12V Solar Panel

It is easy to build a 12V solar panel if you know how. This step-by-step guide is designed to teach you if you want to build one but are clueless on how to start.

This article also illustrates the sequence to building a 12V solar panel so you’ll have the least trouble.

After reading the 5 steps, I’m confident no matter how confused you are, you’ll be able to move along to begin designing your first photovoltaic panel:

Step 1 – Source for solar cells.

There are a total of 3 ways you can get a solar (photovoltaic) cell — you can buy them, you can salvage used or broken solar cells or you can even make them.

If you intend to use your solar panels for long, I recommend you buy them. Although they’re more expensive, they yield more power and can last longer. Thus you won’t need to make another solar panel a few years down the road.

If you intend to make a solar panel just for fun, you can join pieces of used or broken solar cells to make up a complete solar panel. They won’t be the most professional looking photovoltaic panels around, but who cares, they’re just for fun!

And if you feel more adventurous, you can even make your own solar panel by heating up copper plates to form cuprous oxide, which is a form of semiconductor by itself. These homemade solar cells are inefficient at best and only produce microwatts of power per cell. But if you’re just having some fun are feeling adventurous, why not?

Step 2 – Soldering the solar cells

To form a 12V supply, we have to solder the photovoltaic cells in series so they add up to 12V collectively. While many solar cells are rated at 0.5V each, you’ll have to check its specification before buying and using them. Some may not rated at 0.5V.

With 24 solar cells connected in series, we can easily make an array of solar cells that produce 12V supply.

However voltage is only part of the equation. We also have to consider the current output of the solar cells. With the correct voltage and sufficient current, we’ll have enough power to drive the application of your choice.

Step 3 – Pasting solar cells onto a substrate

After soldering the solar cells, you can prepare to paste them onto a substrate. Many hobbyists prefer to use silicone caulk to do this. However you’ll need to employ the correct technique to paste the solar cells using silicone caulk. Otherwise the cells may crack just after a short period of use.

Step 4 – Put the array of solar cells with a protective box

After the substrate is done, you’ll have to make a box to contain the substrate. This can be made of wood, plastic or metal. Each has its unique advantages and disadvantages.

The protective box is done last. This is because you can then be flexible to alter your solar panel design if you need to add more solar cells to the setup. This will free you from some worrying.

After the box is completed, you can hold down the substrate in the protective box using blobs of silicone caulk.

Step 5 — Cover the solar panel box

Finally, you’ll have to cover the box with a transparent plastic or glass. This will keep precipitation and dew from destroying your solar cells and metallic joints. Many hobbyists choose plexiglass because it’s not as fragile as glass. The choice is entirely up to you.

After completing these 5 steps, your solar panel is ready to produce electricity for you.

Continue Reading:

1. How To Build Solar Panel (Part 1 of 3)
2. How To Build Solar Panel (Part 2 of 3)
3. Used Solar Panels – How To Use Them To Build Cheap DIY Solar Panels

Calculate Your Payback Period

The payback for your solar panel investment is the amount of time needed (in years) for your investment to pay for itself (break-even).

A simple calculation gives you a clear picture:

You should divide the total upfront cost by your monthly estimated savings. This gives you the payback period in months.

Dividing this by 12 gives you the payback period in years.

To figure out your monthly savings, you can follow these steps:

1. Determine your average monthly energy usage by referring to your power bills

2. Estimate how much energy (in percentage) you will replace with your solar panels

3. You’ll find out your monthly savings by multiplying the numbers you got from step 1 and step 2 above

For example, you found out that your monthly energy bills cost you $200. If your solar panels are designed to supply about 60% of your energy usage, your monthly savings will be: $200 x 60% = $120

Thus if your solar equipment and installation cost you $14,000, your payback period is $14,000 / $120 / 12 = 9.7 years.

For all the gains you’ll receive from your investment, you have to take a look at what your risks are.

I’ve listed the major ones here so you can consider if owning solar panels are indeed worthwhile:

Risk #1: Efficiency declines over time

Solar energy systems (like everything else) decline in efficiency over time. After a period of 10 years, you can expect a 15% drop in efficiency.

Different systems deteriorate at different rates though. The expected efficiency deterioration is subtly implied in the manufacturer’s warranty condition.

Risk #2: Lifespan of solar panels

Everything has its lifespan. For solar panels, warranties usually cover your equipment for 20 to 25 years. You system is insured against defects and drastic drop in performance during this period. However solar panels can last much longer, sometimes beyond 30 years.

There will come a time (that is not definite) when your PV panels cannot generate the amount of electricity you require and it’s ready to be discarded.

Risk #3: More efficient technologies

Some years in the future, technology will improve. Occasionally engineers discover breakthroughs that make solar panels efficiency improve by leaps and bounds. In this case, unless you have lots of cash to throw away, you are bound to the old photovoltaic technology.

In Part 3 of this series, we’ll take a look at how solar panels can improve your property’s value. This helps in the payback period, definitely.

Part 1 of this series can be found here:
http://www.diysolarpanelsworld.com/how-to-determine-the-payback-for-your-solar-panel-investment-part-1-of-3

Continue Reading:

1. Why Are Solar Panels The Best Investment For Your Home?
2. Challenges and Difficulties In Using Solar Panels And How To Overcome Them
3. Survey Your Household Energy Usage Before Installing Solar Panels