Solar Power System | Solar Energy | DIY Solar Panel

Aug. 10, 2009 - PRLog -- Solar energy is becoming more popular every day as we look for alternative energy. Currently, solar power system is being looked at as ways of using clean renewable energy, but the cost of commercial solar power systems are extremely costly, which prevents most from investing into solar energy. However, there are many individuals who have taken the initiative to learning about solar energy and how to build solar panels themselves.

This is usually referred to a Do It Yourself type solar power system, and these solar panels are about 5 times cheaper than buying a commercial solar system. Most DIY solar panel installation guides requires a small fraction of cost in order to obtain the great information to how you can build your own solar system.

Basic needed material to build a solar power system:

• 36 Solar Cells
• 60ft. of Tabbing Wire
• 15ft. of Bus Wire
• Rosin Flux Pen
• Tube/Roll of Solder
• Good Soldering Iron
• 2×4 Pressure Treated Plywood or Marine Grade Plywood
• 2×4 Plexiglass
• 2×4 Pegboard
• (two) 1×2x10 Pressure Treated Plywood or Marine Grade Plywood
• Sander and Sand paper
• Staple Gun or Stapler
• UV Protector Sealant
• Paint Brush or Roller
• Transparent Silicone
• Caulk Gun
• Digital Multimeter
• Crimping Pliers
• 2 Wiremold Strips
• 20 Gauge Copper Wire (Red and Black) - Large Roll
• Tile Spacers
• Mending Plates
• Power Drill
• Drill Bit

To get started building a solar panel, you need to follow the following quick and easy steps:

1. Find the type of frame you want to use. Usually people who do-it-yourself uses wood, either pressure treated or marine grade wood. Also go ahead and build a template for your solar cells to align evenly, and use your tile spacers.

2. Figure out the size of the solar panel you'd like to make, and that will vary on the solar cells you get.

3. Once you figure out how many watts you want to produce, go ahead and buy your solar cells, usually off eBay, and start to assemble those. Be sure to check the voltage throughout the process to make sure you are getting the right voltage out of the strings.

4. Get some type of wood protection from UV rays and water from your home improvement store, and apply 2 coats to your wood. Go ahead and drill all your needed holes for the positive and negative connections, and go ahead and run your wires throughout the panel.

5. Go ahead and screw in your pegboard to your plywood, and place your strings of solar cells inside with silicon underneath them to hold the solar cells down. Go ahead and screw in your wiremold's as well on the sides. Next solder on your bus wire, and make all your connections to complete the circuit.

6. Place your plexiglass on top of the solar panel, and be sure to have silicon underneath the plexiglass, and use your mending plates to give a even amount of pressure to the plexiglass on the outer edge. Once screwed in, let it stand for 24 hours before taking it outside.

If you are interested to learn more on how to build a solar power system, visit:
http://www.greenearth4energy.com

You may also want to get your 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