!: Home Built Solar Panel - Make Your Own Home Made Solar Panels

Many simple home problems can be solved with a home built solar panel. Maybe you would like to heat your garage workshop during cold winter days or warm your koi pond just enough to keep the ice from forming during the coldest months. Small 12-volt pumps and fans are available that will run on the power generated by your new solar panel after you gather parts, assemble the panel, and place your panel the sunniest possible location.

Cut a board to measure eighteen inches by thirty-six inches and secure a piece of metal sheeting to the board. This flat surface will hold the 36 solar cells that will generate power for your 12-volt appliance. You will also need a sheet of Plexiglas to match the size of your board and an aluminum frame to hold sealant over the edges of your panel to keep out moisture. Gather the pieces for the stand that will hold your panel upright in the sun.

Place the board on a flat work surface, and work slowly to connect six solar cells by attaching the solar wire from one cell to the solar tab on the next cell and solder in place with a low-voltage soldering iron. Turn over each set and affix the center back of each cell to the metal surface on the board with silicone. Repeat this six times until you have six strands of six cells attached to your board. String braided copper wire between each set of six cells and run the wire past the edge of the board. For a pretest to ensure your connections are solid, carefully move your board out into the sun and use a voltage meter to measure the energy being produced. Bring your working solar board back to your work surface and finish the assembly by carefully placing your Plexiglas over the cells. Run a bead of silicone around the inside corner of your aluminum frame and cover the top edges of your Plexiglas. Allow to dry overnight before placing your panel outside.

Construct a simple stand that will hold your panel at the best sun-catching angle and attach the panel to keep the wind from blowing it over. The solar cells are delicate and can be broken relatively easily. Use your DC meter to measure the output from your solar panel. Attach the 12-volt appliance of your choice to your solar panel and observe the results consistently throughout the first few days. Make adjustments to optimize the angle to the sun and the placement of your fan or pump. For a more advanced solution, do some reading about storing excess power generated by your panel in deep-charge batteries. If your goal is to tie multiple solar panels together and tie them into the power grid, do a great deal of homework to make sure you understand the requirements.