Making Solar Power - A Simple and Easy Way to DIY Solar Project

Home generated electricity is now a very popularselect the best parts in each case.
topic. There are a great many manuals to choose1. Solar Cells - Your first step is to select the solar cells
from which vary a lot in the information they deliver.you will use.
When building your own DIY solar and wind powered2. Tabbing Wire - Standard tabbing wire is fine but the
systems, it is vitally important to source of qualitybest tabbing wire is that pre- soldered and much
information that can help ensure your project is asimpler to assembly.
success.3. Solder - A good quality silver solder will help to
Here's a simple and easy way to process for planningensure a good connection when you solder.
and building your home build solar power project. DIY4. Bus Wire - The straight bus wire is a piece of steel
project is easier to manage, you gain encouragementthat is used to solder the series of cells together in the
by seeing your own progress and more enjoyable byfinished panel.
following the step-by-step process.5. Plywood/metal/plastic backer - As a back for your
1) Work out your requirements.solar panel you can use plywood and make sure you
Before buying any parts or picking up any tools youpaint it with UV protective varnish. You can also go
should first be clear about what it is you want towith metal or plastic that will weather the elements
achieve. Like a lot of projects, the hardest part is justbetter and last longer.
plain getting started as it affects every other stage of6. Framing material - Wood or aluminum framing
your project. Some questions are:material required to keep the top clear cover above
- how much power do you want to generate?the cells. If you choose wood, be sure to paint it well.
- do you want to sell power back to the grid?7. Plexiglas or Lexan - Which use to cover your solar
- Do you want to completely off-grid?cells. Lexan is the best material because it last longer in
- Do you need storing excessive electricity for nightthe weather and sun but cost a little more.
use or raining days?8. Silicone - A good quality exterior grade silicone is
2) Budgetingrequired.
Now that you have specified the final product of your9. Misc hardware - Screwdriver, screws, drilling
project it is possible to work out the quantities ofmachine cutter for cutting wires, paint brush to put
materials and parts your DIY solar power system willeverything together.
need. Components such asNow you can go ahead and purchase all of the parts
- Solar cellsyou will need, knowing that you are getting the results
- batteriesyou want within your budget.
- inverters4) Building and installation
- charge controllersWith a detailed plan in hand, you can follow the follow
- materials like timber, wires and tools can usually bethe step-by-step instructions from the guide you found
priced online.in (step 1) and build and install your solar power. In
This is where you compare prices and alternativesaddition, you will need to have a registered electrician
and possible bargains on auction sites until your budgetperform at least the mains related wiring, to prevent
is acceptable.any accident.
3) Making Solar Panels - the parts and materials5) Testing and maintaining the system
I would like to point out here, when it comes to makingWhile to ensure everything is operating correctly, you
your own solar panels, the parts selection does matter.should always follow the manufacturer's maintenance
You can go the cheapest route, in which case youand operation recommendations to keep things running
may be able to build a 100 Watt solar panel for as littleefficiency.
as $80, or will likely cost $150-$200 base on theIf you need help here, any of the top guides to solar
materials quality.power can help you choose the right parts for your
Let's walk through the parts you'll need and how toDIY project.