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Department of Education

Region III
Division of Pampanga
STA. CRUZ ACADEMY OF LUBAO, INC.
Sta. Cruz, Lubao, Pampanga
Telephone number (045) 971-54-86

E-mail Address: sca_lubao@yahoo.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Assemblage of Solar Cells: A Cheaper Way of Acquiring a


Solar Panel

Submitted by:
Dabu, Ashley Andrei L.
Manarang, Shaira R.
Medina, John Rainier R.
Morales, Ma. Luiza Tyrine G.
Paule, Angle Y.
Tolentino, Ramises D.

Grade 12 GALATIANS
Group 6

Submitted to:
Miss Efraim G. Mendoza

To be submitted on
July 23, 2023
Table of Contents
Abstract ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER I...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Background of the Study ........................................................................................................................... 4
Research Objectives .................................................................................................................................. 5
Statement of the Problem......................................................................................................................... 5
Research Questions................................................................................................................................... 6
Research Hypothesis ................................................................................................................................. 6
Significance of the Study ........................................................................................................................... 7
Scope and Delimitation ............................................................................................................................. 8
Definition of Terms.................................................................................................................................... 8
Theoretical Framework ............................................................................................................................. 9
Conceptual Framework ........................................................................................................................... 11
CHAPTER II................................................................................................................................................... 13
Foreign Literature.................................................................................................................................... 13
Local Literature ....................................................................................................................................... 14
Foreign Studies........................................................................................................................................ 15
Local Studies ........................................................................................................................................... 16
CHAPTER III.................................................................................................................................................. 18
Participants ............................................................................................................................................. 19
Procedural Description............................................................................................................................ 20
Analysis ................................................................................................................................................... 20
Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 21
CHAPTER IV ................................................................................................................................................. 22
CHAPTER V .................................................................................................................................................. 29
Summary of Findings............................................................................................................................... 29
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................... 29
Recommendation .................................................................................................................................... 31
References............................................................................................................................................... 32
Appendix A .............................................................................................................................................. 33
Appendix B .............................................................................................................................................. 36

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Abstract

This study investigates the manual assembling of solar cells to make low-cost, high-

voltage solar panels as an alternative to pricey commercially made panels. The study emphasizes

the need to adopt renewable energy in the face of rising electricity demand and environmental

concerns. It investigates the cost difference between homemade and ready-made panels, as well

as the efficiency with which hand-built panels convert sunlight into power. The research findings

show that hand-built solar cell assembly is cost-effective and delivers greater voltage outputs

than expected. The study underlines the importance of easily accessible and affordable solar

panels in order to promote the wider adoption of renewable energy, as well as the educational

and economic benefits of hand assembly.

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CHAPTER I
The Problem and Its Background
Introduction

In the face of technological advancement of the world, it is becoming increasingly power-

hungry and has growing concerns about environmental sustainability, the adoption of renewable

energy sources has gained significant attention. Solar energy particularly, had gained much

attention, however, the high cost of commercially manufactured solar panels often poses a barrier

to their widespread implementation.

To address this challenge, various researchers have explored alternative routes to reduce

the cost of solar panels. This research study delves into the realm of makeshift solar panels,

focusing on the manual assemblance of solar cells to create a solar panel for a cheaper price.

Background of the Study

Energy is widely acknowledged as the driving force behind global economic

development. Global energy resources are divided into three categories: fossil energy (oil, gas,

coal, etc.), nuclear energy, and renewable energy (wind, solar, geothermal, air power, biomass,

hydrogen, ocean, etc). The major benefit of solar energy over other conventional power

generators is that the sunlight can be directly converted into solar energy with the use of small

photovoltaic (PV) solar cells (Shaikh et al., 2017). Problems arise with solar power such as

photovoltaic (PV) intermittent.

People of the world must pay attention to renewable energy resources due to the

limitation and impact of non-renewable energy resources. Due to global warming, greenhouse

gas emissions, fluctuating oil prices, and rising electricity demand, developing countries must

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consider new solutions. In that matter, renewable energy is affected by the current energy

structure and direction of energy development as an essential part.

Growing economic crisis also poses a threat to the capabilities of people to purchase a

commercially made solar panel, the large implementation of solar panels to make the world

sustainable is highly susceptible due to its price. However, single solar cells cost are cheap and it

can easily be assembled to make a solar panel, aiding the expensiveness and paying it off with

time and effort.

