How To Make a Solar Cell

The very first step of learning how to make a solar cell is to prepare some necessary items. These items include the following:

• Copper Sheeting
• Clear Plexiglass/Perpex/Acrylic Sheeting

• Some Thin Wood Strip
• copper Wire
• Duct Tape
• Metal Guillotine
• Bandsaw
• Electric Ring Hob

To get started, cut a square of the copper sheeting so that it is about 6-8 in. square in size. It is much easier to do with a metal guillotine, however, if you haven't got access to this sort of equipment, tin snips will work just fine.

After you've done this, wash your hands thoroughly and dry them. You need to remove any grease or oil from your hands that could cause problems with the next step of the process. Remove any grease or detritus from the copper sheeting. Next, take a piece of emery cloth and thoroughly sand down the piece of copper on both sides to remove the top layer of oxidized copper. This will leave you with nice bright shiny red copper underneath.

You now need to heat treat the copper, in order to form an oxide coating on top. It may sound counter intuitive that we have just removed all the oxide and now we are going to put oxide back on, but the oxide coating we will be applying will be a film of "cuprous oxide".

You need to turn the burner to the highest setting, with the sheet of copper just placed on top. Observe the changes to the copper carefully, they are very interesting. As you heat the copper, it takes on a lovely vivid patina of different colours.

If you have access to nitric acid, you can use this as a superior method for removing the upper cupric oxide layer.

You will see a black crusty oxide from on top of the copper plate. If you leave the plate to cool slowly, the crusty layer should become fairly fragile and separate easily from the underlying copper. When you have allowed the plate to cool thoroughly, give the plate a firm bang edge-on to a hard surface. Some of the oxide will pop off. Rub the oxide gently with your fingers under a tap, and you will find most of the black layer od oxide comes off easily. If any bits are stubborn, do not under any circumstances scour them, as we do not want to damage the fragile surface.

Under this black layer of oxide, you will find another layer of a reddish orange rust colour. This is the layer which is "photosensitive" and will make out thin-film solar cell work.

Make a spacer now from some thin strips of wood. Use duct tape to join your pieces of wood together. Do not use metal fixings as they could react electrolytically with the other components of the cell.

We are now going to make another electrode. It has to have the property that it does not touch the other piece of the solar cell, and allows light to hit the surface. We are going to use salt water as our other electrode, making contact with the whole surface of the thin film cell, yet conducting electricity. We are then going to immerse another copper wire to make the connection. You could equally use another piece of copper plate around the outside of the thin-film cell, but not touching our oxidized copper.

In a commercial thin-film cell, tin oxide is commonly used as the other electrode, as it is clear and yet conducts electricity.

Now take a piece of Perspex to act as a cover plate, and stick a strip of duct tape on either side.

We are going to stick our other electrode wire to this piece of Perspex.

Use thickish wire for clarity, with few actual zigzags so that you can clearly see what is going on. To optimize the performance of your solar cell, you want to make the conductor large. To this end , you are better using lots of thinner gauge wire in a much finer zigzag pattern - this will still allow the light to get through, but at the same time gives a large conductor area.

You can experiment with different types of wire and copper - the trick is to try and maximize the surface area of the copper, while trying to block as little light as possible from reaching the solar cell.

Fold the duct tape over and stick the wire to the plate.

We are now going to combine the electrode plate with the space. Again, duct tape makes this a nice easy job.

Next, we are going to take the copper plate, and stick duct tape to one side, with the sticky side of the tape facing the same direction as the layer of red copper oxide.

Combine the plate and the front module to make the finished solar cell.

Now, take a little salt water, and fill the void between the Perspex front section and the copper plate. Seal the module with duct tape all round to prevent leakage.

Lastly, connect your module to a multimeter, find a bright light source, and explore some of the electrical properties of your solar cell.

With the knowledge of making your own solar cell, you can now proceed to learning how to build a solar panel and generate free supplies of electricity from the sun.

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Learn How To Make Solar Power Panels

Do you know that if more people were to build their own solar power panels, the world could reduce it's dependency on fossil fuels by up to 50% or more?

In fact, in a residential application, it's possible to generate up to 80% or more of your electrical needs using home solar power systems.

