Solar panels are specialized panels made of individual cells that convert sunlight into a source of energy.
It can either be electricity or heating energy. These solars panels are unique in that they are very earth friendly.
Solar panels are a renewable source of energy (meaning it will never run out) since sunlight is available almost everywhere. Plus it saves electricity and heating costs. That is a major plus for anyone's wallet.
Convinced to go solar? Great! You can buy either DIY SOLAR PANELS kit from a local hardware store or make one yourself from scratch.
STEP 1 - SOLAR CELLS
You will need to purchase some solar cells for your solar panel. Solar cells are usually grey and black square pieces and come in a variety of sizes.
Depending on how much power you need, you'll typically need over 70 individual cells. Again you can buy solar cells online or from a DIY solar panels kit from a hardware store
STEP 2 - TESTING EACH CELL
Use a multimeter to check the positive and negative sides of each cell. Just take your multimeter and place it directly onto the solar panel.
You must do this so you won't have a bad connection in you panel. If there is a break in the connection, your entire solar panel won't work. Be careful because each cell is fragile and can break easily.
STEP 3 - ARRANGING THE CELLS
You will want to arrange the cells into strips. Make sure that each cell is positive to negative along a straight edge. Try to leave a small gap in between each strip.
How many strips and how many cells in each strip depends on how big you want your solar panel to be. Continue using your multimeter to check for connectivity between the cells. If you find that your strips are too flimsy, you can use cardboard on the back to steady them.
STEP 4 - MOUNTING YOUR PANEL
Using a piece of glass the size of your panel, lay the strips face down and solder them together. If your solar panel came with a kit, add a diode and cord.
This will let you store energy if necessary. Finally, encase your panel with a clear silicon coating and let dry. Once the silicon coating is completely dry, you can mount it in a sunny spot.
Congratulations! Enjoy your DIY solar panels! May it brighten your way to other green discoveries.
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