DIY Solar Power – Build Your Own Solar Energy System
Solar power has been used for centuries in various ways. Price and technology have kept it out of the mainstream but many homeowners are experimenting with solar power to lower their electricity bills. To defer the cost, some have been creating their own solar power system instead of purchasing a completed one.
What is Solar Power
The sun gives off radiation that can be harnessed to form electricity. Basically photovoltaic cells made of silicon or other semi-conductive materials are used to capture the radiation. When the radiation hits the material it knocks electrons loose which are then collected to form electricity to power your home.
How Do You Start
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A solar power system has several components:
• Solar panels
• Battery backup (if you choose to have one)
• Wiring
• Charge controller
• DC Disconnect (for performing maintenance on the system)
• System meter
• DC inverter
The most important thing you need for a solar power system is solar panels. The panels are composed of the photovoltaic cells we mentioned above. You can purchase solar panels or create your own. Some people buy damaged solar panels that manufacturers cannot sell and repair them.
A deep cycle battery can be used to hold all of the electricity your system produces. A charge controller makes sure that the battery doesn’t get overloaded. Some choose to hook the solar power system directly into the home. This type of wiring requires a skilled and licensed electrician to perform. The sun doesn’t always shine, so a storage battery is a great option if you want to wean yourself off of grid electricity.
Building your own Solar Panels
The other items in the system can be purchased on eBay or at the hardware store for a low cost. When it comes to solar panels, they can be pricey so building them is an option. Start with finding solar cells. EBay is a great place to find solar cells from damaged solar panels for a small price.
The solar cells will need to be glued together to create new solar panels. Plywood can be used as a backing for the solar cells. Also the panels will need a wooden frame for mounting.
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To wire the cells together, use copper wire. A soldering iron works best to attach the wire to the back of the cells. Be sure the wires are in the proper configuration before soldering.
Once wiring is complete, silicon can be used to connect the cells securely to the plywood. The finished cells are covered with a non-reflective glass sheet and the frame attached to the entire panel. Silicon can be used again to attach the frame to the glass.
The size of the panels depends on the amount of wattage that is needed for your home. Purchasing a solar power plan from earth4energy.com will give you all the details about how many panels and the exact size for residential use.
Solar power is a wave of the future. As our technology grows, hopefully one day we will be able to harness the sun’s radiation on a grand scale to power the entire planet. But, right now, it is up to the individual homeowner to choose a cleaner, renewable form of energy to fit their lifestyle.