Solar energy is magic, really.
Its cheap, pays for itself in a relatively short period of time, and its absolutely renewable.
Those prices might lead you to wonder if you cant just make your own solar panels.
The answer is, you sure can.
Solar panel DIY materials
Solar panels are surprisingly simple things.
Tabbing wire.This isflat wireused to connect cells together into strings.
Liquid silicone.This will be used to seal your connected PV cells.
Caulk or glue.Use100% silicone caulkto seal up your panel.
In a pinch, a strong glue can also be used, but wont be as waterproof as caulk.
Your best bet is to seal them between twosheets of glass.
But if you have or have access to alaminating machine, you’re able to alsolaminate your panel.
This wont be as durable as glass, but will work just fine.
Youre setting up strings of cellsa line of cells that will be wired together into one connected row.
Atypical panel layoutis four strings of nine cells each, for a total of 36 cells.
you could use tile spacers to ensure youve got a tight layout.
Measureyour tabbing wire so you have two lengths that will stretch from top to bottom of your strings.
Repeat until your strings of cells are all soldered together.
if youre not, investigate and re-solder where necessary.
First encapsulationwith liquid silicone.
Mix your silicone and thengently apply, using a soft brush to spread the silicone.
Let the first layer dry, then apply a second coat.
Second encapsulation.Place your cell strings on a glass plate.
Making sure no dirt or other contaminants get inside, place a second glass plate on top.
Again, see to it your wires are outside the encapsulation so they can be connected.
