ft.) supplying 78 W each. Six |
| system can cost over $40,000. | | | | orders would provide enough panels to produce |
| Under the Coleman brand name, ICP produces glass | | | | almost 1.4 KW for $1141, enough to make a serious |
| covered weatherproof panels with a plastic frame, | | | | dent in your utility bill or power a cabin. A whole house |
| cable to battery leads, a charge controller (to prevent | | | | (6 KW) could be powered for about $5000 with |
| overcharging) and diode protection to prevent | | | | homemade solar panels. |
| discharge at night. Their cells are made of amorphous | | | | Priced at $220 or 15% more, a DIY kit for the above |
| silicon. Although much smaller panels are available for | | | | package includes the cells (138), 150' tabbing wire, 25' |
| small application, for larger scale use products include a | | | | bus wire, 6A diodes, and flux pens. Compare this to |
| 130 W Solar Charger providing 8 Amps of 16.5V | | | | the cost of $15000 for 6 KW of Coleman Solar |
| power at a price of over $1,000. Dimensions are 59.75" | | | | Panels. In addition, the multicrystalline cells, versus the |
| x 28.5". Two panels to provide 260W costs over | | | | Coleman solar panels with amorphous silicon cells, last |
| $2000 and a three panel option providing 390 W for | | | | longer. Typically equaling the life of a new roof or |
| your jumbo RV or boat will cost $3000. To get just | | | | longer. Of course, the homemade solar panel will |
| over a one KW for an off grid cabin would require | | | | require wiring and construction of a frame. |
| nine panels for more than $9000. Six KW for a home | | | | Before you get started on your solar energy project |
| would cost $15000. | | | | the correct step-by-step instructions for framing, wiring, |
| Homemade solar panels can save $10,000 or more on | | | | tools, and materials you will need. A good place to |
| panel cost. Multicrystalline silicon solar cells are available | | | | start so get the FREE report and video on home |
| at a cost less than $0.10/ W. For example, a package | | | | made solar panels at the resource below. |