How to Construct a Solar Energy Panel

So you've decided to reduce your reliance on your local power company, decrease your carbon emission footprint... and increase your reliance on The Big Power Company - the Sun.

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It's a great idea. (But then you probably already know that, right?) Assuming, of course, you can capture enough sunshine to offset the cost over time. There are areas of the country where it simply isn't feasible to use solar energy, so before you start, you might want to check the U. S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) website to determine how well-suited your locale is.

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However, once you're ready to start construction, you'll discover that building a solar energy panel isn't rocket science, and, once the upfront cost is offset, it can certainly save you a lot of money on your energy bills.

While many consumers consider solar energy an "all or nothing" proposition, the truth is that you can start small, see how It works, and add on if you like it and find it to be energy-efficient.

Currently, "pre-built" solar energy panels are becoming more cost-effective. But... they're still far from cheap. Plus, it's fun and interesting to build your own. And...if you're a do-it-yourselfer with a little extra time who's a little short of money, you can save a chunk of change.

I've discovered that there's a lot more than one recipe for building solar energy panels. There are books, e-books, and tons of articles on the Internet on how to build solar energy panels. A little research can help you find what will work best for how your solar energy will be used, and what materials are most readily available to you.

Using what research shows as currently available technology, and readily available construction material for a photovoltaic (PV) panel, this is what you can expect as the necessary ingredients for a basic recipe:

1. Solar cells

2. A shallow box built of plywood

3. Masonite pegboard or similar substrate

4. Plexiglas to protect cells

5. Screws and Hardware

6. Wire

7. Silicone Caulk

8. Diode

9. Jones Plug

You solder the cells together in a series with a blocking diode placed inside the solar panel, then a polarized two-pin jones plug is connected at the wires' ends. Make sure to cells are connected and protected inside the box, and seal it with a silicone caulk so that water can't get inside and damage it. Once its all connected and sealed, you just need to connect it to a battery pack, or an inverter and you have the beginnings of a small solar energy system.

One of the interesting pointers in this article is a reminder that there are many types of solar cells, but cells of the same type all produce the same voltage, regardless of size. So...if you use bigger cells, you'll get more power, but the panel will be heavier.

One of the key considerations, I believe, is keeping the panels manageable for one person to handle. Most DIY's (do-it-yourselfers) not only build, but also install whatever they're building, so unless you're making a permanent installation, and will have plenty of help getting it up, keeping the panel small and light is a plus. You can add multiple solar panels and a larger battery bank, with more inverters to expand your system if you decide the whole process is worthwhile...and I'm talking about worthwhile from both the energy-saving costs and the IDIM (I did it myself) factor.

As I mentioned earlier, solar cells are currently relatively expensive. New technology in solar energy panels is advancing rapidly, however. I found some fascinating innovations that are coming to the forefront at www.treehugger.com. They include CIGS (copper indium gallium diselinide thin film solar cells being developed by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory that will be extremely competitive with the current silicon-based cells. And...there is the Cool Earth Inflatable Balloon, designed to concentrate more direct sunlight to smaller solar panels. Not to mention growing 'Hairy' thin solar panels using nanowires? How cool is that.

Whatever you use to construct your solar energy panel, you can feel good about it...really good. You're decreasing your own reliance on a non-renewable energy source, lessening man's overall negative environmental impact, and doing it in the most cost-efficient method-as a DIY'er.

How to Construct a Solar Energy Panel

Timothy Peters is a solar energy enthusiast and author. He lives in Spokane, WA and enjoys teaching others how to save money on their utility bill and help the planet through solar energy. If you want to find out more information on solar energy panels, then check out his site at: www.HomeSolarPowerExplained.com

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