DIY Solar Panel - How To Build a Solar Panel

July 24, 2009 - PRLog -- DIY Solar Panel - A couple of decades ago, it was impossible to think of starting a DIY solar projects due to high costs of solar electricity components, availability of cheap grid based power, low cost of fossil fuels etc. However in the last few years the cost of crude oil has increased dramatically and cost of power generation using fossil fuels has gone up considerably.

In the last 10 years the cost of electronic devices and circuits has dropped considerably. This includes items like computer memory chips, CPU, transistors, integrated circuits and photovoltaic electronic devices. This huge price reduction now makes it feasible for you to do a DIY solar panel by spending only a small amount. This is because photovoltaic devices required for generating solar electricity are cheap now.

The only minimum condition to build a unit is that you should have sufficient space on your rooftop with adequate sunshine without any obstruction throughout the year. If the place where you like meets this condition you can proceed with the project.

The process of building a DIY solar panel has become easier now because of availability of excellent guides that give you all the minute details clearly and in precise manner. You just have to buy the guide and follow it step by step. These guides are easily available on the Internet. By paying a small amount you can almost instantly download a guide.

Once you have a guide you will be able to generate a bill of material required and also buy the components for a DIY solar panel at the cheapest cost. When you get the material delivered at your home you just need to follow the guide for assembling various sub units. Once all the sub units are completed you just have to assemble the whole unit and install it.  Most of the tools for assembling the unit should be available with you at home. If required you can always borrow or buy some of the tools.

Many people are now deciding to build DIY a solar panel as a way to slash their electricity costs. Contrary to common belief, making your own panel is very easy to do and doesn't require any special skills. You are going to need some materials, like: a micro-meter, 2 alligator clip leads, table salt, tap water, sandpaper, an electric stove and copper wires.

You can find these materials at a very low price in your local hardware store. The panels will absorb sunlight and turn it into heat and electricity, which can be used to power all the appliances of your house such as the fridge, stove, dishwasher, laundry room facilities and more.

The benefits of DIY solar panels include:

• Reduce your electricity bill by at least 80% or even completely eliminate it.
• Protect the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
• Get tax credits for using environmentally - friendly energy.
• Increase the value of your home.
• Sell the extra energy you generate back to the power company and make a profit.
• Increase your efficiency and never worry about power outages again.
• Reduce your dependability on exhaustible resources.

Compared to installing a pre-made panel, making your own is much more cost-effective. You will only need to spend $100-$200 to buy all the necessary parts, instead of paying up to $3000 for a prebuilt panel. You need to install the system where it can absorb direct sunlight. For this purpose you can use the garden, the roof or the backyard.

Capturing and converting sunlight into a usable form is now easier than ever. More and more people everyday take advantage of the power of the sun, in order to cut back on their monthly expenses and reduce or even eliminate the electrical bills.

If you are interested to learn how to make DIY solar panel, visit:
http://www.greenearth4energy.com

You may also want to get your solar installation guide here:
http://www.earthenergyguide.com

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Andy O Silliven is an engineer and author in the fields of electrical engineering. He enjoys writing about the topic and keeping up with current events and research in the area of renewable energy sources. Recommends: http://www.greenearth4energy.com