How
To Build A Solar
Panel

The single biggest mistake that most people make when they
decide to build a solar panel, is that they do not have a
user friendly plan. (You NEED to know this before you get
started, otherwise you probably will become frustrated and
quit)!
It is a great idea that you want to build a solar panel,
and, if you have a good plan and stick to it, you will be very
happy with your results. Like a lot of projects, making your
own solar panel may start out with the best of intentions and
end up collecting dust. That is why it is advisable to have a
well thought out plan that you can actually use.
Because it takes some rather special knowledge to actually
build a solar panel, you would be wise to find a reliable
source of information to guide you. It is not one of those
things you can make up as you go along.
Essentially, there are 3 ways to go about making your own
solar panel.
-
Study solar energy and design your own system.
Purchase all the components and make your own
plans.
-
Buy a rather expensive kit and build it yourself.
There are many such kits available, and you will have a
nice solar panel in the end, but at a high price.
-
Purchase an inexpensive instructional kit and do it
yourself. This is similar to number two, except that
you learn how to find the materials locally, and often
at a huge discount.
Choice number one is really great for somebody who is
technical, has a lot of tools, knows how to use them and can
figure out how everything works. You also must be knowledgeable
enough to know how and where to buy all the components. It
certainly can be done, but it is not for just anyone. In fact,
the only person I know of who did this was my friend from
Minnesota. He is a master carpenter, plumber and
electrician!
Choice number two works for somebody who has a lot of extra
cash and likes to get top of the line home projects materials.
These are nice kits and make quality solar panels, for the most
part. But they cost a bit extra because everything you need,
from A to Z, is provided.
Choice number three is for most people, your average person
who doesn't have a lot of extra cash, is not a
carpenter/plumber/electrician or engineer! Even if you are, you
probably don't have a huge amount of time to do this on your
own. That is why it just makes sense to get the best of both
worlds: a nice, functional. solar panel that you can build for
under $200
All you really need to make this happen is some motivation,
persistence, a little extra cash, some basic tools, and a
weekend. A good instructional kit will supply you with
everything you need, except the materials. You learn how and
where to obtain them and save a ton of money in the process. It
is certainly in the ability range of most people if you want to
build a solar panel.
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