For just about any homeowner interested in building their particular alternative energy source, a fundamental understanding of solar power generation and terminology is necessary.
Technology Backgrounder
A solar panel or photovoltaic (PV) cell will be the semiconductor that captures sunlight and converts it into household power (DC) electricity. Photovoltaics would be the cleanest and most direct approach to harness the Sun's energy. A small grouping of PV cells arranged right into a panel and installed onto a set surface make up a solar panel or a PV module. A small grouping of PV modules connected in series makes up an array.
PV modules are rated in watts in line with the maximum power they could produce when performing under ideal conditions. The rated output determines the number of modules are needed to satisfy the homeowner's electrical needs. An average household requires an electrical system that produces between 3 to 5 kW.
Types Of PV Modules
There are three common production technologies for Electricity cells.
Single Crystalline - The most expensive production technique but also the most efficient sunlight conversion technology available. Efficiency rating of approximately 10 to 12 %.
Polycrystalline or Multi-crystalline - Slightly reduced conversion efficiency in comparison with single crystal but cost you a bit less. Efficiency rating of approximately 10 to 11 percent.
Amorphous or Thin Film - Production is cheaper than any other method however the collectors are less efficient so more floor is required. Efficiency rating of approximately 5 to 7 percent. These elements are often almost black in color.
Renewable Energy Investment Cost
Having an average cost of $5 per watt, a typical household will require a great investment of at least $15,000 to $25,000. As well as the PV modules will take into account at least $9,000 to $15,000 of the upfront cost. When you purchase commercial modules, it can save you time and frustration but this can be a lot of hard earned money to part with.
A better alternative is always to build your own panels. And no, you cannot build a PV system for free from junk yard parts. There are many do it yourself (DIY) guides on the web showing you how to create a cheap solar panel for approximately $200 using used or chipped Electricity cells available from eBay or bulk resellers. To your first project, purchase cells that are not broken as it will make the project easier. Typically the most popular DIY kits are Earth4energy, Energy 4 Green, and Make Power At Home.
What Materials Are required?
For the basic PV module, you will need:
Solar collectors - basic conversion technology
Plywood - backing for holding the Electricity cells
Wood - for framing a border around the cells and flexi-glass
Flexi-glass - it goes over the PV cells
Basic tools and supplies needed are:
Tabbing wire - allowing you to connect the collectors together
Silicone - for holding the Electricity cells onto the plywood and the flexi-glass to the border
Solder - for holding the wires to the back of the Electricity cells
UV Protector - for protecting the plywood
Volt meter - for measuring the PV module power output
What Are The Steps?
The basic steps for constructing a solar panel are:
Cut your plywood backing to size
Apply a few coats of UV protector in your plywood
Join Electricity cells together using a soldering iron and tabbing wires
Fix connected cells to plywood backing using silicone
Build the module borders using more plywood
Fix the flexi-glass for the borders and cover the solar collectors
Connect the wires to a charge controller
Repeat steps above for building more PV modules as needed
For complete step-by-step instructions, the popular guides mentioned earlier provides detailed instructions with accompanying video instructions to even make it easier to follow.
Be sure to don't start to large by building a few solar panels first and then contributing to your power array as time passes.
What's Next?
Solar panel systems are just one component of a solar photovoltaic system. A deep cycle battery is necessary for storing the electricity generated, an inverter for converting the DC power into alternating current (AC) for household appliances usage, a system meter for monitoring battery levels, and a charge controller to protect the battery from being overcharged. Using a complete solar system, you begin saving money on electricity from day one.
Just thought you might be interested in reading this guide: photovoltaic solar panels and solar panel installation.