Research Objectives

This study is focused on making a solar panel out of individual solar cells that are

assembled manually to aid the expensive value of commercially produced solar panels.

• promoting renewable energy to support the global rise for making the world rely

on renewable energy instead of fossil energy.

• By making use of solar panels, a person can contribute to solving the global

problem of climate change.

• In assembling the solar panel, the maker can have a deep understanding about the

electrical component and the fundamentals of electrical engineering.

Statement of the Problem

The planet is facing a major crisis with the rising global temperature and many advocates

are rising to support altering climate change. This study will promote the use of renewable

energy by using makeshift solar panels that a person can assemble at home to spread awareness

and educate people on how to contribute to solving the major crisis. Furthermore, it also aims to

show how the solar panel will reduce the use of non-renewable electricity, as well as the effects
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and benefits of the use of renewable energy on solar panels in Sta. Cruz, Lubao, Pampanga.

Moreover, this study aims to show the difference in cost of manually assembled solar panels and

commercially produced solar panels.

Research Questions

This study seeks to know how effective and affordable the manual assembly of solar cells

to construct a solar panel.

• What are the cost differences between using improvised solar panels and solar

panels that can be purchased commercially?

• In comparison to solar panels that are mass produced, how effective is a manual

solar panel in converting sunlight into useful electricity?

• What are the difficulties and limitations involved in manually connecting solar

cells to construct a solar panel?

Research Hypothesis

The manual assembly of solar cells to ultimately create a solar panel is effective in

converting sunlight into energy, it is also affordable and cost effective due to the time and effort

allotted in place of money spent.

• The cost difference is significantly moderate; the maker can save money with the

cost of time and effort. In assembling solar cells manually, patience and effort is

needed in replacement of the money that is supposed to be allotted in buying a

commercially produced panel.

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• There are a few issues that mean solar cells are not totally efficient in converting

sunlight into electrical energy. Therefore, the search is on for significantly less

expensive cells without making too much of an efficiency loss. At other times, the

photons might provide more energy than required for the electron to break free,

and the excess is wasted.

• Certain efforts are needed to produce a panel that is durable and efficient, the

maker cannot compete with the quality of commercially produces solar panels. In

connecting wires, it is significantly difficult for first timers, but it is easy to learn.

The added knowledge of connecting solar cells and the output is worth it in the

end. The connection of the wires cannot always be clean and efficient; however, it

can still function relatively well.

Significance of the Study

This study aims to help educate people to better contribute to solving the climate change

crisis the world is facing and to provide knowledge to the beneficiaries listed below, and the

research could be important for the following:

Students: This study may lead the students to their high level of achievements due to

their new awareness of having and using makeshift solar panels. The use of the makeshift solar

panel can help the beneficiaries contribute to solving and reducing climate change. And using

solar panels can help the planet.

Families: This study may contribute to the knowledge of using makeshift solar panels in

the appliances that use electricity in everyday lives. With solar energy, families can reduce

electricity bills and decrease support for fossil fuel generated electricity.

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Future Researchers: This work may be used as a reference for future researchers. This

may serve as guidance for the direction of their research. It will provide them with some

thoughts or details that they can apply to their current research. This study could serve as the

foundation for them to develop a new problem to focus on.

Scope and Delimitation

This study focuses on investigating the construction and feasibility of homemade solar

panels using manual assembly techniques. The study aims to provide insights into the process of

assembling solar cells to create functional solar panels that are affordable and accessible. The

study will analyze cost-effective materials and components that can be used in the construction

of makeshift solar panels. It will explore readily available resources and examine their impact on

the overall cost reduction while ensuring the panels' functionality and durability. While the

research will touch upon the principles of solar energy conversion and the basic concepts of solar

cells, it will not extensively cover the design and engineering of solar cell technology. Instead,

the focus will be on the practical aspects of assembling solar cells into functional panels within

the limitations of a manual assembly process.

Definition of Terms

Commercially Produced Solar Panel- solar panels that are already assembled and are readily

functional that are manufactured my companies.

Makeshift- Serving as a temporary substitute; sufficient for the time being.

Multimeter- A measuring instrument that can measure multiple electrical properties.

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Photovoltaic Cells- PV cells, also known as solar cells, are semi-conductors that can conduct

electricity better than an insulator but not as good as metals. When light shines to the PV cell, the

light may reflect, absorb, or pass through the cell.

