Are DIY Solar Panels Worth it?

[batdog04]

My system & point of view

While I

[Mike90250]

re:Come on, really now.

Not having positive advice about building DIY PV panels, I can only point out the pitfalls to beware of, and the safety issues.

I cannot endorse anyone using plastic fronts, wood products, or relying on paints and epoxys to seal the cells from the enviroment. One of the hardest things is getting flat tab wire, so you don't have bumps that break the cells. Cleaning the flux off the soldered cells is tough to do at home too. That's the stuff they don't talk about in the internet books and scams.

Saying positive things about a difficult DIY job is tough, as most folks don't have access to a vacuum laminator.

[kcarring]

Come on, really now.

I think DIY has its place, but you just have to know where that place is.

Really? And where is that place. Somewhere no one wishes to discuss?

I think the problem with this thread is, possibly, the more experienced are offering "don't do this, don't do that" style advice. Perhaps the negative tone would be lessened a bit with some real advice? This isn't real advice, it is hypothetical, put forth as only an example, of, perhaps what us beginners might like to see. Real advice would be appreciated.

For example: (Hypothetical - Not Real Advice!)

1. If you cannot get a solar rebate / grant in your area, and
2. You have adequate ground space with no fire hazards in the area and
3. The area you choose could sustain a localized fire without spreading to nearby structures and
4. The panels were fabricated without the use of wood or any truly flammable materials and
5. Your investment could be realized in under 5 years

THEN

An undertaking of DIY 1kW system may be for you.

Real advice comes with stipulations, parameters, and realism.
Thanks

[rhjames]

Russ - thanks. The replies also give me confidence that I'm on the right track. Tomorrow I'll investigate the use of shower screens using tempered glass. Probably have to be custom made, as it would be unlikely to find something the right size, but shouldn't cost too much. Otherwise, I can just try to buy a piece of 4mm tempered glass cut to size, and fit a basic aluminium channel or angle to it with some adhesive. Then just rely on the Slygard to protect the cells.

I'd prefer the tempered glass for where these would eventually go - kids throwing rocks etc.

[russ]

@ rhjames - Welcome to Solar Panel Talk!

What you are describing is a fine use for a DIY project. Many developing countries have import duties that prohibit many good things from happening - or at least only though approved channels so the importer can rip you off!

Let us see what more assistance and advice members can offer.

Russ

[RifRaf]

hi rhjames, low iron glass at 4mm thick will allow about 3% more light through than float glass, so the difference can be overcome by adding a few extra cells and saving money.

if you get hail then tempered would be good, if not you can probably get away with non tempered glass, not sure of what you can get locally but thats the best option for glass and frames. Old shower doors and sliding doors are mostly tempered, or for non tempered glass look at regular aluminium framed windows, all these items have much better frames already than you can home make and save more time and money.

using sylgard as you want to is a good idea, will seal it the best possible for the rainy weather if you completely encapsulate the cells. also backing material may not be required with sylgard , once they are mounted correctly should be little harm coming from the back, being open also allows to visually see all parts easy and allows the cells to cool better.

hope this helps

[rhjames]

Underdeveloped countries

Hi - I'm new here. I'm building a couple of panels as a test. This will be used in my home with battery storage and mains backup for a biocycle air pump. I'm not pretending that this is cost effective. It's just for experience.

I'm planning to build panels in remote areas of Cambodia where there's no electricity - just need enough to drive a couple of light globes at night while mothers give birth. There is little money, so they can't afford to buy them. In this case, DIY is justified, but it has to be effective.

From what I understand, the best and most reliable way would be :

1. Tempered glass
2. Slygard sealant over the cells.
3. Aluminium angle surround.
4. Plastic backing.
5. Silicone sealant all around.

I know it can be done cheaper, but I want a long term solution.

I would appreciate any advice, and whether is essential to find low iron glass.

[leonscorpio]

I enjoyed your post. Between you and Mike90250 I have come to realize that DIY solar panels aren't going deliver what I am looking for.
I have contacted a professional company to give me a quote on a real system, meanwhile, i will be building my own panel, on a smaller scale to power just a few items: lights etc.
anyway, thanks for the post.

[Mike90250]

I wish that I would have bought a book on solar panels and such because I have spent a lot of time tring to find out different things.
Yes I know most just want my money..
So hopefully this site will give me the answers..
Ernie

Just ask the questions

Anyway, here's what's known:
DIY panels are not certified, and mounting them on any insured structure, will void the insurance policy on that structure.

