| Building solar panels may prove to be a tiresome and | | | | Make sure it is clean; if not, clean it with sandpaper. |
| costly work. But what most of us are not aware of | | | | Cut it using your metal shear into a size that will fit |
| is that if you get the correct guidelines and use | | | | your electric stove or hotplate. It could be a square |
| inexpensive materials commonly found in local | | | | or a rectangle; either way will do. |
| hardware and in your home, then, building a solar | | | | Step 2. Directly place the first copper sheet in your |
| panel doesn't have to be complicated and expensive. | | | | burning electric stove or hotplate for 30 to 40 |
| If you're tired and frustrated of paying your | | | | minutes or until it is coated with a thick film of black |
| expensive monthly electric bills, knowing how to | | | | oxidized material. Allow it to cool for 20 to 30 |
| make solar panels can greatly help you cut down | | | | minutes. |
| those bills. | | | | Step 3. Carefully remove the black coating by flaking |
| You can easily build your very own and make a solar | | | | it off gently under running water. However, be |
| panel at home. But be careful because you will be | | | | careful not to damage the copper sheet. |
| dealing with hot and sharp objects. It's better to use | | | | Step 4. Get your second piece of the copper sheet; |
| safety gloves since you will need to heat up a | | | | it should be of the same size as the first one. Place |
| copper sheet, and you can optionally use goggles to | | | | both sheets in your wide-mouthed plastic bottle and |
| protect your eyes. Also, if in the presence of children | | | | make sure it perfectly fits. |
| at home, you should be careful with what you are | | | | Step 5. Connect the first copper sheet to one of the |
| working. | | | | alligator leads, and the second copper sheet to the |
| The first thing to do is to prepare all materials at | | | | other alligator lead. The first copper sheet should be |
| hand to prevent all the hassles. You will need 2 | | | | attached to the negative terminal of your |
| tablespoon of salt, 2 liters of tap water, and a | | | | micro-ammeter, while the second copper sheet to |
| wide-mouthed 2-liter plastic bottle. You will also need | | | | the positive terminal. |
| a sandpaper electric drill, sheet metal shears, 2 | | | | Step 6. Mix the salt with water, stirring frequently. |
| alligator clip leads, and 2 pieces of copper sheeting or | | | | Pour the water salt into the jar. Never wet or dip the |
| flashing, which are just available in your local | | | | alligator leads. Do not cover the plates too. |
| hardware. You will also need your electric stove or | | | | Step 7. Now you're ready to place your panel outside |
| hotplate and your micro-ammeter, which is able to | | | | under direct sunlight. |
| read currents of up to 50 microamperes. | | | | These are just few ideas about solar panels. There |
| Here are the steps to building and making your very | | | | are a lot more in store for you on how to build and |
| own solar panels: | | | | make solar panels and how you can take advantage |
| Step 1. Get your first piece of the copper sheet. | | | | of its great wonders. |