Renewable Energy- Energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate

than they are consumed.

Theoretical Framework

Affordable solution of
acquiring a solar panel

Assembling of
Experience-building activity Solar Cells

Key to reduce global


warming, greenhouse gas
emission, fluctuating oil
prices, and rising electricity
bill.

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This research paper is supported by the study of Shaikh, S., Waghmare, S.B., and Labade,

S., (2017) A Review on Electricity Generation from Solar Energy. According to them Solar

Energy is produced by the Sunlight is a non-vanishing renewable source of energy which is free

from eco-friendly. Every hour enough sunlight energy reaches the earth to meet the world's

energy demand for a whole year. In today's generation people needed Electricity every hour, the

study of Shaikh (2017) shows that Solar Cells can be a way to make usable Solar Panels that can

be used in people daily lives. According to their theory, Solar Cells is very efficiency & free

environment pollution for surrounding to use. The researchers use the theory of Shaikh to be

their guide because it is similar to their study. It is shown at the figure above that assembling

solar cells can build the experience of the creator by assembling solar cells and also can reduce

the rising global temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions, fluctuation oil prices, and rising

electricity bills and it is also a way of acquiring cheaper solar panels by assembling solar cells

manually. By making solar panels from solar cells can help solve many problems faced by non-

renewable energy production whilst maintaining environmental safety protocols.

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Conceptual Framework

IPO MODEL

Input Process
Output
• Solar cells 1. Clean and
(individual prepare the A homemade solar
panels) solar cells. panel created at a
• Connecting 2. Connect the lower cost.
wires solar cells in
A solar panel
• Mounting series to
create a assembled from
structure or
larger panel. individual solar cells.
frame
• Electrical 3. Assemble the
components solar cells
Tools and onto the
equipment mounting
such as: structure or
• Wires frame.
• Soldering 4. Add diodes
Iron and other
electrical
• multimeter
components
for proper
functioning.

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The IPO model serves as a framework for comprehending systems or processes. Inputs

represent the necessary resources or materials, processes are the transformative steps taken with

those inputs, and outputs denote the desired outcomes or results. In the context of creating a

makeshift solar panel, the inputs consist of materials like solar cells, wires, frame, electrical

components (such as diodes and connectors), and tools. The process involves cleaning the solar

cells, connecting them in series and parallel to optimize their electrical output, assembling the

cells onto a frame, and incorporating essential electrical components for proper functionality.

The output manifests as a functional solar panel, manually assembled at a reduced cost compared

to commercial alternatives. This solar panel effectively harnesses sunlight to generate electricity.

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CHAPTER II
Review of Related Literatures

The world has increasingly become aware of the effects of global warming and is now

trying to find renewable sources of energy. A suitable source of energy is solar energy. This study

focuses on assembling solar cells manually to create a solar panel. This chapter includes the

review of related literatures and studies.

Foreign Literature

Guangul, F., & Chala, G., (2019) Solar energy as renewable energy source: SWOT

analysis Solar energy has made it one of the most promising alternative energy sources. In this

paper, the researchers assess the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities of using solar energy.

The good impact of using solar energy, which can cost a small amount to the people who use it,

and the sustainability of solar energy for the environment and households making solar energy a

good substitute for the fossil energy that fuels their homes. therefore, using solar energy rather

than fossil fuels. However, using solar energy also has weaknesses and threats that require

further attention. Although some of the weaknesses and threats to solar energy applications still

exist, through technological advancement, most of the problems will be addressed in the future.

Arshad, R., Tariq, S., Niaz, M. U., & Jamil, M. (2014). Improvement in solar panel

efficiency using solar concentration by simple mirrors and by cooling Through the use of mirrors

and a cooling system, they presented a viable solution in this study for boosting the effectiveness

of solar panels. These mirrors don't require any additional tools, it is affordable, and easy to use

like making a solar panels using a solar cells it is also budget friendly than buying a readymade

solars.The Researchers can implement their findings about mirrors and cooling in their current

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study about making a solar panel by assembling solar cells .The researchers' discoveries about

the use of mirrors and cooling systems in solar panels have a lot of usage for application in the

real world. By making these changes, solar panel manufacturers and installers can increase the

efficiency and output of solar energy systems, which will increase power production as well as

lessen reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Additionally, this strategy enables people or

organizations to create their own solar energy systems at a lesser cost than acquiring or buying

pre-made solar panels. In general, the addition of cooling and mirror systems to solar panels is a

fascinating advancement in the realm of renewable energy. The study's conclusions offer a

practical suggestion that could improve solar panels' performance by making them more

effective, affordable, and available for a variety of applications.

