How to Make a Solar Panel for Use In RV or Home
Solar panels produce electricity by using selective wavelengths
of light. All they need is direct sunlight and low temperature
to work optimally. There are kits and methods available
for you to build your own solar panels. A homemade solar
panel is an effective way to produce your own power and
save on future power bills - for RV or home!
Build Your Own Solar Panel
You may use a solar panel kit to build your own solar
panel. All the components required for setting up your
solar panel are made available in most kits. These components
are: solar cells, soldering iron, solder, flux, and tabbing.
Kits include detailed instructions on how to make a solar
panel. Constructing a solar panel at home does not require
expertise. You may simply follow the step-by-step instructions
available with the kit. A homemade solar panel is a big
money saver.
The main advantage of building and installing a solar
panel is that it is eco-friendly. Other forms of electricity
emit certain harmful elements that contribute to smog,
and other pollution, while solar power is free from such
hazardous emissions.
You save money when you use solar power, especially when
you build your own solar panel from a solar kit. There
are no more electricity bills to pay! The initial installation
cost is quickly recovered. If required, you may add more
solar panels to generate more electricity. Most systems
come with back-up batteries to provide electricity at night,
or when it is cloudy.
The energy law passed by the US government in August 2005
allows a tax credit of 30 percent of the solar panel system's
cost with a maximum of $2,000.
Types of Solar Energy Panels
There are two basic types of solar panels. Normal panels
use solar energy to heat water for basic needs at home,
or even for pools. The absorber converts the radiation
from the sun into heat. The second type of solar panel,
known as photovoltaic panels, converts light into electricity.
These panels are normally installed on the roof. The electricity
produced by these panels is directed to a battery, which
serves as the electricity storage device. The battery can
then supply all the electricity that your household needs.
Your homemade solar panel is made from a collection of
solar cells. Each solar cell produces a small amount of
electricity, but collectively they produce enough electricity
to fulfill your household power needs. It is important
for the panels to keep facing the sun to receive direct
sunrays.
You can choose from a number of tracking solar mounts
available. The single-axis tracker is fixed at a vertical
angle. The angle is manually maneuvered to follow the path
of the sun, which is based on seasonal changes. For summer,
the rule of thumb is to set the panels at your latitude
minus 15, and for winter, you may set the panels at your
latitude plus 15. The dual-axis tracker adjusts the vertical
angle automatically.
Your unique needs and requirements will dictate what type
of solar panel is right for you. If making your own panel
is not for you, keep your eye out for solar panel sales,
you can often find great deals on these energy saving items
if you time it right.
by Michelle
O'Connor
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