#SOLARCELL MODULE DIY HOW TO#

This will prevent the epoxy resin from leaking out of the panel. To do this, place your panel face down on your worktop and apply a silicone seal on the glass panel’s edge. Solar cells need to be protected from moisture to extend their lifespan encapsulation with epoxy resin is the best way to avoid degradation of your panel. Main busbars (5mm tabing wire) in redįinally, you’re left with 2 bus wires for the positive and negative terminal of the solar panel on which you’ll solder the AWG 12 wires.Īt this point, your panel should be able to produce electricity - it’s time to test it!Įxpose the panel to the sun and measure the voltage with your multimeter - you should achieve at least 18V. Use the 5mm tabbing tape to connect the rows, as shown in the picture below.

Let’s complete the serry of 36 cells by connecting each row. Then, secure the cells on the glass with the strapping tape. Position them in the center of the glass panel leave a minimum space of 1 inch at the edges. Step 4 - Secure The Cells On The Glass Panel Related Reading: The Only Inverter Size Chart You’ll Ever Need Repeat this 36 times for each solar cell - be ready for a couple of hours of soldering. Then, position the tabbing wire on the busbar and start soldering from the top of the cell to the bottom in a continuous movement. Next, apply the flux pen to the busbars this will prevent the soldering iron from bleeding on the cell. Measure and cut the 2mm tabbing wire to an appropriate length to join two solar cells. The front of the solar cell (blue side) is the negative (-), and the back is the positive (+). In this project, we’re building a 36-cell solar panel with the following electrical characteristics:īuilding plan for a 36-cell solar panel by Abdulmajid MuradĪ solar cell has current collectors (busbars) on its front and back, as shown in the picture below.

#SOLARCELL MODULE DIY HOW TO#

Related Reading: How To Build A DIY Solar Generator (A Complete Guide)Īs you may know, a solar panel consists of multiple solar cells connected in series. To make things easier, we’ve broken the process into 8 steps:Ĭarefully follow our instructions, and we guarantee you’ll be able to produce your own electricity from the sun at a low cost. Silicone Paste-like seal – To seal the glass panelĬlear Epoxy Resin + Hardener – For solar cells encapsulationĪluminum Angle Bar (1in*1in – 1/8 in thick) – To make the frameĪWG 12 Wire – To wire the solar panel outputġ2Pcs Stainless steel brackets and screws – To fix the frameīefore starting your project, ensure your workstation is clean and large enough a working space of 70in x 30in is perfect. Strapping tape (1.88in) – To firmly attach the solar cells

Solder wire (1mm) – To tab and solder the solar cells together Now that your tools are complete, let’s go through the materials for the DIY solar panel project: Materialġ.8-2mm and 5mm tabbing wire – Made of tin copper to connect solar cellsįlux pen – To prevent beading of the solder Mitre Saw –To cut the aluminum angle bar for the frame Voltmeter/Multimeter – To test the solar panel.Ĭordless Drill/Screwdriver –To fix the frame of the solar panel Remember that you can always rent some tools from your hardware store. First, ensure you have all the tools you need before starting your DIY solar panel project.

Solarcell module diy