The part of the solar power system that turns sunlight into energy is the solar cell.  Solar cells, when used together, can generate different amounts of voltage and current, depending on how they’re connected; you’ll need to know what type of power you need before getting started.

There are two basic kinds of solar cells available.  Made from one large crystal, monocrystalline solar cells provided the greatest level of efficiency.  They’re also generally the most durable.  Their durability makes them a superior value in most cases, even though they generally cost a bit more than the alternative.  The alternative is the polycrystalline cell, which is made up of a collection of smaller crystals.  Polycrystalline cells are less expensive, but they don’t generate power with the same type of efficiency that monocrystalline cells offer.

Once you have the solar cells, you have to connect them correctly in order to get the proper voltage and current.

Wiring diagrams are part of the majority of DIY solar panel plans.  It’s important to follow the diagram as closely as possible.  Mount the individual solar panels on a piece of thick plywood, ensuring that they all face exactly the same direction.  You can figure out how large the backing board needs to be by laying out the cells as shown in the wiring diagram.  Once the solar cells are mounted, solder the wires and connect the cells as shown in the wiring diagram.  The wires need to be secured neatly to the backing board so that they don’t block any sunlight.  Once the mounting and wiring have been finished, expose the panel to the sun and verify the output with a meter to make sure you’re getting the expected voltage.  If not, there may be a problem with the wiring.  Complete the solar panel by attaching sides and a clear front to the backing. The enclosure has to be able to deal with the elements, so make sure to use lots of weatherproof caulking.

The ideal spot for your completed solar panel is one with plenty of sun exposure.  The electricity produced by the panel will be of the DC variety, which can be used to charge batteries or power some small appliances.  When you need AC power, you can get it by using a small inverter.

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