| People who want to save money by not using fossil | | | | date and how long the process will take. |
| fuel are now relying on do-it-yourself solar panels as | | | | One Step At A Time |
| an alternative energy generator. Although not one | | | | Following is a simple home project that you can do to |
| hundred percent relying on it because there will be | | | | help you understand better how to construct your |
| days when the sun (which is the most abundant | | | | own solar panel. Note that to be able to build a fully |
| source of energy) will not show up, more and more | | | | functioning device, you will need a much more |
| home owners are realizing how much potential there | | | | detailed manual of instructions. |
| is in solar energy. | | | | You will need an electric stove or hot plate, copper |
| Factors To Consider | | | | sheeting, sheet-metal shears, micro-ammeter capable |
| Since the DIY solar panels will be placed outside to | | | | of reading currents lower the 50 microamperes, |
| get as much energy as it can from the sun, there | | | | sandpaper, two pieces of alligator-clip leads, clear |
| are factors that will have to be considered before | | | | plastic bottle, water, and at least two tablespoons of |
| you finally jump into the bandwagon of using solar | | | | salt. |
| energy as an alternative source. Here are helpful tips | | | | STEP 1: Start by producing two rectangular pieces of |
| and some things you need to ponder when you are | | | | copper sheets. The sizes should correspond to the |
| planning to build yourself a solar power generator: | | | | size that the stove burner you are using. Get the |
| 1. Consider you needs. This is the basic consideration | | | | first piece of copper and wash it thoroughly. Then, |
| when you are planning to build your own solar panels. | | | | using the sandpaper, get the copper sheet rid of |
| You better think of how you would want to use | | | | corrosion. |
| your space. Major considerations in this aspect may | | | | STEP 2: Try laying the copper sheet on top of the |
| include children, pets, receiving area where you can | | | | stove burner. Ensure sure that the heat of the stove |
| entertain, space where you can store equipment | | | | is high - preferable its maximum level. Always be |
| such as tools and equipment, and budget for | | | | observant while doing this because you need to |
| maintenance. | | | | carefully monitor the copper on top of your stove |
| 2. The space you have. After deciding what you | | | | needs careful monitoring for any changes in terms of |
| really need, contemplate on the space you have to | | | | colors. (TIP: leave the copper for at least 45 minutes |
| see if it can accommodate what you want. | | | | on top of the stove - then be back for its oxidation |
| 3. Consider the design of your house and the space | | | | process.) |
| available as a whole. Never force solar panels into a | | | | STEP 3: You will know that the copper has already |
| space that is not suitable. If you don't have much | | | | oxidized once it turned black. You have to let it cool |
| space, opt for an ultra-modern design that is ideal for | | | | for 20 minutes before you peel the black coating |
| you space. | | | | using your hand in running water. |
| 4. Consider small areas and large areas as well. If you | | | | STEP 4: You can now get the plastic bottle and cut |
| have a small area, opt for a design that will fit the | | | | of the upper portion. Make sure that the bottle is like |
| space. Also, keep it simple as possible to avoid it | | | | a "makeshift bucket". Get the unheated copper and |
| from being crowded. If you have a large area, you | | | | place it inside the bottle. |
| can segment some outdoor spaces into distinct areas | | | | STEP 5: Use the same process with the first piece of |
| like a space for entertaining, space for children's play | | | | copper and make sure nothing touches the other. |
| area, space for a pet's living area, space for feature | | | | With the alligator-clip lead, you can now connect each |
| garden or pool or spa area, and a space for | | | | piece of copper to another. Get the micro-ammeter |
| vegetable garden to pave the way for the DIY | | | | and hook in its positive side the unheated alligator-clip |
| panel. | | | | lead and the other heated side should be connected |
| 5. Consider your time and timing as well. This is also | | | | on to the negative side of the micro-ammeter. After |
| one of the major considerations when installing, | | | | that, you can now expose your do-it-yourself solar |
| because it can make or unmake your house and your | | | | panel in the sun to see if it generates power. |
| options as well. Make an estimate of the finishing | | | | |