Homemade Solar Panels Diy tutorial, complete build

In this video I'm showing you how I built some solar panels from start to finish I tried to make it as detailed as possible. These panels cost me very little to build and are fun projects for everyone. This is just one way of doing this there are lot's of others doing this and good videos out there. Presently I'm using my panels at a job site where there is no electricity available they are running my RV off the grid. These panels are not encapsulated but they work well and low cost not for on roof installation best to be close to ground for inspection. Thanks for Watching Please Subscribe @kurtscottage
Peace Out

[TheOregonOutlaw]

Improvements or changes you might want to try:

1) Use the 3M double sided tape called "VHB Tape" (very high bond).  Once applied, it will last regardless of vibration or temperature.  Thickness and size of rolls varies - shop carefully.
2) Using a "Silver Solder" will reduce the long term chance of failure due to corrosion.  It's only marginally more expensive then typical rosin core, and melt point is only slightly higher.
3) It's been suggested to use Polycarbonate for the shield - I agree with using it for the top layer as it's more durable, however I feel your choice of using glass as a rigid frame is superior.  Regardless of what is used - keeping it CLEAN will be a long term issue people need to keep up with.  BTW your video is great!  Nice Job!!!

[cordeliablakeslee]

Great to see that Avasva has new instructions to save my money and energy to build it.

[jimnjele.bean-dayone]

Not only a GREAT tutorial but NO Commercials !! THANK YOU !! It is VERY annoying to watch ANY video that is interrupted with some dam sales pitch !!

[jeremiasmernilo]

Im on the process of building solar panel, , and this is very helpful for us who is new in this field thanks a lot sir!!!!

[obduliocerceno]

Thank you for been patient and explaining so well all about making your own solar panel, God bless you ! 

[greenenergybuilder]

Awesome video.  I am happy people are becoming more aware of the need for self reliance.  

[radiofun]

The spectral properties of the glass have to be known/tested first. If not: normal glass can give a lot of loss on the yield because of damping the light/frequencies that add most to the wattage/output. I made small panels in the same way: it did not work (condensed water, internal oxidation, breaking glass due to freezing temperatures, solar units not completely identical and thus loss and "pushed up" current, damaging the weak cells, etc. The process can work for small hobby panels, not for the serious ones. And at the moment (2018) professional panels are very cheap. Anyway: a good experiment, I appreciate it!

[thefaeryman]

Great video,
just some thoughts, the glass should be heat tempered because they will get very hot and may crack when is use. The window glass may have an uv film that you can't see that will reduce cell performance. Many also suggest epoxy encapsulate to prevent erosion from moisture.
These are 4 watt/0.5 volt, 16 cells in ideal conditions will yield 64 watts at 8 volts max, to get 12 volt charging you need 32 cells, 24 volt 64 cells.
Figure out your total cost before you buy the cells.
John

[brothermalcolm]

interesting i've been reading about solar cells for months now and this is the first time i've actually seen one up close

[BMAK]

This is a brilliant video. Clear and detailed - this is a skill-set you will not find in most people. I have no interest in how he sounds or how he pronounces things I am just grateful he took the time to share this skill. That should be what people who view this video should be focusing on. Great work and I look forward to your other videos in this series.

[lynettepollock]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. You did an excellent job of explaining everything. I understand that you are not a professional, and that this is a beneficial hobby, but you ARE a wonderful teacher and motivator. I previously assumed that anything electrical, solar, wiring and involving welding or soldering was WAY over my head. Thanks to your detailed instructions, I'm inspired to give it a try. Being empowered is liberating. Bless You!

[topcat]

why doesnt this video have more informative for someone like me seeing this for the first time

[hemang]

Very nice video...! complete steps for building your own Solar Panel ....!

[MrLostonej]

Shower door glass works real good.It is hard to break and has the best temper ..I did my first build with it. cant wait to use is.

[lapotra]

I just wanted to thank u for Ur tutorial I never thought it would b easy but u have shown me it's possible.

[hunter]

Silicone the acetic acid type will react with copper so never use it, use only a non acetic acid type although it takes longer to cure.
You have made a good video but your sealing system will  suffer condensation problems, it's best to use a uv proof clear resin to seal them in forever, try boat building supplies it's cheap in bulk. Resin is another skill set you will need to learn.

It also must be made clear that gaps between cells are critical to prevent short circuits.
With a series circuit the weakest cell will effect the the whole cell. You will find just shading one cell you will loose up to 50% of the power.

Never just rely on voltage, current is even more important as it produces the real power of the cell. Volts X Current = Power, or V X I = Watts of Power.

Good luck with your future development.

[aaronbinder]

I'm only 2:50 in to this video and it is by far the best one! Great job!

[danielcloutier]

I'm very glad there's guy's like you..nice job.. easy to follow you...

[RossPotts]

I would use 2x4s as a frame with pegs set in as the holders of the glass. That way you could set the glas in just by dropping it. Standardize where you leave an opening for the outgassing during the curing process by NOT placing a peg in the area.

[cogitoergosum]

Very good tutorial for a novice like me. I truly appreciate it! Thanks, Kurt.