Why solar panels? With the ever-present threat of Global Warming looming over our heads, clean and renewable energy is an appealing alternative to electricity generated from fossil fuels. Solar energy can reduce the monthly cost of electricity. It is a technology amenable to DIY projects.

Our solar panel is really a series of photovoltaic (PV) cells (the fundamental unit of the panel) joined together to produce a voltage, whose output is the sum of the individual cells. Building a panel from scratch is a matter of wiring the cells together, affixing them to a flat surface (such as a piece of plywood) and covering the cells with a layer of glass to protect them from the elements. For those of us that don’t want to pay full price but want to save money, there are kits, which contain all of the components. Joining a sufficient number of panels permits the green household to actually sell power back to the Grid.

While more sophisticated systems require a greater number of components, there are four key elements of a homemade solar panel system, which include: Solar panel; Charge controller or regulator; Battery; and Inverter.

The solar panel: Solar panel When we think of a solar system, we see a solar panel, the total voltage is the sum of the voltage of all the photovoltaic cells in the system. To determine how many panels are needed we need to look at and average out the energy usage that appears on our bills.

Charge controller or regulator: Maintaining control of the energy flow prevents overcharging the batter and is the job of the Charge Controller. This unit also maximizes the efficiency and life of the system by monitoring the discharge status both in the daytime and evening.

Battery: Once the electricity is generated, that which is not immediately used must be stored for future use. This is the job of the battery. The deep-cycle marine battery is a better choice than the traditional auto battery because it is capable of storing all of the electricity generated by the solar panels.

Inverter: Solar panels generate and store electricity as DC or Direct Current, whereas our appliances utilize AC or Alternating Current. The job of the inverter is to convert DC to AC to meet our household needs.

Other items need for a more complex system include the Kilowatt-per-Hour Indicator, which is necessary to track how much current is taken from the grid or sold back to it.

As you consider what path you will take on your energy conservation quest, don’t forget some of the least expensive and most cost-effective options such as Energy-Saver fluorescent light bulbs.

In summary, homemade solar panels can be an important part of a plan to implement energy conservation tips. Homemade solar panel systems for the DIY enthusiast and be obtained in kit form in which all of the components are readily available, or they can be obtained new or used from several sources from home improvement stores to eBay.

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