Modern solar cells are essentially photodiodes closely build on a very delicate frame with a very huge light-sensitive area. Photovoltaic cells are created of silicon. When the cells are directed towards light a certain fraction of the silicon absorbs the light. This absorbed light is converted in electrical energy.
If you want to build your own cell there are some very inexpensive techniques. With the right information, almost anyone can create their own d-i-y solar panel. The most common and easy method is to closely attach a bunch of solar cells on a thin wooden frame. The basic tools required to conduct this project are as follows:
- A thin wooden frame and other tools related to wood like saw, drill and a couple of screwdrivers.
- A few solar cells and silicone caulk, you can use the regular ones available in the market used for sealing leaks and cracks in plumbing devices, as it keeps water from penetrating the area.
- Some wires to closely connect the solar cells and other wiring devices like wire cutters, wire strippers, solders for soldering iron.
- A thin glass panel to cover the wooden board and some wood glue to attach the glass with it.
Method for Building a Solar Panel:
First of all you need to cut the wooden frame in a rectangular shape, and then set the solar cells. There are a lot of solar cells available in the market now a days, you can either use the used one or get new ones from some green energy companies. Once you set the cells, glue them closely with the help of a silicone caulk. Also make sure the cells are fixed and the caulk is dried before taking the next. Once the solar cell frame is ready, wire the cells just around the silicone caulk to make it sturdier, as the solar cells in itself fixed with caulk form a very delicate board and the wiring will the cells together in a stronger way. Now fix the frame of solar cells on the wooden board. Just drill holes at the border and corners of the board and solar and attach them with the help of screws.
Finally cover the solar cells with a thin glass panel with the help of wooden glue, make sure it is of the same size as the wooden panel. Keep it aside for about 2 days and then you can take them out for testing.
In order to test the cells take the panel in direct sunlight and attach a voltmeter to it, you should be able to read around 18-20 volts if the process above is executed successfully.
So all in all building a solar panel is pretty much simple and a lot less expensive than people think it to be. The most expensive device in this construction is probably the solar cells, but given the results it provides the amount invested in it is easily compensated over the long run of electricity generated through this panel and thus reducing your day to day utility costs.