Local Literature

The study of Erees Macabebe, et al., titled A review of community-based solar home

system projects in the Philippines (2018), covered three communities in this article as part of two

government programs that provide SHS (Solar Hom System). These programs are the

Department of Agrarian Reform's (DAR) Solar Power Technology Support (SPOTS) and the

Department of Energy's (DOE) Household Electrification Program (HEP). A focused group

discussion and key informant interviews were held in two communities in Bukidnon province

and one in Kalinga to get information from project beneficiaries and SHS users on project

preparation, implementation, and maintenance. The findings revealed that a focus on the

economic value of the technology, adequate training of locals on the technical and management

components of the project, and the formation of a supply chain for replacement parts are critical

variables for the programs' long-term viability.

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The study of Spandan Anupam, the title is Solar panels using Copper Oxide as a

substitute for other semiconductors (2017). Research on solar energy has so far been quite active.

Thin film solar cells, which are less expensive and more flexible, must now take the place of the

old, bulky silicon solar cells. There is a lot of work being done in this field, and some people

have succeeded in getting good results that could alter society. Due to all the benefits over the

bulky wafer solar cells, a significant amount of research is currently being done on polymer and

oxide based solar cells. This review seeks to give readers who are interested a very general sense

of what has been accomplished so far in this topic (essentially copper oxide) up to this point.

Particularly in this field of heterojunctions, there has been some attention, and the involved

parties have had good success.

Foreign Studies

Fraunhofer (2022). Out with the silver, in with the copper: A new boost for solar cell

production. The rising price and low availability of raw materials, especially silver, are leading to

higher costs in producing photovoltaic modules. Fraunhofer researchers have developed an

electroplating process that involves substituting silver, an expensive precious metal, with copper,

which is more readily available. Fraunhofer research is related to our study because Fraunhofer

research and our research use copper in making solar panels. Without using copper in their

project making solar panels can cost or spend a lot of money, so the researchers think of a better

way on how to save money just like Fraunhofer did. Making copper solar panels are better than

made out of silver.

Dambhare, M.V., Butey, B., and Morahil, S.V,. (2021) Solar photovoltaic technology: A

review of different types of solar cells and their future trends. Based on their research Solar

Photovoltaic technology deals with conversion of incident sunlight energy into electrical energy.
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Solar cells fabricated from Silicon aid the first-generation solar cells. It was studied that more

improvement is needed for large absorption of incident sunlight and increase in efficiency of

solar cells. Thin film technology and amorphous Silicon solar cells were further developed to

meet these conditions. In this review, the researchers studied a progressive advancement in Solar

cell technology from first generation solar cells to Dye sensitized solar cells, Quantum dot solar

cells and some recent technologies. The study of Dambhare (2021) is relevant to this paper

because they both do an experiment of solar cells that can help with people’s daily lives. They

both study solar cells to see what they can do and what are the possible outcomes. They both see

that solar cells are becoming increasingly important in the manufacturing of products as they

offer a clean and renewable source of energy. Additionally, solar cells can provide a reliable

source of power in remote areas where access to traditional power sources may be limited.

Local Studies

Bunda, N., Sunio, V., Palmero, S., Tabañag, I. D. F., Reyes, D. J., & Ligot, E. (2023).

Stage model of the process of solar photovoltaic adoption by residential households in the

Philippines. Cleaner and Responsible Consumption, 100114. The 2008 Renewable Energy Act

states “net-metering was implemented as a non-fiscal incentive mechanism to encourage residential

households to switch to solar energy.” Yet most households in the Philippines still rely on fossil energy to

fuel their homes. In this study, the researchers assume adoption as a process of transitioning on using

solar energy in households. The researchers categorized the three stages into: no interest, under

consideration, and installation. The study focused on which barriers or drivers contribute in the

transition to solar.

