How to make my own solar panel?

Question

Hi
Does anyone know how much it would cost to make your own solar panel, not one for heating water, but one that would provide electricity to rooms and appliances? And can it be done in the first place?

Answer 1

http://www.rain.org/~philfear/how2solar.html


http://www.thesolarplan.com/articles/your-own-solar-panel-collector.html

Answer 2

I don't know what AGW stands for, so my guess is I'm not a true believer. But I do see some weaknesses in the article you linked. It expects batteries for the system, which is not the way most solar is installed nowadays. So the cost is less than the author details. Also, the author mentions a figure of $91 per year for grid electricity. That's for a 100-watt steady draw, much less than a typical house, and certainly far less than what the 285 square foot array in the article would provide. I'm not saying solar is cost-effective everywhere - it probably isn't north of the Border without subsidies. But it is cost-effective in California, and would be even if unsubsidized at today's prices. The incentive just gives a faster payback. And yes, we do have panels on our roof. It wasn't to save the environment, although I like that. It wasn't to save money, although I like that, too. Basically, I did it for fun.

Answer 3

The technology has not got to the stage that would make this a DIY project, and the power that you are asking for is even a bit much for the professionals.
You could get a book on the subject and experiment, but this will only be for your own education and further your knowledge which is a good thing.

Answer 4

I have no real clue; but have to imagine an array of collector cells large enough to power a home; would have to be large, and expensive. I don't think we are quite at a point of it being viable and cost effective in a residential sense yet. Beyond that; storage of the power would also have to be considered.

One analogy of "WEAK" might relate to solar walkway lighting.

Beyond that Solar water heating creates a pretty decent savings.

Steven Wolf

Answer 5

I suppose it is possible, but getting it to produce a reasonable current at 230volts AC, with its waveform synchronised to that of the mains supply, would be very, very hard. I assume it would supplement, rather than replace, the regular mains. And, as others have said, how are you going to store the electricity? You need your lights on after sunset, when the panels won't be working..

Answer 6

Have you tried Earth 4 Energy DIY system? Get right here : http://createhomesolar.com . This could certainly assist person!

Answer 7

a couple thousdans, about 1500 from B&Q my dads got one in his shop cost him £1653

Answer 8

lol your nuts ffs lol ..yeah get loads of tinfoil and whack it together lol