Once you've acquired the parts you need, and accomplish building the solar power panels, then the energy they produce is free for your use. Just imagine how much you'd save if you could cut your power use by half, and how quick the solar panels will pay for themselves. If your monthly electrical bill is $150, and you can cut it by half, saving $75/month, and it cost you $375 (usually less) to build it, then it will pay for itself in 5 months. From that point on, you'll be saving $75/month. What could you do with an extra $900/year? You may think that building a solar power panel is complicated or too technically advanced for the average home owner, but if you are handy with common hand tools and can solder, then you can build your own solar power panels in a weekend or two.

Things You Need:

• Wire crimping tool
• Wire cutters
• Solder, 60/40 or silver
• Soldering iron, or soldering station
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Cobalt steel jobbers' twist drill bit, heavy duty, wire gauge size 26, 3" L, 1c" L flute
• Machine screw size high-speed steel hand tap taper, 10-24, H3 pitch diameter, 4 flute
• 7/32 drill bit
• Plastic sheet cutter
• Reamer
• Pliers
• Hacksaw or cutoff saw
• Triple beam scale (optional)

Once you have your tools together, you'll need to find your materials, most of which you can probably find on eBay for a really good price.

We all need to be more aware of our impact on the ecology on a global scale and take steps in reducing our carbon output by a drastic amount, if we want our grandchildren to have a place to live. Just imagine how much cleaner the air would be, not to mention how much lower your electric bill will be. Learning how to build a solar panel isn't really a difficult task when you know how to get started along with the right tools work with.

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Do It Yourself Solar Power

Many people are interested in Do It Yourself solar power for two primary reasons. First of all, you save money, and lots of it. If you're in an area that gets plenty of sun year-round then you're truly missing out. The other reason is to save our precious environment for our kids, grandchildren, and many more of our generations to come.

The first thing people turn toward when looking for Do It Yourself solar power for their home is a professionally built and installed system. However, these systems literally cost thousands upon thousands of dollars. The typical green energy go-getter (or family for that matter) cannot afford such a system. Not only are they expensive, but the services are hard to come by in some areas. But, what if you could build your own home solar power systems for a fraction of the cost?

It may sound impractical for Do It Yourself solar power because they are newer technologies and sound complex. Besides, where would you buy the materials or kits? Well, I've stumbled upon an online guide for DIY solar power systems. Little to my knowledge, there are many available for purchase online and I'll share that information with you shortly. First, I'd like to talk about these guides a bit.

Do It Yourself solar power guides show you how to build a solar panel from materials most people can find at their local hardware stores. Some people even get into the hobby of building these for fun or for neighbors. Although a DIY project still costs money, it's far cheaper than a professional job, and they easily pay for themselves over time. If you're a craftsman, your work can be as professional as a purchased solar panel system.

Considering you don't have a surplus of cash sitting in the bank for a professional solar power panel system, but you're interested in the continued effort to convert to green energy, save money in the long run, and increase the value of your house, give a Do It Yourself solar power project a try, or at least a look, before pouring thousands into a professional system.

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Learn How to Make Solar Panel Lights

Solar Panel Lights - Although we can often run things from batteries, sometimes we want to put a light where changing a battery would be undesirable. Solar energy, as well as producing clean renewable energy, also allows us to power things in remote places that would not be accessible using conventional cables, or where changing a battery could present a problem.

1. Solar-Powered Warning Light

Things You Need:

• Capacitor 0.1 F, 5.5 V
• Capacitor 100 µF
• Capacitor 6.8 µF
• 2 x resistors 100 k
• 2 x resistors 100 ohms
• PNP transistor
• NPN transistor
• 2 x diodes 1N4148
• Super-high brightness red LED
• 100 µH inductor
• 4 x small solar cells

• Soldering iron

If you have been harboring thoughts of using a portable solar panel light outside most of the time, you might want to protect the circuit against the ingress of water and solid matter. You can actually improvise with a Tupperware or similar container to produce a satisfactory housing.

2. Solar-Powered Garden Light

Things You Need:

• 4 x 1.5 V Solar Cells
• 1 x AA 600 mAh NiCad battery
• IN5817 Zener diode
• 220 k 1/4 W Carbon film resistor
• 100 k 1/4 W Carbon film resistor
• 91 k 1/4 W Carbon film resistor
• 10 k 1/4 W Carbon film resistor
• 560 R 1/4 W Carbon film resistor
• 2 x 3.3 R 1/4 W Carbon film resistor
• C9013 NPN transistor
• C9014 NPN transistor
• C9015 NPN transistor
• 300 pF ceramic capacitor
• 100nF ceramic capacitor
• 1 nF ceramic capacitor
• 82 µH inductor
• CdS photocell 47 k @ 10 lux
• 2 x LEDs

• Soldering iron

Solar power lights in the garden are becoming ubiquitous in just about ever garden enter nowadays. There are lots of advantages to using solar power rather than a heard-wired system. First of all, as a hard-wired system is exposed to the elements, you need to ensure that you use low-voltage fixtures and fittings, which require a transformer to step down the voltage, or failing that, really expensive mains fixtures and fittings. Then the next thing to consider is that even the safest low-voltage system is still vulnerable to the gardener's spade. In other words, a badly placed spade can mean disconnection of your garden lighting system.

