If you are interested in protecting the environment, saving money and handyman projects on the weekend then building your own solar panels ticks all three boxes. Building your own solar panels is easier than most people anticipate and can be an extremely rewarding experience. The cost of building a solar panel is minimal and cit can usually pay for itself in a few months with the savings in your electricity bills. Anyway enough rambling from me, lets get into it. Heres the 6 step guide to building your own solar panel.

Things You’ll Need:

• 16 volt solar panel
• Rechargeable 12 volt lead or acid battery
• Battery box
• DC meter
• Inverter
• Handheld drill

Step 1
First things first you need to find yourself a small solar panel that is 12 volts or higher. In this case a 16 volt solar panel will suit your needs the best.
It is pretty easy to find a panel like this and your best bet is to go shopping at a local RV store or even a small marina. You should be able to find one that is priced around or even below $100.

Step 2
The next thing you are going to need is a battery. While you may be tempted to go big or go home on this one, a smaller yet rechargeable battery is your best bet.
A 12 volt lead or acid battery will do the trick. The type you are looking for here is a deep cell battery as they are built the best for constant and continuous use.

Step 3
In order to build your solar panel safely you will also want to purchase a battery box. This will offer protection from the battery and the power it exudes in case you are working in small quarters or have small children running around in the area.

Step 4
The next materials required are a DC meter that matches the voltage of your battery and a DC input. These products will allow you to convert your energy from the panel and apply them to power sources around your home. Of course if you are hoping to power AC appliances you will need an inverter as well.

Step 5
It is now time to actually put the labor into your solar panel. Use a handheld drill to attach your meter and DC input to the top end of the battery box. Next use some insulated wire to connect the meter to the battery.
Be very careful to only work with one wire at a time and connect the first wire to the negative input first. Use the same procedure to connect the DC inlet and the solar panel to the battery itself.

Step 6
Now you are ready to start converting the sun’s power into your own usable energy. Close the lid tight with a cord and put the entire product out into the sun. Wait for about 8 hours and then get ready to bask in some home made energy.

For full instructions, including images and videos please see the full guide at DIY Solar.

A polycrystalline solar panel module is made from a block of silicon that has multiple crystals. These panels are square in shape, and may have a surface that looks somewhat like a mosaic. That’s because of all the different crystals that make up the module. Other types of panels may appear smooth and even, because they are made up of only silicon crystals. These are called monocrystalline modules. The third type of panel uses a thin film layer of material otherwise known as amorphous.

Polycrystalline solar modules are less efficient than those made from a single crystal. However, they are much simpler to produce, and cost far less to manufacture. This makes them much less expensive for buyers. The durability and longevity, however, are comparable to their monocrystalline cousins. Polycrystalline solar panel modules could put solar power into the hands of people who could not afford the monocrystalline cells.

Home Solar Power Is Readily Available

Solar power energy is abundant in nature and it is also said to be a renewable source for power generation. Hence, when the need of the hour is to pick suitable home solar power systems, you need to research well and then apply your facts to good use. Home solar options can be had through the means of a secured site and while most may appear expensive, there are a few which are really inexpensive and long lasting as well. Home solar power systems are also considered essential to meet your energy requirements as they are promoted by the government agencies.

Solar Power Energy Can Be Harnessed Through Your Backyard

The second advantage of a home solar option is that it can be harnessed through your backyard. Home solar power systems work on the basis of assembled kits which can be obtained through the means of the World Wide Web. Solar power installations can be ordered online. They come in the form of a kit, which has an instructions manual as well. Simply follow the manual book and you can ensure that your solar power installations are in perfect order. Solar power kits have the ability to be used and built from home. Hence, they can be utilized by just about any human being-you need not be a technical viz to harness solar powered electricity from home.

Solar Power Cost Is Very Low

The third advantage of setting up a home solar power option is the saving in terms of electricity bills. Solar power cells, which are used in producing electricity, are affordable and long lasting. Once you have them installed in your roof, you can be rest assured that they would carry on for the rest of your life. You only cost is the initial purchase of the solar powered kits and the installation charges. Nowadays, there are solar power kits which are available for under a hundred dollars. Such options can be had through the means of a reputed online manufacturer only. Thereafter, the total cost of power generation is nil and you not only generate power for your home, you also never actually spend a dime while doing so.

Solar Thermal Power Is Pure

With the rise in air pollution and the reduction in the ozone layer, the chances are that your conventional sources of energy may prove to be a hindrance to the future generations. This is when solar thermal power comes into picture. Over here, not only are your electric bills reduced drastically, you also have a chance of keeping your environment neat and tidy. This is so as solar energy is a clean energy resource and it does not emit any harmful chemicals in the atmosphere. Hence, whenever solar energy is produced from home, it is considered a blessing in disguise for the environment.

Solar Power Cells Are Noiseless

As compared to the usual sources of energy, the solar power cells, which are generally used in a solar powered grid, are noiseless in nature. Hence, if you are using solar generated power for your household uses, you are indirectly saving your environment from excessive noise pollution. At the same time, the energy which is generated is never wasted and can be easily stored for future use.