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In the study of Alejo, J. P. R., David, G. M., Punzalan, M. A. D., Tulabut, J. L. H.,

Tangcuangco, A. L., & Parungao, R. L. D. (2022). Proposed Synergy of Electrical Energy

Sources in The Administrative Building of The Educational Institution in Bacolor Pampanga,

Philippines. it proposed an implementation of solar energy and site analysis to provide a

sustainable and reliable source of energy for the Administrative Building of The Educational

Institution in Bacolor Pampanga. The use of solar panels can provide sustainable, reliable, and

continuous flow of clean energy and decreases the amount of utility bills. In this study. The

researchers are promoting solar energy and its ease to assemble to further contribute to the

growing concern for decreasing the use of non-renewable energy and to promote and grow the

support for assembling their own solar panels to reduce the cost of purchasing a commercially

produced solar panel.

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CHAPTER III
Project Description

This study aims to create a solar panel by assembling individual solar cells into a solar

panel to reduce the cost of owning a solar panel, this method can also promote the use of

renewable energy as a sustainable source of electricity to power small appliances.

The researchers ordered three 5 Volts 90mmx60mm solar cells on the internet to create a

panel that has an average voltage of 15 volts. The researchers assembled all the tools and

material needed before the assemblage. To test if the cells are working properly and generate the

voltage they advertise, the researchers tested the cells individually, all solar cells generated an

average of 6 volts, surprisingly more than the 5 volts that the seller advertised. In testing the

individual voltage of the solar cells, the researchers plotted the tests leads of the multimeter set to

10 volts DC to the allotted positive and negative part of the solar cell at the back, however, two

of the solar cells had their positive and negative points reversed. The way researchers knew that

the points are reversed is because the analog of the multimeter kept on going backward instead of

going forward. The researchers opted to just flip the solar cells to fix the mistake. After the test,

each solar cells are connected with wires that are soldered to the positive and negative parts of

the cell. After the cells are connected, it is tested before it is glued into an aluminum frame. After

gluing, it is tested another time to test if the components are working correctly. To protect the

cells from natural elements that could weather it and reduce efficiency, the aluminum frame is

sealed using glass, the glass is secured using silicone for sturdiness. After the glue has dried, it is

tested for the final time to gather data and to see if it can power electrical devices such as

batteries or small fans.

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For the completion of the project, the researchers need the following materials:

Materials Quantity Cost in Php

5 Volts 150 mA Solar Cells 3 450

(90mmx60mm)

Wires 10 inches

Aluminum Board 1 (6in x11in)

Glass 1(6in x11in)

Plastic Frame 8 1/4 x 13 1/4 in

Soldering Iron 1

Multimeter 1

Total: 450 Pesos

Participants

The researcher’s respondents are Ten (10) grade 12 students from Sta Cruz Academy of

Lubao Incorporated who will be approached for permission to participate in the survey after the

researchers collect their names, including ten (10) students to test the effectiveness of the solar

panel It will be carried out in June 2023.

In obtaining data from respondents, the researchers observe and make them answer a checklist

on what they experienced while using the solar panel.

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Procedural Description

This study has an experimental research design that aims to test the feasibility and

durability of assembling solar cells to create a solar panel. The study also seeks to find out the

cost difference of manually assembling solar cells to create a solar panel and when buying

commercially produced solar panels. In measuring voltage, an instrument called a multimeter is

used, set at DC to give the researchers the data needed for the presentation of data. The data

collected will be analyzed and represented by a bar graph displaying the voltage and number of

testing. A survey of 10 participants who are grade 12 students was conducted to test the

reliability and use of solar panels. The participants will answer a checklist and the data will be

represented by a pie chart.

Analysis

The researchers analyze data by computing the average voltage of the solar panel in

direct sunlight, in the shade, and indoors. The researchers conducted five (5) tests in these

environments to determine the average voltage that the solar panel gives, the results are visually

represented by a bar graph, each bar represents different testing environment, and the left side

will be the voltage, the bottom will be the number of testing. Another test was conducted to see

the opinions of users in the solar panel and to see their reaction when presented the result that the

solar panel gave, in visually representing the data, the researchers used pie chart, each slice of

the pie chart is represented by Yes or No. This study used two tests to determine the feasibility

and reliability of assembling solar cells manually instead of buying commercially available solar

panels. In testing if the solar panel is affordable, it is compared to the price of commercially

produced solar panels you can find online.