Solar panel lights in the garden have none of these disadvantages. They charge their batteries during the day, and then at night as the light fades, they switch on, providing illumination.

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How To Make Small Solar Panels

You can make small solar panels easily only if you know the right materials you need along with the right procedures to follow. In fact, you don't really need much skill beyond being able to use basic tools, and handle wiring with care and safety. The basic materials you’ll need when you build your solar panel are:

1. Solar cells

They are the main material that actually converts the sun's energy into usable electricity. You can actually purchase this online from eBay. Buy in bulk so that you will have enough to build solar panels again in the future.
2. Sheet Plywood

This will form the base of your system. Use the strongest grade you can find as this acts as the support of the entire system. Do not use chipboard for this as it is way too flimsy. It is worth investing extra in the quality of the materials in order to get a better, more durable end product.

3. Copper WireThis is used to wire up the system and allow the electricity to flow into your home. Purchase this in bulk as well.

4. General ToolsDrills, screwdrivers, woodwork glue etc are all necessity. You probably already have these accessories around your home.

5. Clear PVC SheetingSolar cells are fairly delicate. Therefore, you’ll need to use PVC sheeting to provide protection when the weather turns nasty. Check your local business directory for suppliers who can help you cut your preferred size for you.

Next will be the assembling process, and then installing the small solar panel on your house. This is part where certain technical skills are required. To get this done correctly, you’ll require a set of instructions that provide you with the precise measurements you need to use. You’ll also need some proper assembly and installation diagram. It is well worth paying for the diagrams and clear explanations that you will receive, as without a set of solar panel instructions, you risk jeopardizing your entire construction and installation project.

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How To Make Electricity With Solar Panels and Solar Photovoltaic

Solar Photovoltaic is the main element that allows solar panels to be designed as well as they are. The concept of photovoltaic is one that many people are curious of. While it can be complex, the basics come down to it being able to allow solar panels to collect more energy. As a result, lesser and lesser electricity is being produced and used by resources that we can never replace.

This is why so many individuals have decided to use solar panels for their homes and businesses. Many new structures are being designed with them already in place from the very start. There are quite a few incentives through government programs to build them in or to add them to existing structures. Find out how you can benefit from such great financial programs.

The purpose of photovoltaic cells is to store all of the energy that is collected from the sunlight. That is important so that you don't lose what you aren't readily using during the day. At night, the cells can't collect any more energy but you can still use what has already been accumulated. Since you never know what your usage will be or how much sunlight will shine on a given day you need to have as good of a photovoltaic system in place as you can.

It may surprise you to calculate just how much electricity your household or your business uses on a given day. At home we turn on lights, use appliances, watch TV, listen to music, and of course use our computers. At the office there is lighting, computers, office machines, and more. All of this adds up to a very large amount of electricity consumed daily around the world. With the use of photovoltaic, we can all use what we need without having a negative impact on the environment.

In addition, you will be able to save a considerable amount of money thanks to those photovoltaic cells. How much money do you spend annually for electricity? What if you could have all of that money back for something else? You could save it, pay other bills, and even take a nice vacation. If you create more energy than you use with photovoltaic cells then you may even get a check sent to you each month by the electric company.

You can choose to install them on your own or to hire a professional. All of us have an obligation to do what we can to limit the amount of nonrenewable resources we are using. One way to so is with the use of solar energy. Photovoltaic cells are the ticket to accomplishing that.

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Make Electricity With Solar Power Systems

When you are making your own solar power systems, you'll need to know what you have to prepare and how to get started.

Things You Need To Operate a Solar Power System:

1. Solar Modules

Solar modules are the key components being exposed to the sunlight. Their main aim is to convert the sun energy into usable electrical power for your appliances. To get it correctly installed, solar modules are to be mounted on a steel frame and placed onto your rooftops.

