Thinking about changing your house over to solar power? Good choice! Making a decision to go with a renewable energy source is the first step, and it's a big one, but now you have to learn how to build solar power for your own personal use. Allow me to explain the broadstrokes, and don't worry, it actually isn't that difficult...assuming you have the right information.
Before you begin your project, decide on your individual goals regarding solar energy. Do you want to run a few appliances and reduce your electric bill or do you want to completely eliminate it by creating a self-sustaining solar power home? Different goals require different levels of commitment and your expense will vary depending on what you hope to do. Figure out your goals and then you can plan exactly what you'll need to do to achieve them.
How to Build Solar Power Step #1
Materials:
The first things you'll need are a parts list and the proper materials. You can head over to your local hardware store to buy everything. All the items necessary to build a solar power system are readily available and inexpensive. Most likely, you'll already have many of the tools you need at home, but if you don't own them it's a good bet someone you know will. Before laying out any money, have a poke around your garage, shed or basement, you might already have some of the materials on-hand.
The great news is you can buy everything you require for under $200 and because you'll be doing the work yourself there won't be expensive labor costs.
How to Build Solar Power Step #2
The Build:
The solar cells are the little engines that come together to create power. Link these together to create a solar panel and you have the main component of your solar power system. You can buy solar cells or make them at home. They can be had in bulk, for very little on various online auction sites.
Hint: If you do buy cells make sure they're tabbed, it'll eliminate a lot of hassle.
Once you've linked your cells together they work as a team to generate electricity. You'll have to do some soldering but it's not hard to get the hang of. Be sure that all your cells are of the same size because your solar panel will be limited by the smallest cell in the group.
Next you'll have to put together a box to contain your solar panel. Make sure when you place the panels they aren't jammed against the sides of the box. Panels can grow and shrink depending on the weather so you'll prevent cracking with this small but necessary step. Before placing your panels, line the base of the box with a non-conductive material. Something like pegboard should do the trick nicely. When attaching your panels, glue each cell in the middle with silicon caulking, once again this it to prevent cracking should the cells expand or contract.
Now place plexiglass onto the exterior of the box you've built. This material stands up well in the elements and will allow the sun's energy to penetrate your panel.
Hint: Pre-drill holes in the plexiglass before screwing it onto the box. It will probably crack apart otherwise.
How to Build Solar Power Step #3
Installation:
After you've completed the build, you must connect your solar panels to a charge controller, and then to a battery bank. The battery bank is connected to a inverter to convert the D/C electricity generated by your panel to A/C, which is used by most household appliances.
Hint: Before installation, test everything is working as it should.
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