Archive for December 24th, 2009
If you’d like to lower your electricity bill, solar panels are a great way to go. A homemade solar panel is surprisingly easy to build, and can help you save a lot of money in comparison to pre-made units. You can even save a lot of money when installing a solar power system by using a solar panel kit. It provides the instructions needed to build a solar panel at home. For further information regarding this kit, go to Solar Panel Kit.
Solar cells are the parts that actually turn sunlight into power. If you know what type of power you require, you can proceed, as solar cells, depending on how they’re connected, can provide virtually any amount of voltage and current.
Currently available are two basic types of solar cells. Made from one large crystal, monocrystalline solar cells provided the highest level of efficiency. Monocrystalline cells are also generally more durable than other types of cells. Of course, this type of cell is also moderately more expensive than the alternative. Polycrystalline cells, which are made up of a collection of small crystals, are the other standard type. Polycrystalline cells, while they come with a lower price tag, tend to lag behind monocrystalline cells in terms of efficiency.
Once you have the solar cells, you have to connect them correctly in order to get the necessary voltage and current. There are many DIY solar panel plans available, and most of these will have wiring diagrams. The diagrams should always be followed closely. The individual solar cells should be mounted on a piece of thick plywood, so that they are facing the same direction. The required size for the backing board can be seen by laying out the cells as displayed in the wiring diagram. Refer to the diagram again once the cells have been mounted; you can now begin the soldering. Make sure that the wires are attached neatly to the backing board, and that they get between the cells and the sunlight. Once this has been finished, take the panel outside and check the voltage with a meter to make sure that you’re getting the right voltage. If there are any discrepancies, check your wiring. Once you have the output you need, you can attach sides and a clear front part to the backing board. Use weatherproof caulking to ensure that the enclosure is tight enough to withstand the elements.
The ideal spot for your finished solar panel is one with plenty of sun exposure. The electricity generated by the panel will be of the DC variety, which can be used to charge batteries or power certain small appliances. Most devices in the home use AC electricity; this can be obtained by using an ordinary inverter.
For information about the pros and cons of solar energy, read Solar Energy Advantages Disadvantages.
Can you build a solar panel for under $200? If you want to know the answer, take a look at this guide Homemade Energy Review. In this guide, you will get specific instructions on what is best to build based on the size of your house and your location. You will also get step-by-step diagrams on how to build your own solar power system.
Eric Moore became interested in renewable energy after building an electric powered bike. Shortly after he began riding the bike to work, he thought, why not recharge the bike’s batteries with solar power and commute to work completely free and totally pollution free. He then created a website to share his experience and knowledge with others. For many more articles about home solar power visit: Home Solar and Wind Info.