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Summary

In summary, the researchers assembled three 5 volts solar cells to a board and connected

them one by one to objectively produce an average of 20 volts. The researchers tested the cells

individually before soldering them together, the individual cells surprisingly produced 6 volts,

more than the seller advertised. The solar cells are secured to the board by four double sided

tapes before being soldered, after being soldered, the researchers test the average voltage of the

solar panel in direct sunlight, in the shade, and indoors, in representing the data, the researchers

used bar graph. Another test was conducted to see the views and opinions of grade 12 students in

the manually assembled solar panel, the respondents answered a yes or no checklist with ten (10)

questions. In presenting this data the researchers used pie chart to visualize the percentage of the

respondents who answered yes or no to the question asked.

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CHAPTER IV
Presentation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Data

In this chapter, the researchers present the data that were gathered in the testing of the

solar panel, two tests are conducted to see the average voltage of the panel in direct sunlight,

shade, and indoors. Another test is a survey questionnaire answerable with yes or no containing

ten questions. In representing the data in the average voltage of the solar panel, the researchers

used bar graphs to properly display the data gathered. In presenting the answers of the

respondents, the researchers used pie charts to represent the percentage of respondents who

answered yes or no.

The Voltage of the Solar Panel in Three Different


Environment
35
V 30
30 30 30 30 30

O
25 22
L 20 19
20 17
T 16 15 15 16 15 14
15
A
10
G
E 5

0
Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4 Test 5

Direct Sunlight Shade Indoor

Figure 1: The Voltage of the Solar Panel in Three Different Environment

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As shown in Figure 1 there are three columns that represent the different environment

which the solar panel was tested on, blue represents direct sunlight, orange represents shade, and

gray represents indoor. The numbers positioned vertically are voltages and the number of testing

are positioned horizontally. As you can see on the table above, direct sunlight produced more

voltage with an average volt mean of 30v. The testing in the shade produced an average mean of

18.8v. The testing indoors produced an average mean of 15v.

Another test was conducted to see the opinions of the respondents on the manually

assembled solar panel, the data are represented by a pie chart divided by yes or no. This portion

of the study aims to gather information about the personal experience of the respondents to give

more information, validity, and reliability to the results.

In the representation of data in the pie chart, Yes is represented with blue, and No is

represented as the color Red.

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In Table 1 70% of the respondents say that they or their family own a solar panel, 30%

said no.

In Table 2. All the respondents voted yes to the question if they like to use solar panels

which equals to 100% yes.

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In Table 3. 100% of the respondents think that solar panels will pave the way in solving

various environmental issues.

In Table 4. 100% of the respondents agreed that commercially produced solar panels are

expensive.

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In Table 5. 100% of the respondents voted yes, there is a way in making solar panels’

prices lower.

In Table 6. 80% of respondents think that assembling your own solar panels is more

affordable and more efficient, while 20% of the respondents think otherwise.

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In Table 7. When handed the solar panel and asked if it feels durable, 70% of the

respondents said yes, and 30% said no.

In table 8. Before letting the respondents see the result of the solar panel, they are asked

if it generates more electricity compared to other solar panels at the same price, 60% of the

respondents said no, and 40% said yes.

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In Table 9. After letting the respondents see the result of the solar panel, 60% of

respondents think that the panel is reliable, and 40% think otherwise.

In Table 10. 60% of respondents think that making your own solar panel is hard and it’s

easy to buy and readymade one and 40% think that making your own panel is not hard.

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CHAPTER V
Summary of Findings, Conclusion, and Recommendation

Included in this chapter, is the Summary of Findings, Conclusion, and Recommendation.

The following parts are discussed in detail to present the findings of the study. This chapter

highlights the major points and findings that the study found.

Summary of Findings

The researchers collected data from respondents using a checklist and obtained

permission from them to participate in the survey. Ten (10) grade 12 students were selected as

participants for the experimental research. The questionnaires were designed to address the

research problem and objectives. The researchers aimed to investigate the feasibility of creating a

solar panel using manually built individual solar cells as a potential solution to reduce the high

cost of commercially manufactured solar panels. This research was conducted to explore this

possibility. After the study, it was discovered that the majority of respondents owned a solar

panel and agreed that making use of one was more affordable and efficient. The surveys could

only be answered with "yes" or "no." All respondents said they were interested in using solar

panels and thought they could help with a number of environmental problems. Additionally, all

of them agreed that commercially manufactured solar panels are expensive.

Conclusion

Commercially produced solar panels are quite expensive which hinders their mass usage.

