How To Build A Solar Power System

Take a few minutes and learn how easy it can be to learn how to build solar power systems. Become familiar with the materials, components, and tools required, and with some do it-yourself tips and techniques. A solar power system may seem complicated, but it really has only three important sub-systems: solar cells for generating power, batteries for storing power, and an inverter for converting that power from DC to AC for home use.

Solar power can provide electrical power to fulfill all the needs of the average home. The cost, however, can be prohibitive. Especially if you try to build the entire system at once. Fortunately, solar systems are modular. You can continue to expand them indefinitely over time until you have the power generating capability that you want. Putting together one of these solar systems is not that difficult to do, but it is helpful to understand exactly what's involved. You'll need to know how to determine what amount of power you expect the finished solar power system to generate for your home. You'll need to know where to buy the photovoltaic cells and how to interconnect them for maximum efficiency. Finally, you'll need to know how to assemble a panel, and how to install the finished panel to integrate it with your home electrical network.

There was a time, not too long ago, when information about how to build a solar power system was difficult to come by, but now, with the Internet and the availability of home building supply stores, step by step guides abound. Most of these self-help guides have lots of graphics to simplify the process. There are even instructive videos available for free on the Internet.

When you decide to build your solar system, you'll need some of the following materials: a wire crimping tool, wire cutters, a soldering iron, drills, copper wires, a screwdriver, a sheet of plywood, solder, sheets of glass, machine screws, a plastic sheet cutter, a reamer, pliers, and a hacksaw. Once you have all of this equipment, you're ready to start building.

Build your first solar system by following the six steps given below:

1. Position the photovoltaic cells on the plywood sheet, as indicated in your step-by-step guide. Ensure that the back of the cells are adjacent to the plywood.
2. Where necessary, drill access holes to allow threading the photovoltaic cell wires through the plywood for interconnection.
3. Place a backing board over the interconnected wires on the back of the plywood. This will secure them in place.
4. Place a piece of glass over the light gathering side of the photovoltaic cells.
5. Place a frame over the glass, as you would when framing a picture.
6. Seal the edges with a silicone sealant to protect against weather and moisture.

The above steps are an outline of how to build a solar power system. The devil is in the details, but that's why you have the step-by-step guide. When the system is installed, you can begin saving up to 50% from your electric bill.