Today everyone is looking to save money. This is why people are looking for information on how to make solar panels to reduce household energy bills. People like to save money and learning how to build solar panels is a great way to do it.
The internet makes the whole process easier
With the advent of the internet and the ease with which information can be obtained, learning how to make solar panels is easy by surfing the internet. Once you’ve learned what you need to know and are confident about how to build solar panels, you can order the accessories you need directly online and have them delivered, saving you gas too.
Once you start researching how to make solar panels, you’ll find that it’s easy. You can find out how to build solar panels using very common items that are readily available locally and over the internet and for a small investment can save you a lot of real money in energy savings for years to come.
The main advantages of homemade solar panels
Many people are starting to research how to make solar panels to reduce dependence on the utility so they have a backup power source in an emergency situation. However, once they start and see how easy and inexpensive it can be, they start doing it and rid themselves completely and soon become free of the electric company and often use the electric company as a backup for their solar system.
The real benefits of learning how to make and install solar panels is that you save money, energy and the earth when you start learning how to build solar panels. panneau solaire So you are kind to your family economy, to future generations of people, and to the earth as we know it.
While saving money is a good reason to learn how to make solar panels, it’s really kind of the icing on the cake. There is a sense of satisfaction that comes with creating something that frees you from being dependent on a large utility. In fact, many families are making this a project they can all get involved in so that that sense of pride and accomplishment spreads throughout the family.
If you get your kids involved in the project and they learn how to build solar panels, it can become something that interests them. Therefore, they are more likely to get involved with their families as they grow up. This can be a cycle that is great for everyone.
Top tips for learning how to build solar panels
Now that you’ve decided to learn how to make solar panels, what kind of things do you need to get and where do you need to install them once they’re built?
Your geographic location will determine where to point the panels to capture maximum performance. As a general rule here, if you live in the northern hemisphere aim south, and if you live in the southern hemisphere aim north.
Once you have this information you are ready to learn the details of building solar panels and to do that you will need these basic things. Saw for cutting, soldering gun, paint brush, rosin flux pen, wire cutters, screwdriver, caulking gun, voltmeter, plexiglass cutter, drill bit, sheet of plywood, plexiglass, tin wire, solder, silicon caulk, UV protective varnish & solar cells (microcrystal cells typically cost around $2 each ).
While the whole process of exactly making solar panels is a bit more complicated than we can cover in a small article like this, the key idea is that you need to build a frame out of plywood and plexiglass to house your solar panels and they need to be inside this enclosure be wired together. Once the entire unit is complete, it collects the energy from the sun and sends it through each panel as it is collected and then out the tail cable.
As you learn how to build solar panels, you’ll see that you need a way to store that energy. This is usually some form of rechargeable battery. This stored power is then sent to the device, which converts the stored power into 120 volt power, which can then be used to power things around the house.
If you work closely on how to make solar panels, you will find that many of these devices are required to be exempt from the utility. You’ll need some work on setting up a grid system within the apartment that allows you to easily switch from one to another and put several of these large panels together to run more things.
It’s just the beginning
Learning how to build solar panels is the beginning of the job. You then need to learn how to use, store and distribute that energy effectively. Again, this is all fairly easy and can be done for the most part with widely available articles on the internet.
You can work on what you have learned about making solar panels as a part-time hobby and as time and finances allow. There is no doubt that you will get sucked into the building process and build more of it.
Learning to build solar panels can be a hobby that can and will yield significant dividends for you and your family throughout your lifetime. The internet is a great place to learn how to make these things and a phenomenal place to start saving money on the parts once you start building.
If you take the time to learn how to do it right, you will find that in a relatively short amount of time you can easily build a quality panel, and in no time you and your family can begin to get off the commercial grid and more and more enough for yourself.
How to install marine solar panels
Solar panels can be of great help to sailors as they keep essential lights and equipment working even when batteries run low or a generator fails. They’re also a much quieter way to charge batteries!
Learning how to install solar panels in the sea is vital for the sailor who wants to reap its benefits, but first he or she must learn which solar panels are best. Three types of solar cells are commonly used in solar panels, each with its own advantages. The sailor needs to be aware of these benefits and choose the solar panels that best suit the need.
Types of solar panels
Solar panels must be kept away from shading since shaded cells draw energy from other cells.
- Monocrystalline cell solar panels have high conversion efficiency and take up less space, but lack shade protection.
- Polycrystalline cell solar panels have even higher conversion efficiency, take up even less space, but still have no shade protection.
- Amorphous silicon cell solar panels have lower conversion efficiency and take up more space, but have shade protection. This can be especially important on a sailing boat.
Marine solar panels are available in both rigid and flexible versions. Hard solar panels can be attached to the deck while flexible solar panels can be attached to the deck or tarpaulin.
Size and number of solar panels
Learning how to install solar panels in the sea includes calculations to determine what size and how many solar panels you need. This information is readily available online by searching the question “What size solar panel do I need” on your favorite search engine. As a rule of thumb, you should plan for 20% more solar module power than you estimate for your needs.
Placement of solar panels
Once you determine the size and number of solar panels you need, you can better determine where to place them. The best spots depend on the configuration of the boat and the size of the panels. Take your time and think. Read the instructions that came with your solar panels. You should avoid any violation of the warranty terms.
The simple answer to the question of how to install solar panels in the sea is: in the sun. Choose locations that receive maximum sunlight with no shady spots.
When placing boat solar panels, consider using additional poles/braces to secure the panels. They obviously want them to stay stable.
How to install marine solar panels
Your marine solar panels should have clear instructions for installation. In addition to these, note the following.
Most marine solar panel systems consist of three main components:
- Solar panels to collect sunlight and generate a charge for you.
- Charge controller to regulate the charge going into your battery and avoid overcharging.
- Batteries to store the energy generated by your solar panels.
Once your batteries are charged by solar panels, you can use that energy to power most 12 volt DC devices. This can include your security lights, regular lighting, pumps and fans, and small appliances. Adding an inverter also allows you to power 120 volt AC appliances such as a microwave, radio, satellite dish, or radio. An inverter is a separate unit not mentioned above that converts the power coming from the battery into the power required by most devices.
First, check if the system has a voltmeter. If it doesn’t, buy and install one. This way you can check the fee received.
Securely attach your solar panels and connect according to the instructions in your kit. Use only marine grade tinned wire running from the panels to the batteries. If you’re not sure which wire you’re considering, ask questions. Ordinary automotive wire may look similar, but in ocean conditions it loses its ability to conduct electrical energy.
