Homemade Solar Panels

Solar panels are one of the best ways to generate electricity independently. They capture solar light and turn it into power through solar cells. Once electricity is generated it is stored in a battery bank. When the battery charges drop below a certain level, the solar panels recharge them with solar energy. Usually solar energy panels are mounted on a rooftop or a freestanding solar array rack.

Solar panels are still expensive but some DIY enthusiasts have found that homemade solar panels are a cheaper alternative to the commercial product. In order to make them, you’ll need a sixteen volt solar panel, a lead or acid battery that is rechargeable and twelve volts; a battery box; a DC meter; an inverter; and a handheld drill. Ebay is a good place to find parts. In order to assemble the panels, the best advice is to invest in a good guide. It will cost a few dollars but it will be worth the money. We recommend this one here...

Besides a manual, there are a few useful tips for those looking to install homemade solar panels. The first one is: don’t save where you shouldn’t save. Don’t buy broken solar cells. Favor high quality on the backing material, which is harder to replace. Solar panels have an expected lifecycle of 25-40 years so longevity should always be a concern. Make sure you understand the instructions in the manual – take it slowly, and go about the job confidently. For the final wiring, hire a professional electrician. It’s not so easy for a non-professional to do that kind of work so it can become a headache if you attempt to do it yourself without any experience of electric work.

Finally, keep batteries charged if you use them. They should be kept charged between 50 – 80% in order to get longer lives. Good luck with your homemade solar panels – they can help you save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere.