Making your own solar panels for less
This is the 21st Century! We have so many technological advances… we can communicate with anyone in the world, fly from one end of the globe to the other in less than a day, we’re even able to listen to music for less than a buck and download it into a portable device no bigger than your hand, so why do we still derive our energy from fossil fuels? That is so 20th Century! But solar panels are so expensive. Or are they? You can make your own low cost solar panel and generator for about $300 and power some of your favorite electric items using renewable energy!
First, you want to look for a panel that is 12 volts or higher. Most RV shops and marinas can sell you a 16 volt for under $100. Or you can build your own check it out at Earth4Energy..
Second, You want to get a battery. No, not the 9 volt or even the type in your car. you want a small and rechargeable battery. Get a 12-volt lead – acid – battery, you can usually get these for about $50 – $60 online.
Next, for safety reasons, you’ll want to buy a battery box. This is especially a good idea if you have kids around. Low cost solar panels won’t do you good if you don’t have it protected.
After that, buy a DC Meter that’s 12 volts ($25 at electronics stores) and a DC Input (car parts store — $10). These will allow you to take the energy from the panel and use them for your DC appliances. Note that you will NOT be able to use AC appliances until you buy an inverter. Inverters will convert your DC energy into AC energy so you can power them (most hardware stores will have these starting at $50). Take an estimate as to how much energy you will be using and remember that the wattage of the inverter must be greater than the wattage you’re going to use.
Now use a drill to attach the DC Meter and Input to the box, and use insulated wire to attach the meter to the battery. Only handle one wire at a time, and ALWAYS CONNECT TO THE NEGATIVE (-) SIDE FIRST! No point getting a low cost solar panel if you get electrocuted in the process. Now connect the DC Inlet to the battery, then connect the solar panel to the battery. Actually there is no chance of getting electrocuted the potential health hazard is rapid heating of the wires if shorted also you want to keep sparks and open flames away from led-acid batteries as they produce hydrogen when charged or discharged.
That’s it! Close the lid, seal it tight (bungee cords are recommended) and let your generator sit in the sun for 8 hours. Congratulations! You’ve got yourself a working solar panel and it will power your low wattage devices and save you money every month on electricity. Isn’t that cool? George Jetson would be proud of you.
Check out my sponsored Products for more information on Low Cost Solar Panels.
