Where can I find instructions for how to build a solar panel myself?

I want to build a solar panel, Is there a website with detailed step by step instructions?

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11 Comments

  1. The Masked Masala
    Posted August 21, 2009 at 2:18 pm | Permalink

    Its only a matter of time before agua luna.com posts his cut and paste to his web site so that he can try to sell you something…..
    While you wait for that just have a look on google and I am sure you will find something..

  2. Tom
    Posted August 21, 2009 at 2:18 pm | Permalink

    Efficiently running solar panels are very complicated, technically and chemically, I doubt it would be worth the effort…

  3. Austin the Wise
    Posted August 21, 2009 at 2:18 pm | Permalink

    I actually own a solar panel on top of my house.
    This is how i got it.
    Hope it helps.

  4. Liberty
    Posted August 21, 2009 at 2:18 pm | Permalink

    Good luck. I haven’t found any. Even the ones that are ’sorta’ do it yourself cost in the thousands. And to just do it on your own, no way. Even if you managed to build the solar panel, now you have to figure out how to make it work with the heat, plumbing and electricity in your house. Just doesn’t work. Solar is too expensive right now, unless you’re building a house from scratch and are including it in your design plans.

  5. angelgirl_2770
    Posted August 21, 2009 at 2:18 pm | Permalink

    just surf the net

  6. slew
    Posted August 21, 2009 at 2:18 pm | Permalink

    MIT. Of course I think it requires more than four years to understand it.

  7. rmouser
    Posted August 21, 2009 at 2:18 pm | Permalink

    http://www.ehow.com/how_2140368_build-solar-panel.html?ref=fuel

    Things You’ll Need:
    Electric stove or hot plate
    Copper sheeting
    Sheet-metal shears
    Micro-ammeter capable of reading currents lower the 50 microamperes
    Sandpaper
    2 alligator-clip leads
    Clear plastic bottle
    Water
    2 Tbsp. salt
    Step 1:
    Cut 2 rectangular pieces of copper sheeting, each approximately the size of the stove burner.

    Step 2:
    Wash 1 piece of the copper thoroughly, and then use the sandpaper to clean off any corrosion.

    Step 3:
    Lay the copper sheet down on the burner.

    Step 4:
    Turn the burner to maximum heat.

    Step 5:
    Monitor the copper carefully. It will change colors as it begins to oxidize, slowly transforming to black.

  8. Bexy
    Posted August 21, 2009 at 2:18 pm | Permalink

    Look on the CAT (Centre for Alternative Technology) web site UK.

  9. changchunkit
    Posted August 21, 2009 at 2:18 pm | Permalink

    go to google

  10. SilentDoGood
    Posted August 21, 2009 at 2:18 pm | Permalink

    I have a 200 gallon solar hot water system using all copper "Second Generation Olin Panels" designed for 10 people that was installed by a private solar company in 1977.

    A year before a master plumber friend installed a ready made solar disk type panels. He did not build the solar panels because it’s better and more efficient to buy it. You can save the cost of installation but you might need a permit if your state requires one. There are many factors in designing and installing a solar hot water system.

    If you are not building a thermosiphon system, then you need an electrician to provide the power for your pump and sensors to run your pump.

  11. funnysam2006
    Posted August 21, 2009 at 2:18 pm | Permalink

    Are you talking of solar PV panels, search on ebay people sell pv chips and manuals to make your own pv panel using those.