Currently, alternative energy sources are very fashionable and popular, especially for owners of country cottages or private homes. But often such a device costs a lot of money and not everyone can afford to buy solar panels for the house. Therefore, making solar panels with your own hands has become very important. So how do you make solar panels?
Characteristics of the solar panel
The solar cell is a semiconductor structure, which is able to convert solar radiation into electricity. This allows you to make the house economical, reliable and, most importantly, uninterrupted power supply. This is especially true for hard-to-reach areas, as well as there, where there are frequent power outages from the main source.
Such an alternative energy source is quite practical, because, unlike a traditional energy source, it costs much less. Making solar panels with your own hands allows you to not only optimize energy consumption, but also saves money.
advantages
Solar panels have the following advantages:
- easy installation due to that, that there is no need to lay a cable to the supports;
- electricity generation is absolutely not harmful to the environment;
- no moving parts;
- electricity is supplied independently of the distribution network;
- minimum time spent on system maintenance;
- light weight batteries;
- silent operation;
- long service life at minimum cost.
shortcomings
Despite the rather significant advantages, have solar panels and their disadvantages, such as:
- complexity of the manufacturing process;
- sensitivity to contamination;
- the effective operation of solar panels is affected by weather conditions (sunny or cloudy days);
- this design requires a lot of space;
- the batteries do not work at night.
Requirements, presented to the solar panel
Install solar panels in a private home under the power of each. But in order to have such a design, created with their own hands, benefited to the maximum, should take into account its features. The following requirements are set for the solar panel:
- since the product is quite fragile, then first of all it is necessary to mount a framework, and only then install all other elements;
- the size of the batteries depends on the functional load, however, that point should be taken into account, that big box weighs quite a lot and, to fill it, need more energy conductors;
- the side of the solar panel should have small side panels, so that their shadow does not interfere with the sun's rays on the elements;
- outside and inside the case must be treated with moisture-resistant paint, because the structure is exposed to atmospheric influences around the clock;
- in the case itself, make sure the substrate;
- there should be small ventilation holes at the bottom of the panel, this will maintain the required temperature in the radiator and remove gas, which is formed as a result of the panel.
Materials, needed to make a solar panel with your own hands
If it is not possible to buy solar panels, you can make them with your own hands. First you need to decide on the material, from which they will be made.
To create panels, high-quality photocells will be needed. Manufacturers today offer the following types of devices:
- elements of monocrystalline silicon have an efficiency of 13%, but in cloudy weather are not effective enough;
- photovoltaic cells made of polycrystalline silicon have an efficiency of 9%, can work as in the sun, and gloomy days.
It is best to use polycrystals to power the house, which are available in sets.
It is important to know, that everything necessary for cell assembly is best bought from one manufacturer, as products of different brands have significant differences in the effectiveness of products. This can create additional complication difficulties, cause operating costs, at the same time the solar battery will have low power.
To make a solar panel from improvised means, special guides will be needed, designed to connect photovoltaic cells.
The body of the future design is best made of aluminum corners, having a small weight. You can also use this material, like a tree. But because of that, that the structure will be constantly exposed to the weather, its service life will be reduced.
The dimensions of the panel body depend on the number of photocells.
The outer coating of the photocells can be made of plexiglass or clear polycarbonate. Tempered glass is also used, infrared.
So, the following materials will be required to make a solar panel with your own hands:
- photocells in a set;
- fastening hardware;
- high power copper wires;
- silicone vacuum stands;
- soldering equipment;
- aluminum corners;
- Schottky diodes;
- transparent sheet of polycarbonate or plexiglass;
- set of screws for fastening.
Such materials are purchased in a building materials store or online store.
How to make solar panels with your own hands?
To make panels with your own hands, you need to collect the necessary materials. The solar panel for the house gathers in such sequence.
- First, you need to assemble a set of polycrystalline photocells.
- Since stated ??manufacturer capacity is 4 W, and voltage 0,5 volt, necessary 36 elements for the battery, whose power will be 18 W.
- Using a soldering iron, it is necessary to apply contours to the photocells, forming soldered conductors from tin. For convenience, soldering can be done on a flat glass surface.
- Then connect all the cells according to the electrical circuit. Regardless of the type of connection, shunt diodes must be provided, which are used for installation on the "plus" terminal. In this case, Schottky diodes are the best option, which produce the correct calculation of solar panels for the home and prevent battery discharge at night.
- It is necessary to make the soldered cells in place, illuminated by the sun, and check their performance. If they function normally, begin to assemble the case.
- To assemble the frame, will need aluminum corners with low sides and hardware. Then silicone sealant is applied to the inner faces of the rails.
- On top of this layer is placed a prepared sheet of polycarbonate or any other transparent material. To fix the sheet must be tightly pressed to the adhesive contour.
- After the final drying of the sealant, the transparent surface and the frame are fastened with hardware.
- Then photocells with conductors are placed along the inner transparent surface, the distance between each cell should be 5 mm. It is best to mark in advance.
- Cells must be locked, and seal the panel, only in this case the solar panels will last a very long time. For this purpose on each element put mounting silicone and close a design with the back panel.
- After the final drying of the silicone, the structure is completely sealed to fit the panels tightly together.
Basic recommendations
To properly make solar panels with your own hands, the following recommendations must be followed:
- проводник, which connects the solar cells into a single system, should be done on the exact size of the elements. In this case, take into account the size of each fragment, the length of the conductor on the reverse side of the surface and the distance between the plates. This is necessary to carefully connect all the elements and prevent the soldered conductor from being cut, so as not to break the cell;
- a small amount of tin should be applied to the soldering spot, because it heats up poorly and the plate can be damaged due to strong pressure on it with a soldering iron;
- it is best to prepare the battery case first, and then place in it solar cells with conductors. This will help prevent damage when moving items.
Everyone dreams of getting free electricity in their home and this dream is achievable. Making solar panels with your own hands, you can enjoy an additional source of electricity. This design does not cause any harm to the environment, in addition, it is very reliable and inexpensive.