Solar Panels - Guide On How To Build a Solar Panel

July 25, 2009 - PRLog -- If you want to save money on your utility bills building a solar panel may be the answer you are looking for. Initially you may think that it is technically beyond you and you would need a degree in electrical engineering to even understand what you need to do, but you may be surprised to learn that you can build your own solar panel, with only a small amount of handyman skills.

What makes up a Solar Panel?

A solar panel is simply just a collection of solar cells that are also known as photovoltaic cells. It is these cells that create the electricity by interacting with the sunlight, and once you can wire up these cells you are creating a solar panel. Once you have made one, the next one will be so much easier. In the beginning you will want to start small, in a day you could make a small panel that would be enough to power some of the smaller appliances in the house. Once you have the knowledge under your belt from building a small panel, you could increase the number of panels until your entire electrical power requirements are met from solar power.

Where can I use these Solar Panels?

You may just be thinking about setting the panels up to generate electrical power for your home, but it doesn't stop there. You can also use the panels to create power on your boat or yacht; you could look at using them in your RV.

Your main cost is going to be the solar cells, and there are many different types and qualities that you will be able to use. If you have a look around on the internet or local suppliers you will be able to pick up cells at a price to suit your budget. All the other bits and pieces can be easily found in your local hardware store.

What are the materials and tools I need?

• Solar Cells
• Wire crimping tool
• Wire cutters
• A sheet of plywood
• Plastic sheet cutter
• Reamer
• Pliers
• Hacksaw
• Solder, 60/40 or silver
• Soldering iron, or soldering station
• Sheets of glass
• Drill
• Copper wires
• Screwdriver
• Cobalt steel jobbers' twist drill bit, heavy duty, wire gauge size 26, 3" L, 1c" L flute
• Machine screw size high-speed steel hand tap taper, 10-24, H3 pitch diameter, 4 flute
• 7/32 drill bit

There are a wide range of manuals available to you help you learn how to build a panel and the best ones will come with a shopping list of exactly what you need to buy. This will all take a bit of effort, but spending time at the beginning ensuring you know exactly what you have to do before you start, what you have to do and what are the best materials to get will reap rewards in the end. If you have spent the time learning how the panel's work you will be the best qualified to fix them if you ever have a problem. Remember that you will want the advice of a qualified electrician if you want to hook your system up to the main supply that is something you need expert advice on.

With your own solar panels, in a short time, you will be saving money on your utility bills, and at the end of the day, you may even stop having to rely on the utility companies.

If you are interested to learn how to build a solar panel, visit:
http://www.greenearth4energy.com

You may also want to get your solar installation guide here:
http://www.earthenergyguide.com

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Andy O Silliven is an engineer and author in the fields of electrical engineering. He enjoys writing about the topic and keeping up with current events and research in the area of renewable energy sources. Recommends: http://www.greenearth4energy.com