Solar cells Depending on what size solar panel you are going to build, will dictate how many solar cells you are going to need. The cheapest way to get solar cells is either from eBay or find a local firm who uses solar cells in their equipment. There are many companies who use solar cells to power road signs, their signs suffer from wear and tear and are chucked in the skip. These companies don't repair the actual cells, they just replace them. So you can salvage them and use them in your panel. 12mm Thick Plywood The plywood forms the backing board which the cells sit on and is an integral piece of the panel. When selecting your plywood, pick the flattest boards as will make life a lot easier. Plywood is susceptible to the elements, so later we will give it a coating of a UV protector paint. Hard Wood If you can afford hardwood then get this as it will last longer when left outside at the mercy of the elements and again we will treat it with a UV protector to enhance the lifecycle of your solar panel. Flexi-Glass Flexi- glass is used to protect the solar cells and all the electrical wiring. Some people like to use special glass that has the ability to collect infrared light. This is expensive but it will make your solar panel more efficient as the infrared feature will allow you to convert the suns energy in cloudy conditions. Soldering Wire - Tabbing Wire This soldering wire enables you to connect the various solar cells together and so make a complete solar panel. Tabbing wire is made from tin, it is very plyable and has a low melting point. Silicone Silicon is used to make the solar panel water tight by filling the gap between the flexi glass and the wooden frame. The second advantage is that it has some glue like properties and so can be used to secure the solar cells to the plywood. Wiring Solder The solder is used to join the cells to the copper wire. The copper wires carry the current, which the solar cells have produced, to either an inverter, or batteries or to the grid. Sometimes the tabbing wire lifts of the backing board or cell, you can use the solder to stick it back down again. Soldering Flux You use flux in conjunction with the tabbing wire, it ensures the tabbing wire sticks to the cells. You run the pen over the area where you want the wire to be assembled and then with the aid of a soldering iron, the tabbing wire is secured in position. UV Protector To give your solar panel assembly as longer life as possible, it is recommended that the frame which holds the flexible-glass in place and the plywood be given a coating of UV protection. Volt Meter The volt meter is used to test each cells output as it is assembled to the board. The output increases as you add more solar cells. Learn more about how to
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