Solar fan for cool summer. Solar-powered cooler to refresh drinks during the walk. Or a simple charger that uses sunlight to recharge your smartphone.
What do these devices have in common, besides being powered by solar energy? With some relatively cheap components and basic soldering skills, you can make your own solar panels to power them.
"It's amazing that we have devices that have no moving parts that generate electricity just by putting them outside," says Joshua Pierce, a professor at the University of Western Ontario and co-author of the free e-book Catch the Sun. your own hands. "But while converting sunlight directly into electricity seems like magic, the reality is that anyone with modest technical skills can participate, whether you're building your own modules from single cells or building your own PV systems from commercial modules."
If you have some technical skills and the patience to learn, (solar) energy is within your reach. Here's what you need to know to get started building your own solar panels.
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"People can make their own panels," said Pierce, whose e-book outlines the steps for building solar systems and shares stories of people around the world powering their communities with solar energy.
The main components of a solar panel are the photovoltaic cells, the wires and the surrounding material, usually glass. All of these materials can be ordered online or purchased at hardware stores and come in a variety of sizes.
It's best to start small, not only because it will be easier, but also because it's cheaper to buy larger panels than to make them. Pierce recommends that a panel small enough to power a water pump for your garden is a good starter project. This way you can practice your welding skills and familiarize yourself with the material.
Be careful when doing a project like this because you are working with flammable electrical components and tools. “There is a risk of miswiring, shorting, or solder burn, but it's still not that dangerous,” Pierce says.
Can you build a solar panel system yourself?
When you're ready to tackle a larger project, it's entirely possible to put together a solar panel system to meet the majority of your home's energy needs. And the good news, DIY: The economy is on your side, Pierce said. It's about half the cost of installing solar systems if you do most of the work yourself and have an electrician hook them up rather than having a solar installer power your home.
First buy ready-made solar panels (building them from scratch will be more expensive), then place them on shelves (you can do it yourself) and turn them towards the sun. This type of system can power DC or DC devices. Or, if you're more experienced, you can hook it up to an inverter to convert electricity to AC or AC, which is the standard for American electrical appliances.
Be sure to check the system with a multimeter. However, it is recommended that you hire a licensed electrician to make sure the system is working properly. Either way, you'll need to hire a licensed electrician to wire up your system.
Is it possible to buy solar panel kits?
There are a variety of kits available for purchase online or in stores, from solar-powered toys to more complete multi-panel kits costing thousands of dollars. Pierce recommends starting with an educational kit, like the $20 solar-powered robot kit we found on Amazon.
How to make solar panels with your own hands
If you want to learn how to make your own solar panel and feel pretty confident in your soldering skills, here is a detailed solar panel assembly guide based in part on this tutorial created by DIY Solar Panel. Sun Biosphere Project. . Be careful when working with a soldering iron and avoid contact with live wires.
1 . Purchase solar panel components, including photovoltaic cells, barbed wire, and sealing materials (such as glass).
2 . Wear gloves and goggles.
3 . Measure, stretch and cut the barbed wire.
4 . Solder the trace wires to the front and back of the solar cells.
5 . Check connections with a multimeter.
6 Remove the cables from the cells so that they are not sealed inside.
7 . For a short term panel, laminate or cover the cells with glass. Clean the glass, place the cells on the bottom layer and carefully place another piece of glass on top.
8 Close the panel with glue or glue.
9 Connect the DIY panel to your DC powered appliance and then enjoy your solar powered appliance!