With continuing price rises on energy, solar panel is coming more to the fore; providing practically free power. It can be expensive to have these installed however, so is a good idea to build your own solar panel.

Ensure all the right equipment is to hand to avoid delay and frustration. The most important thing is to select the solar panels to be used. Time should be spent here, to ensure the exact right ones are used.

Having made that choice, you will also need; plywood, circular saw, 1 x1, screwdriver and screws, caulk, outdoor paint, solder and iron, glue, copper wire, a diode, batteries and Plexiglas.

Using your chosen cells as a guide, draw a grid on the plywood. Once satisfied, saw out the entire base and place to one side. It is now time to construct the actual panel itself.

The 1 x 1 will need to be cut into sections depending on the size of the base, and attached using the screws and the caulk. Once all set, this should be painted with the outdoor paint; though not over the grid of course.

The solar cells now need to be glued into place. However, they first need to be attached in a series. This is quite simple; soldering the tabs at the back of each together. It does need to be done carefully though, as the cells are delicate.

The copper wire should now be attached from the cell to the electrical system and batteries. To ensure no power is lost in the opposite direction, a diode line will also need to be attached at this point.

The final step is to entirely weatherproof the panel through Plexiglas over the cells. Secure in place with caulk and allow to dry. You have now managed to build your own solar panel.

By learning how to make a solar panel you can save money, help the environment, and generate electricity using free energy from the sun with DIY solar panels. This and other unique content \’\’ articles are available with free reprint rights.