Build Your Own Solar Panel - Here Are 10 Quick and Easy Steps!

Before you start to build your own solar panel you need to buy some solar cells. These cells are what converts sunlight into electrical energy and make a solar panel work. If you are seriously thinking about doing it, you will need to buy some of these online.

There are loads of guides on the Internet which show you to how to do this. Some of these plans are good and some not so good. You will have to do a lot of research if you want to learn how to build your own solar panel properly.

The steps below show how.

Step 1 - To start, build a shallow box which is large enough to contain your solar cells. When you build your own solar panel you want it to be shallow so that none of the solar cells are in the shade of the sides of box when the sun is shining at an angle.

Step 2 - Drill small holes at the bottom of your frame to allow the air to circulate and any water to escape. Do not put your holes at the top otherwise rain will get into your homemade solar panel!

Step 3 - The next step is to get some plexiglass or glass and cut it to size, this will protect your solar cells from the elements, so make sure it fits the panel properly.

Step 4 - Insert pegs to the side of the panel (the solar cells will be placed on these)

Step 5 - Give the box and pegs several coats of paint to protect them from any moisture which could damage the solar cells and the panel.

Step 6 - To make a solar panel, draw a plan in pencil of where your solar cells will go onto the panel of wood which will fit into your box. Solder tabs onto the backs of the solar cells and glue the solar cells into place using these tabs.

Step 7 - You now need to solder the cells into strings. To do this, match the solder tabs from the front of one cell to the back of the other cell until you have connected them all. Remember to be careful when soldering the cells, if you press too hard you will break them.

Step 8 - Use wire or copper braid to connect all the strings together. Use glue or silicone caulk to hold the wire down.

Step 9 - Using some small screws, screw your solar cell panel into its box. Next, use silicone caulk to install the blocking diode inside the box. This prevents your homemade solar panel from discharging your battery when the solar panel is not at use i.e. At night.

Step 10 - The final step in how to make a solar panel is to drill a hole into the back of your solar panel box for the wires to come out, use silicone caulk to glue them into place and make your panel come to life. Allow the silicone to dry thoroughly before gluing the glass front on. Simply attach a plug and its ready to go!