How to Make a Homemade Solar Panel with Household Items?

Solar panels can be considered as a big investment since it is known to be a cheap energy source, while still providing that eco-friendly type of energy.

As it is introduced in the market, many are left wondering how can they acquire this type of energy harnessing process, and be taken up to their advantage.

Despite its availability to be bought in sets, some asked the professionals if it can be made by themselves to have an all-round modification depending on preference.

The answer is yes, and also, it ensures a financial benefit depending on the template of construction. In this article, you will learn how to do so together with some recommendations in the process.

What is Solar Panel?

There are rays from the sun that emit light and energy. Solar panels are used to convert solar energy into usable electricity, specifically photons.

It is known to be diverse as it has a wide range of applications. Some of these are remote sensing for telecommunication technology, and commercial household solar electric purpose.

How Does it Work?

Many can see various kinds of panels in rooftops or fences as it is used by some people to harness solar energy. Many may question, “How is it possible?”

Since solar energy is renewable, it is collected by solar panels to apply its function into electricity. In composition, it is made up of individual solar cells that has layers of boron which provides a positive charge.

On the other hand, silicon and phosphorus provides the negative charge. It captures the photons and then produces an electric current. The photovoltaic effect is done as the energy from photons initiate a so-called electric current.

Particularly, the heat from photons that reaches the surface of the panel allows the electrons to be out of their atomic orbits, which is then released into an electric field generated by the individual solar cells. Hence, it pulls the harvested free electrons into a directional current itself.

Is Making Your Own Solar Panel Advisable?

Many have engaged in the world of solar energy as it is easily accessed with only the rays of the sun in a specific area. Nevertheless, some homeowners consider the possibility of conceptualizing and building these panels from scratch.

However, it is not impossible; in fact, many have attempted to do so to keep track of the cost of production and modification depending on preference.

In considering doing your solar panels by your own, these factors should be kept in mind:

Moreover, keep in mind that there are right and wrong angles of perspective and scenarios in the process of conceptualizing the solar panels by yourself.

There is a lot involved in various solar installation and its benefits. At the same time, drawbacks are there. Bear in mind in the process to have a step ahead in the progress of construction.

The Pros

Apart from the benefit of knowing its overall makeup and knowing the division of cost, which can be considered less than actually buying sets, it is also an advantage in its easy access to small-off grid projects.

The homemade solar kits are advisable and are a good solution if you are not trying to power the electricity of your overall home. Instead, its construction leads to lessening your electric bill as you have a few panels to supply you with.

Since the panels are dependent on the sun, you would need the electric grid for the additional supply whenever the weather is not as expected.

Nonetheless, it seemingly provides an opportunity to lessen the consumption of the harnessing in fossil fuels for electricity and provides a better and more eco-friendly alternative.

The Cons 

In installing homemade solar panels, you should consider that it can be complicated and may require experience in the process of construction. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for, and the expensive electrical system may offer more than what you may build in the process.

A DIY solar panel installers cannot replicate the experienced solar installers  since they offer more complexity in its function.

Furthermore, they are licensed, and you should expect that the makeup of the solar panel that you made cannot be as diverse and as well-functioned as theirs.

However, if the overall additional quality is not that much of a problem, doing one of your own can abide by your solar energy experience.

Ways to Make A DIY Solar Panel

In average, these are the overall process that you will encounter:

• The dimension and design should be in accordance to your energy consumption needs
• Purchasing of the needed equipment and considering the costs
• The process of installment depending on the location, that can be in  roofs, fences, or the ground
• Connection of the panels to the racking equipment
• Installing a solar inverter to harness

To make a solar cell using household materials, here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1

At first, you will need two non-coated copper wire or aluminum strips, then iodine, coffee filter, titanium dioxide that can be seen in sunscreen with at least SPF80 to SPF 90, glue, tape, blueberries, two pieces of glass, and two containers.

Step 2

Connect and fix the aluminum or copper wire to the glass slides by using glue.

Step 3

Fill the container with blueberries, then squash it to get it ready to be filtered.

Step 4

Filter the juice of the berries to extract Anthocyanin.

Step 5

Take one of the glass and tape its edges.

Step 6

Put the sunscreen to the glass that is taped with ample amounts.

Step 7

Remove the tape from the sides and leave it for at least 15 minutes.

Step 8 

Take the glass that is left for 15 minutes and submerge it in the juice that was filtered by another 15 minutes.

Step 9 

Take the other slide and hold it over the lit candle with the foil facing down. It will turn black as the carbon gets deposited. Wait till its entirely black without any transparency

Step 10

When the other slide is done soaking with juice, wipe the extra juice with a q tip or cotton.

Step 11

With the glass that is soaking, put four drops of iodine.

Step 12

Take the carbon coated glass that is all black. Set it on top of the glass with iodine, then put them together while using paper clips.

Step 13

Cut the tape in three tiny pieces. Put one on each end and one in the middle to secure the slides.

Likewise, each solar cell can produce one volt of voltage; you can make as many as you want depending on preference.

Final Thoughts: Solar is the Way to Go!

With today's advancement in technology, solar energy continues to be innovated in the long run. Even with a few household materials, you can make a solar cell that can be used in your devices and gadgets.

Take advantage of the sunlight by using it on your convenience in terms of emitting electricity.

To be satisfied with your efficient energy, solar is the way to go!