Whether you switch to energy-saving bulbs or upcycle old clothing, we should all be doing our bit to save the environment. One way of doing this is through solar panels.
These clever devices transform sunlight into electricity, which has the added benefit of saving you money on your electricity bills!
Solar panels may save you money later, but they aren’t the most affordable item to buy.
Luckily, you can make solar panels right at home! All you need are a few items you probably already have lying around your house.
You’ll learn how to make four types of solar panels in this article.
Don’t worry if you haven’t experimented with crafts before, as the steps for all of these methods are straightforward to do.
If you’re ready to make your own solar panels, keep reading!
Making A Solar Panel With A CD
You Will Need
A CD
Copper wire
Zener diodes
Insulated electrical wire
Soldering iron
Glue
Voltmeter
Wire cutters
Method
Glue the Copper Wire and CD
Apply the glue to the end of the copper wire where the CD’s center hole is. Move the copper wire to the edge of the CD, then bring it back to the middle.
Repeat this step as you glue the wire down to the CD, ensuring that you cover most of the surface.
Once you’ve finished, the CD will resemble a flower. Make sure the glue and copper wires dry fully before moving on.
Secure The Zener Diode
Once the copper wire has dried, you can fix the Zener diode to the openings amidst the copper wire sections.
Do this by soldering the Zener diode’s end and the copper wire ends. Leave one end alone, as this will connect the insulated cords later.
Connect The Insulated Wires
Now that you’ve finished securing the Zener diode, you’ll need to link the insulated wire to the end of the copper wire we left free in the previous step.
Simply solder the insulated wire ends to the copper wire ends. Once you’re finished, you can start testing the solar panel.
Testing
You can test the panel by placing it in a sunny area, then using a voltmeter to read the current.
Simply link the insulated wires on the panel to the voltmeter cables.
If it works, the voltmeter should read a current when sunlight contacts the panel. If you shield it, the voltmeter shouldn’t read any current whatsoever.
Making A Solar Panel From Aluminum Foil
You Will Need
Glass in a square shape
Aluminum foil
Wire cutters
Soldering iron
Insulated electrical wire
Copper wire
Method
Glue the Copper Wire In the Glass
Place your square-shaped glass in front of you. Position the copper wire at one end of the panel, then take it over to the other end, gluing the wire down in place.
Keep repairing this step until the entire glass is covered.
Cover With Aluminum Foil
Once you’ve covered the whole glass with copper wires, leave the glue and wires to dry. After it’s dried fully, you’ll need to cover the glass with aluminum foil.
Aim to cut a piece of foil that’s larger than the glass so you can cover the whole panel with it.
Ensure that both ends of the wires are visible, as you’ll need these to power the system.
Testing
Once the panel is ready, you can begin testing it. Connect the copper wires to your voltmeter, then place the panel in a sunny location.
If successful, the voltmeter should start reading current. Check to make sure it stops reading current if the panel is covered too.
Making A Solar Panel From Soda Cans
You Will Need
Soda cans (can range from a few dozen to a hundred)
Exhaust fan
Air intake/output tubes
Silicon adhesive
Sheet metal or plywood
Black spray paint
Polycarbonate sheet
Method
Cut The Soda Cans
To begin, you’ll need to cut your soda cans. The number of cans you’ll need will vary with how large you want the panel to be.
Slice the top of each can and the fin off of the base. This will allow more heat to come into contact with the panel, as cutting the cans allows air to flow through.
Glue and Join The Cans
Once the cans have been cut, you can glue them together to create the panel.
Place one can on top of the other, then another one beside it. Use the silicon adhesive to glue them, creating a large strong block.
Silicon adhesive is the best glue for this, as it resists high temperatures very well. The adhesive can handle temperatures above 400°F, so it’s a good choice for a solar panel.
Create the Frame
Now we will create the frame that will house all of the cans. Measure your soda can block to ensure the frame is large enough.
The back of the frame can be wooden or metal, but the front should be polycarbonate or glass, as these will allow sunlight to pass through.
Spray the frame and the cans with your black paint. This will encourage the panel to take up more sunlight.
Position the Tubes
Attach an intake tube on top of the frame, then fix the outtake one to the bottom. Ensure that all gaps in the frame are filled with silicon or soda cans.
Testing
Now you can fasten an exhaust fan around the intake tube to direct cold air into the panel. As the air enters the solar panel, it will heat up inside the little greenhouse.
Warm air will then enter back into the room through the output tube.
Making A Solar Panel With Blades
You Will Need
Blades
Cardboard
Voltmeter
Glue
Copper wire
Method
Stick the Blades Down
To begin, you need to fix the blades to the cardboard. Simply glue down the blades next to each other on one side.
Repeat this on the other side of the cardboard to create a solar panel with two faces.
Attach the Blades
Once we’ve glued the blades down, we can connect them with copper wires.
Simply glue down the wire on one side of the, then do the same for the other side. If you prefer, you can use aluminum foil to connect them as a copper wire substitute.
Testing
Once you’ve glued copper wires to both sides of the panel, connect the wires to the voltmeter and place the panel in a sunny location.
The voltmeter should begin reading current when the panel is in sunlight, then cease when covered or in the dark.
However, DIY panels may cost you more as time goes on.
The materials you use might not be of high quality and may have a greater chance of breaking down. You’ll also need to factor in replacement costs as the panels won’t have a warranty to protect them.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
In most cases, solar panels last between 25-30 years, but the latest models claim to last between 40-50 years.
Despite this, these panels will continue to create electricity after this period, just not at their optimum state.
Yes, regular daylight is enough for solar panels to produce power. These panels don’t need strong, intense sunlight, but they are a lot more efficient on sunnier days which have more daylight hours.
However, solar panels will not work as well in the shade, so make sure that any obstacles, like trees and shadows, don’t block the panel from receiving sunlight.
Hi, my name is Joe Danner and I am a keen believer in using renewable energy before it becomes a must. Currently, the majority of the world is still using fossil fuels while solar panels and wind turbines are a minority.
However, what people are seeming to skip over is the fact that solar panels are becoming cheaper every year. But what is going to happen when everyone needs a solar panel to power their homes? The prices are going to soar again.
I started my renewable energy journey 11 summers ago, and the savings that I have made have been unbelievable. My solar panels are set to pay for themselves in just a few months!
I will recommend renewable energy to anyone, as there are so many new products coming out to be used with it. That is why I have created this website, to reach a larger audience and try to convince you that solar panels are the way forward!
Get onboard before the price of these amazing products skyrockets again. Trust me - you won’t regret it.
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