| Homemade solar panels can be made in any size | | | | by the smallest cell it contains, so use matching |
| with relative ease and little expense by following | | | | cells within each panel. Otherwise the larger cells |
| some simple directions. There are several steps, | | | | won't perform up to their rated capacity. |
| but the actual work is quite simple. A solar panel is | | | | 5) New retail solar cells are more expensive. You |
| nothing more than a shallow box that holds | | | | can get slightly defective new cells and even used |
| individual solar cells linked together into an array, | | | | ones. Don't be scared off by terms like |
| You can save a ton of money by building your | | | | "defective" or "irregular". These are often |
| own solar panels, but the energy is collected by | | | | cosmetic flaws that haven't passed the |
| the individual cells, so using the right cells is all | | | | manufacturers standards and usually function just |
| important. | | | | as well as any other new cells provided the |
| Solar cells can be purchased either new or used. | | | | defect is not too severe. Investigate and test |
| Follow these tips and your homemade solar panels | | | | before writing them off. |
| should provide years of reliable service. | | | | 6) Handle with care! Solar cells are somewhat |
| 1) The number and type of solar cells you use | | | | brittle and thin. Keep them in a safe place until you |
| determines the amount of power that each panel | | | | are ready to use them. |
| is capable of producing. Each cell is rated to | | | | 7) As a related item, if you buy on-line or through |
| produce a certain maximum wattage. The | | | | the mail, find out how the seller intends to ship |
| combined total of these ratings will provide a | | | | them. |
| reasonable estimate of the finished panels | | | | 8) Make sure the cells you buy have tabs on |
| capacity. | | | | them already. You'll be glad you did when you |
| 2) Be aware of the type and size of the cells you | | | | realize you've cut your soldering time in half. |
| are considering. Type and size indicate voltage and | | | | 9) Each cell must be clean and free of film or |
| current, respectively. As a rule, higher current is | | | | wax before being installed. Cells are sometimes |
| achieved with a larger cell. Total power output is | | | | shipped with a wax coating and this has to be |
| determined by amps X voltage. | | | | removed carefully. |
| 3) Efficiency rating describes the amount of | | | | 10) Get a good instruction guide that will show |
| power that can be produced per square inch. | | | | you step-by-step what to look for and where to |
| Newer, more efficient cells can collect more | | | | find the best sources for all your parts. This will |
| energy than older, less efficient cells. Efficiency is | | | | save you thousands of dollars in mistakes, bad |
| important because it establishes the size of the | | | | purchases and lost time. You'll refer back to the |
| completed panel, and available roof space could | | | | guide again and again as you grow your system |
| come into place (i.e. producing more power with | | | | and will easily the small amount paid for the guide |
| smaller panels will require less roof space). | | | | on your very first panel. |
| 4) A panel's maximum current capacity is limited | | | | |