DIY Solar Power Energy
- 1). Construct the box in which you will house the solar cells. Cut the plywood to the size you need, and screw on the 3/4-inch blocks to make the sides.
- 2). Paint the box, and cut a length of fiberboard to fit the number of solar cells you wish to place in your solar panel. The piece of fiberboard is called a substrate and will act as a raised platform for the solar cells to rest in inside of the box.
- 3). Drill a hole in the bottom of the box. This will allow for the electrical wires to exit the box in order to connect to your appliances or other electronic devices.
- 4). Solder the electrical tabs of the solar cells together to create a series. If you didn't purchase pre-tabbed cells, you will have to solder connecting wire to each cell before you can connect them.
- 5). Place a small dab of silicon caulk to the back of each solar cell, and place the cells onto the substrate.
- 6). Glue the substrate to the box, and pull the electrical wires attached to the solar cell series through the hole in the bottom. Fill in the empty space around the hole with the wires coming out with the caulk to protect the cells from moisture.
- 7). Screw the Plexiglas cover onto the top of the solar panel, and attach the electrical connector to the solar cell wires.
- 8). Bring your solar panel outside, and connect it to a voltmeter to check and see if it works.
