Today, the cost of electricity is becoming increasing unaffordable.
In such a case, there is a need for more cost-efficient and cleaner sources of energy.
Solar energy is one such energy.
You can save up to 80% on your electricity bill by using solar energy.
Besides, using solar energy does not cause any emission of carbon dioxide.
However, harvesting solar power requires heavy initial investment.
Purchasing a solar power generator is an expensive proposition.
It easily costs around $3000.
Add to that, cost of solar panel installation.
But you need not despair, you can cut down these expenses drastically by getting DIY solar panels.
Do- It-Yourself solar panels come very cheap (around $200) and are not difficult to install if you have a basic idea of how to do it.
For installation, you will need: 1.
An instructional guide book 2.
Solar cells 3.
Plywood 4.
Strong sheets of glass You can download a good instructional guidebook from the Internet.
The guide will teach you how to make and install DIY solar panels.
Other materials can be easily bought from any local hardware store or a company specializing in DIY solar panel kits.
DIY solar panel construction consists of five basic parts: 1.
Panel tray and frame 2.
Absorber plate 3.
Copper tubing 4.
Insulation 5.
Glazing Solar cells are placed across the plywood board in rows.
The cells are then connected to each other using wires looping through the back of the plywood.
To secure the wires together, reinforce this construction with another plywood board.
Place a glass sheet on top and put a wooden frame around the entire arrangement.
The glass prevents loss of heat in cold weather.
Thus, efficiency of solar cell panels does not diminish in cool conditions.
You can also use acrylic sheets for covering solar panels.
They are cheaper and lighter than glass.
Your DIY solar panels are ready to function.
Once the construction of is complete, they should be stored in a safe place until they are required.
They should be placed in an upright position so that the tube outlet and inlet are not be damaged.
Normally two to three solar panels of area 1500mm by 900mm are sufficient to provide electricity for an average household.
Solar panels have a life span of over 20 years.
Since the system does not have any moving parts, there is no wear and tear.
You only occasionally need to check the panels to ensure that the glass is not cracked and there is no leak.
Solar cell panels are very efficient (approximately 50%).
They help both, you and the environment, in long run.