DIY - Attempt at home made solar panels - Wasn't a good idea!!

This is my attempt at building my own solar panels. I completed the panel, but using Lexan and Clear Epoxy resin didn't turn out quite like I expected. Granted this was my 2nd attempt. For the most part I would recommend simply buying a decent panel. for the time and money I spent I could've bought a 200Watt panel from a discount retailer. Also, I would definitely not put a homemade panel on the roof.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• DIY
• Solar
• panels
• backup
• cells
• lexan
• energy
• shtf
• photovoltaic
• off
• grid
• how-to
• encapsulation
• ebay
• failed
• attempt
• problems
• battery
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• home
• made
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• safety
• frames
• plexy
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• cheap

[dgholmz]

I had better luck on my first attempt using 1/4 inch tempered glass and the two part liquid encapsulate that's made for solar projects. It doesn't run if you give it the right amount of cure time. I get 35 watts average and probably saved about $50 on a 26x32 panel at the time. Just bought the more powerful 6x6 cell kit. It's more of a hobby for me to keep a battery bank charged for possible outages.

[rhandsom]

@dgholmz Thanks for your comments. If I do it again, I plan to use 1/4" tempered glass also. Glad to know it worked out for you. Take Care.

[TheSportsbot]

very very good video. intelligent dissemination of valuable information. thanks for recording and uploading this.

[rhandsom]

@TheSportsbot Thank you for your comments and your welcome. Take Care.

[rustyoffgrid]

I totally agree with you. I had the same experience you had with building solar panels. You can buy grade b panels from sun elec for cheaper than you can build them for with better quality. Thanks Rusty  Check out my video

[rhandsom]

@rustyoffgrid Thanks for your comments, Grade B from sun elec are the way to go. I checked out your video. I like the setup, you got a lot of panels. The transfer switch is a good addition. Take Care.

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[subhankar8925]

Good video....

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[rhandsom]

@kondor1001 Your approach seems like it would work well. Please upload a video when you complete it. Grade B cells would work fine. I made a portable solar generator that cheap homemade panels would work well for.

[kondor1001]

I agree people spend far too much on home made solar. As hooterman said get grade B cells, in the summer I intend to make one using a wooden frame with no encapsulation at all except a piece of glass I intend using silica gel to handle any condensation issues. This will be a test as I have not seen it done and the silica gel will need re-charging every year I guess (in my oven). This of course would be no use for a permanent install and is just intended to be used during hot sunny days.