Local electrical inspectors and building inspectors will not pass homemade panels, and you will not be allowed to connect them to household wires.

Local electric company, will disconnect your house if they find unauthorized inverters back-feeding their lines.
part of the application to be an "Electrical Generating Station under 11KWH" is to supply signed building permits to your electric company/supplier
New electronic meters only count UP. 50 watts in, or 50 watts out, makes the meter count up. Most new installs, will require a 2nd meter, to measure the solar contribution. Don't you love it !

[Eherst98]

I wish that I would have bought a book on solar panels and such because I have spent a lot of time tring to find out different things.
Yes I know most just want my money..
So hopefully this site will give me the answers..
Ernie

[Eherst98]

So DIY Solar panels are out of the Question..?

So what am I to do spent $7 to 10 K for a system....
Ernie

[russ]

@greenmachine101 and all new posters.

Before people post some link to one of the DIY sites please try to be sure it is not one of the shyster sites where for a few bucks and an afternoon you can build a solar panel and have no electric bill.

Links to clickbank will be removed as soon as noticed.

These DIY sites that pay you per click are not doing anyone but themselves any good. All the information they provide for money you can find on the net for free.

Great information.......Thank you very much!!......

I don't know why people sneer at DIY's. Why should only the big manufacturers be the only people able to make and sell solar panels to only the weathly that can afford them? If the average joe puts something with quality materials in it and it gets UL listed, what is the problem with that person selling to others at a much lower price? Would a UL listing be enough for a person to make a business out of it?

I don't sneer at it, it's just that it's extremely difficult to create and get to produce at a high rate. If it could be made easily manufacturers would have already created a better version. It's like building a car. Anyone could build one with proper instructions and attention to detail, but would it perform at the same level as a BMW right off the bat? Would it have the safety features, the power, the guarantees, and any number of other factors. It's not that DIY isn't a great thing (it keeps manufacturers on their toes), it's just that it's extremely difficult to do. And, as mentioned before, there are many "DIY quick and cheap" scams out there trying to trick people to pay for something that will barely payoff in the long run (it's much more expensive than the $200 they advertise) to build yourself.

So I say, if you have the tools and the skills, go for it! More power to you (literally), but for quality and peace of mind, trained solar professionals with industry-approved products are usually the best bet.

[SolarGuyDIY]

DIY is great!

I'm on my eighth panel now (advertised 3x6 ~1.8w Evergreens). Although I'm not exactly off-grid, the panels are great for charging things that run off 12v batteries. I have a boat with an electric motor and when I dock it, I just hook it up to my 65wp panel and never worry that it runs out. Another one charges the pump in the filtration system of my artificial pond.

The point is that DIY is great if you're that kind of person that likes to put things together, but be careful when shopping online (especially eBay). Even if the cells are the same, how the seller organizes them in their store makes all the difference. Here is my assessment of eBay sellers I bought from -

rebeccayi0904 - packaging standard is OK (specially cut foam fits 3x6 cells in a small box, placed in Styrofoam peanuts, then big box) but total disregard when sorting different kinds. (Puts chipped with whole cells etc.) Bought from her once and I doubt ever again.

evergreen*world - once again packing OK, but not exactly professional grade (cells in white foam are placed in small flat rate priority boxes and then placed in Styrofoam peanuts. Sorts by cosmetic standards only with disregard to power. (found a lot 1.2wp and .8wp cells in listings advertised as 1.75wp)

eco_iq - so far the best packing I've seen (vacuum sealed between cardboard, surrounded by strips of foam in sturdy inner box, covered in peanuts and then big box). Sorts all cell by damage and power (all cells were 1.8 and the damage was exactly as described) I didn't buy their best-looking cells because I don't see a point in buying non-damaged cells that are the same power.

free*sun*power - judging from the packaging, this is the same seller as eco_iq. The only difference from what I can tell is eco_iq is the only the good stuff (cells connected in strings, A Grade, etc.) and free*sun*power is everything they have. (so if you want to see what eBay has to offer in regards to 3x6 cells, I suggest going here). I just got some cells they call "chipped" and although they don't look as good, the work better than the supposed "A-Grade" cells I got from evergreen*world. I put 'em up on my roof to supplement my ridiculously overpriced non-DIY panels and they work great.

fred480v - I bought 6x6 cells from this guy just to see if they're better in some way than 3x6, and let me just tell you that I wasted my time and money (and space). I could go into a long discussion why 3x6 is superior but I will just end it at his - in EVERY way.

Well that's it. I love my DIY!