Build a Solar Panel That Really Works

It is entirely possible to build a solar panel from materials that are easily available online or at the local home center. Building your own solar panels can save you thousands over the cost of buying comparable retail panels.

Although it takes a little time, building your own solar panels is actually fairly straightforward. Assuming the proper techniques and components are used, solar panels that you make yourself can be as long lasting and efficient as those you might purchase, and at a fraction of the cost.

Lots of info and advice on how to build a solar panel can be found at our site.

A solar panel is basically made up from a group of solar cells that are linked together and that collect energy from the sun. You are probably familiar with seeing multiple panels configured together into an array, usually on rooftops. These make up the backbone of any home solar energy system.

Naturally the scientific details behind how solar panels work and why we can extract electrical energy from them is a lot more complicated than this and is outside the scope of this article. However, the important thing to know is that solar cells are made from silicon and other elements, and a solar panel is simply a collection of interconnected solar cells.

The number of individual cells in a panel and their efficiency determine the amount of electricity each panel can produce.  Age, placement, size and construction all potentially play a part in determining a cell's efficiency, so when constructing your solar panel it is first important to consider what you plan to use it for, where you will place it, how much direct sunlight that location gets, and the materials you will be using. 

From there, certain simple but critical calculations must be done to determine the amount of energy you can expect to draw from each panel and once armed with this information, you'll know how many panels you need to produce the desired amount of electricity.

All this information will help you to determine how large your panel (or panels) must be. You start by collecting your individual cells and soldering them together before configuring them into the frame. Various materials can be used to build the frame. Plywood and aluminum are both common choices. The choice mostly depends on where you plan to use them and the local weather/environmental conditions.

Proper and long lasting performance require that the panel be made air and water tight to resit weathering. This is most often done by enclosing the connected cells in EVA vinyl sheeting or plexiglass. It is also important that the finished panel is properly sealed using silicone adhesive caulk.

Whether purchased or homemade, the panels must be correctly wired to achieve maximum efficiency and prevent reverse current.