2. Power Converter

Power being produced by the solar modules is converted from Direct Current (DC) to Alternative Current (AC) via the power converter. Generally, Alternating Current (AC) is the usable electrical power that we require to power our appliances.

3. Electrical Service Panel

Subsequently, the electrical power travels from the power converter to the electrical service panel. The electrical service panel is the one responsible for allocating the electrical power to various parts of your house or office for use.

4. Utility Electric Meter

If excess amount of electrical power is being generated by the solar system, this excess amount of electrical power will travel into the grid through the utility electric meter. Consequently, the meter will be made to move backwards and this establishes a credit with the utility company in offsetting future usage. This process is known as Net Metering and is mandated by State Level Electricity Policy.

5. Utility Grid

This is the common source of power supply many households acquire their electrical power from. It is known as the state infrastructure that connects houses and commercial facilities to electricity generating assets.

Knowing the basics when you learn how to make electricity with home solar power systems is important. That way, you'll know what you will encounter during the process. If are interested to learn more on how to make electricity with solar power systems, check out our website at:
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Learn How To Build a Solar Panel

The process of learning how to build a solar panel is actually not difficult at all. To begin, you'll have to know the basics of the installation.

1. Positioning of Your Solar Panel:

Solar Panels require sun energy to generate electricity, therefore, the best location for the Solar Panel to receive the most exposure to the Sun is none other than rooftops. Alternatively, you can also position the Solar Panel on an empty piece of land that is close to the main area. Another important point is that the Solar Panels have to be correctly angled to the face the sun direction in order to receive direct sun rays.

2. Understanding Solar Photovoltaic (PV)

Solar photovoltaic (PV) is the main element which made the system converts sunlight into electricity. Electrons are released when the semiconductor material in a solar module gets in contact with the sunlight. Consequently, electric currents are created.

The Solar photovoltaic type of Home Solar Power Systems are connected to the local utility and this allows the storage of electricity generated during the day to be utilized in the night.

3. Benefits of Solar Panel

• Tax Incentives (Check your area for rebates offered by governments)

• Save Electrical Expenses
• Power your electrical appliances
• Affordability
• Environmental friendly

Get to know more on how to build a solar panel and employ this valuable technique in your household. Before you know it, you'll be already saving much money on electrical expenses.

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How To Build Residential Solar Panels

Before you start building your residential solar panels, you'll need to know what are the basic components to proceed with the steps. These components include a few pieces of solar cells, conductive copper mesh, conductive pen, a multimeter, and a glue gun. Once you’ve succeed in building your very own home solar power systems, you will be able to use it to convert solar energy into usable electricity for FREE.

The very first step to build a residential solar panels is to find the required solar cells and examine them to determine the voltage present between is positive and negative side. Ensure that the small little lines present on the negative part of the solar cells are connected to each other. This helps in gathering the electrons present on the surface. After this, the cells have to be linked with each other on the solar panel. Apply a silicon coating on the solar array in order to avoid the detaching of the cells.

In order to achieve the highest possible efficiency, it is required to select the most appropriate place. The probable places for setting up the residential solar panel can include your rooftop, backyard or your garden. Another important thing to be remembered is that the residential solar panels should be set up in a particular angle in order to receive maximum amount of the solar energy being received from the sun.

In general, solar panels exist in 2 different types. The first type is the normal panels that utilize the solar energy to heat up water for the basic heating needs of your household. The normal solar panels simply absorb the heat of the sun's rays and convert the solar energy into heat energy. The second type of the solar panels is known as the photovoltaic panel. This type of panel transforms the solar energy into electricity for using it in appliances such as lights, kitchen appliances, in your office, sailboats and the like. The photovoltaic solar panels are usually installed on rooftops and direct the generated electricity to a battery where it is stored. This battery can then be used to supply electricity to your household.

The residential solar panels not only help you meet all your household electricity requirements, it also help you to save a lot of money that used to go in your electricity bills. Not just all, they can keep our environment clean as it does not cause any pollution. Your requirement of electricity largely determines the type of residential solar panels that you should build for your household. The solar panels that is readily available in the market cost much more than it would cost you to set up your own home solar power system.

The basic requirements for building residential solar panels includes:

1. Correct information about the process of harnessing solar power through the solar panels.
2. The right way to ensure maximum efficiency.
3. Estimation about the amount of solar energy that you receive from the sun.
4. The right equipments and material and where to get them
5. Ways to determine if the residential solar panels are right for your home and its location.

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