10/3/2017 How to Make Solar Panels for Your Small Electronics

How to Make Solar Panels for Your Small

Electronics

November 7, 2014 By Jayson Matthews 3 Comments

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10/3/2017 How to Make Solar Panels for Your Small Electronics

All the electronics in our world were made to make our lives easier and more
convenient. However, all the energy we consume keeping them charged and operated
can be expensive. That’s why we’ve compiled a DIY solar panel tutorial so you can
learn how to make solar panels for your small electronics.

How to Make Solar Panels for Your Small

Electronics
Follow the instructions below to make homemade solar panels suitable for small
electronics.

Materials and Tools

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36 x 36 mono-crystalline solar cells

2 pcs of 21 3/4 inches plywood at 3/8 inch thick plywood
4 pcs 21 3/4 inches pieces of wood for edges at 3/4 X 3/4 thick
3 pcs 20 3/4 inches pieces of wood
Screws and power drill
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10/3/2017 How to Make Solar Panels for Your Small Electronics

Glue
Paint
Wires
Blocking diode (Schottky diode with a 3.3 Amp current rating)
1 two-pin Jones plug
Silicone caulk
Plexiglas
Power Consumption Meter

Step 1. Purchase solar cells

It will take about 36 mono-crystalline solar cells wired in series to make a panel. Each
cell will produce about 1/2 Volt. Thus, a 36 solar cell series would produce 18 volts.

When purchasing solar cells, take note of little metal tabs on them. You want cells with
tabs on them because this will cut back the amount of soldering you have to do.

Buy a couple of extra cells especially if this is your first time to make a solar cell panel.
You might break or ruin a few during construction.

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Step 2. Build the solar panel template and assemble

the frame

Build a shallow box so that the sides won’t shade the the solar cells when the sun
comes at an angle from the sides. Glue and screw the pieces of wood together. Follow
the image above for the the overall structure of the solar panel.

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The side pieces are 3/4 by 3/4 thick and go all the way around the edges of the plywood
substrate. Also, a piece goes across the center to divide the panel into two sub-panels.

Drill holes at the bottom of the panel frame to keep the air pressure inside the panel
equalized with the outside, and to let moisture escape. A 1/4 inch diameter is
recommended.

Step 3. Paint the frame

Pain the entire panel frame white to reduce the the temperature of the wood. Paint will
also protect them from moisture and the weather. Give your panel several coats of white
or light colored paint.

Step 4. Prepare the solar cells

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If you’re buying solar cells from someone who dips them in wax, here’s one way to
effectively remove the wax from the solar cells.

In a stove top, prepare three pots of water below boiling point – one with soap, the other
two with just plain water. Melt the bricks apart in the hot water bath, then transfer them
one at a time to he soapy water bath and finally, rinse the cell in the last pot of hot clean
water.

Don’t let the water boil in any of the pans or the bubbles will jostle the cells against each
other. Also, change the water frequently in the soapy and rinse water baths.

Step 5. Join the solar cells together

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