This study assembled individual solar cells to ultimately create a solar panel that is affordable,

durable, reliable, and generates more voltage than the commercially produced solar panels at the

same price. Three 5 volts 150 mA solar cells at 60mm×90mm are used costing 140 pesos each.

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These solar cells are stuck on a plastic board and encased in aluminum and glass to avoid

damage to the cells and weathering. The data gathered from the testing of the voltage of the solar

cells gave an average mean of 21.27 volts. The solar panel reached a peak of 30 volts and 13.5

Watt under direct sunlight at noon. Under the shade, the panel produced an average mean of 18.8

volts and 8.46 Watt. And indoors, under natural lighting, the panel produced 15 volts and 6.75

Watt. The previous hypothesis expected was the panel will only generate 15 volts max, however

it is proven otherwise, the panel peaked at 30 volts, proving that this manual assembly of solar

cells is effective. The price of commercially produced 12 volts solar panels reaches over 700

pesos, although cheap solar panels are available, they don’t deliver as much power as the one

produced in this study. The manual assembly of solar cells only cost the researchers 600 pesos

and has produced double the solar voltage of 15 volts expectancy to 30 volts. According to the

data gathered on the survey of respondents, the respondents think that solar energy can pave the

way in solving environmental crisis, however, commercially produced solar panels are

expensive, but due to the manual assembly of solar cells, the researchers produced a solar panel

that is cheaper and produced a high voltage. To pave way to the mass usage of solar panels, the

solar panels must be accessible and affordable, to make the panels cheaper, manually assembling

solar panels is viable. In manually assembling solar panels, the creator can learn the

fundamentals of electrical engineering and produce a solar panel that has a purpose. Allotting

time and effort to a project instead of taking shortcuts can benefit you in terms of knowledge and

finances.

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Recommendation

Based on the findings of the study as reflected by the above-cited conclusions, the

researchers offer the following recommendations:

1) For future researchers, since this product has limitations, it only shows that the DIY

solar panels are cheaper and have higher voltage. The researchers suggest having a little more

time to fully create Solar panels and test it with some appliances or gadgets.

2) For the future researchers that will use this research and create solar panels, the

researchers suggest that in creating solar panels, you need to follow a step-by-step procedure

carefully, because one mistake can destroy your product.

3) For the future researchers, you can use as many solar cells as you want, the more

voltage you have, the higher power you can charge.

4) For future researchers, this study only focused on the assembly of solar cells; the

researchers recommend to the beneficiaries to include a battery to store electrical energy.

5) For future researchers, in soldering and making the frame, the researchers recommend

new and improved ways to make the usage of materials efficient and the product to be durable.

31
References

Alejo, J. P. R., David, G. M., Punzalan, M. A. D., Tulabut, J. L. H., Tangcuangco, A. L., &

Parungao, R. L. D. (2022). Proposed Synergy of Electrical Energy Sources in The Administrative

Building of The Educational Institution in Bacolor Pampanga, Philippines.

https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1703541.pdf

Arshad, R., Tariq, S., Niaz, M. U., & Jamil, M. (2019). Improvement in solar panel efficiency

using solar concentration by simple mirrors and by cooling Through the use of mirrors and a

cooling system. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/6828382/

Bunda, N., Sunio, V., Palmero, S., Tabañag, I. D. F., Reyes, D. J., & Ligot, E. (2023). Stage

model of the process of solar photovoltaic adoption by residential households in the Philippines.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666784323000153

Dambhare, M.V., Butey, B., and Morahil, S.V.,(2021) Solar photovoltaic technology: A review of

different types of solar cells and their future trends.

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Erees, M., et al., (2018) A review of community-based solar home system projects in the

Philippines. https://archium.ateneo.edu/sa-faculty-pubs/7/

Fraunhofer (2022). Out with the silver, in with the copper: A new boost for solar cell production.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956053X18300576

Guangul, F., & Chala, G., (2019) Solar energy as renewable energy source: SWOT analysis Solar

energy has made it one of the most promising alternative energy sources.

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8645580/

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Shaikh, S., Waghmare, S.B., and Labade, S., (2017) A Review on Electricity Generation from

Solar Energy. According to them Solar Energy.

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Spandan, A., (2017) Solar panels using Copper Oxide as a substitute for other semiconductors.

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Appendix A

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Appendix B

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