Make Solar Panels And Harness Free Electricity
More and more, folks around the world want to use alternative ways to create renewable energy. When you consider the growing costs of fossil fuels, going green is quickly becoming a realistic option. The Do-It-Yourself energy movement has become one of the fastest and best ways to save money and help the environment. The most commonly used solar technologies for homes and businesses are solar water heating, passive solar design for space heating and cooling, and photovoltaic solar panels for electricity. Making solar panels can be easy, cost effective, and fun.
Here are some interesting projects to consider for using solar energy:
- refill camping air mattress
- live off grid
- the garage fridge
- a wilderness cabin retreat
There are many ways to make homemade solar panels, none of which is very hard. Depending on the type of supplies you use, your solar panel might very well cost about 200 dollars. You have a choice of many types of supplies when you make homemade solar panels. Your first major cost will be to buy the solar cells. A recent Ebay search showed tabbed solar cells for about $1.80 each and untabbed solar cells for about $1.10 each. Plywood might be your cheapest material to purchase, and you may even have some lying around the garage already. However, rather than plywood, I would recommend using a sheet of white or black plexiglass. It’s lighter, nicer looking, and will last longer. You can probably find the size you need at your local hardware store or it can be bought online.
Once you have the back of your solar frame, you’ll want to put a frame around the edge. You can use either aluminum C frame material or wood. Aluminum is more expensive, but it will last a good deal longer and weather the elements better. Your final piece of the puzzle is the cover. Some people use a sheet of glass. I would not recommend using glass, simply because it’s so fragile. Clear, UV-protected plexiglass is the best option. Make sure, however, that it is UV-protected or it will turn yellow and reduce your panel’s effectiveness. As you start your project, plan out each step and put your plan into writing. You can easily make homemade solar panels with the right guide book. The right manual will help steer you in the best direction to make good decisions. Start small and work big. Be realistic in your goals. Your first panel may not be finest car at the show, but you’ll get better.
Take the time to plan out your solar panel project. Budget your project and balance cost with longevity. Just because you have an old scrap of plywood lying against the back fence does not mean that you have to use it just to save a few dollars. You may opt for untabbed solar cells to offset the cost of a plexiglass frame over a wood frame. Finally, keep in mind that you will be working with electricity, so have fun, but always be safe.
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