Are DIY Solar Panels Worth it?

[russ]

Do good research on the net - you can find factory panels cheaper than you can buy the components - they will also come with a long term guarantee

[inetdog]

I found grade A mono 4 watt chinese cells for $.5 per watt. I inquired in the tools and matrials section about using plastic frames and alternative encapulants (other than Sylgard) to lower the cost. Still worth pursuing?

Probably not, unless you can get a really good deal on materials and do not value your time at all.

One problem with plastic frames is that they may not be rigid enough to properly support the panel and the glass. The other problem, as you mentioned in that post, is that you be sure that they can take the temperature, and more important the UV exposure, without deteriorating.

I would not pursue it myself, but if you get pleasure from the work and/or are interested in understanding more about the process, then you might make a different choice.

[freeenergy]

The situation is unchanged. The prices of manufactured panels remain low (~$1/watt) and a home-built panel will cost more, have a much shorter life expectancy unless the builder is very good and uses expensive materials, and will most often be using B grade or worse cells in the first place.

I found grade A mono 4 watt chinese cells for $.5 per watt. I inquired in the tools and matrials section about using plastic frames and alternative encapulants (other than Sylgard) to lower the cost. Still worth pursuing?

[inetdog]

Is DIY worth it? The encapsulant, frame and glass seem to be economically prohibitive relative to cell tech. Update please.

The situation is unchanged. The prices of manufactured panels remain low (~$1/watt) and a home-built panel will cost more, have a much shorter life expectancy unless the builder is very good and uses expensive materials, and will most often be using B grade or worse cells in the first place.

[freeenergy]

Update please

Is DIY worth it? The encapsulant, frame and glass seem to be economically prohibitive relative to cell tech. Update please.

[rhjames]

I, on the other hand, would prefer to see a bank propped up, rather than people lose their life savings, and a country's economy damaged.

[superduperenergydude]

here we go

"Governments should NOT be supporting private industries that cant keep them selves in business"

Like car companies and banks?

We'll if the government is going to spend money I'd rather have it spent on solar than banks and cars and preemptive wars. You know the kind of wars that aren't necessary, and are justified by WMD hype. The amount the govt spends on solar is peanuts compared to these other things.

[conntaxman]

diy solar panel

rhjames. I have made a 1000watt wind turbine, and let me tell you and everyone else, wind is not dependable, I thought that I had a pretty windy spot, not really. So to me wind is not a good source of energy. cost to pay back, ha ha ha forget it with wind. Solar panels, alittle better, but still no pay back for the amount of money spent.Its just a fad,and you will see panels and other solar cells come in play and much less. Just like everything else. Look at LCD tvs, now their almost cheap.
Like everything, it's new, I want it, and I will spend the big bucks to get it, and BRAG about it , that's all their is too it.OH, I have just bought these solar panels. and then the NEXT thing that will come out of the persons mouth is HOW MUCH THEY COST. yup ..Braging.

[rhjames]

aussi..where did you buy a wind turbine for $350.00. If you did it was a VERY SMALL one about 400 watts. how much wind do you get, and tell the truth. not much right.

Yes, $350 is very cheap. The you have to install it with significant foundations, then controller, load dumping, switching, batteries, inverter. It's cost effective when there's no other alternative, but otherwise, it's expensive electricity.

[conntaxman]

diy solar panel

I think DIY solar panels make for a great DIY project, and one day I'll build one or two for that, but as a serious power supply, nope. I wanted to build my own wind turbine, but after weeks of collecting information online, I decided to spend $350.00 and buy one, although one day I'd like to have a crack at building a turbine too. I think DIY has its place, but you just have to know where that place is.

aussi..where did you buy a wind turbine for $350.00. If you did it was a VERY SMALL one about 400 watts. how much wind do you get, and tell the truth. not much right.
I think that the diy panel could be good if done right, Not with wood frames or backing.To vacuum seal and bake isn';t too hard.

[john p]

I always thought Fosters was NSW based?? even though owned by Carlton??
But if it comes from Victoria even worse.

[rhjames]

NO I not like . im a Queenslander and OUR REAL beer is XXXX (called fourex).. the nectar of the gods. Fosters is from the Mexicans(New South Wales..) the state just below Queensland..

What???? Fosters is in Melbourne!!! - Carlton United Breweries.

[john p]

NO I not like . im a Queenslander and OUR REAL beer is XXXX (called fourex).. the nectar of the gods. Fosters is from the Mexicans(New South Wales..) the state just below Queensland..

[russ]

If I was in charge Heaven help us, BUT all solar rebates and incentives would be gone..
Governments should NOT be supporting private industries that cant keep them selves in business.

Hi John, If you were in charge would Fosters be included in the daily 'must dos'?

[Sunking]

I just live in hope. Costs to support these subsidies are crippling.

More than crippling, there is no return to the government (peoples money). Here is a couple of interesting little facts

80% of all the USA money spent on renewable energy leaves the country, mainly China. What does stay here mostly goes to unskilled, temporary part time labor that pays no income tax.

All the power that is generated by solar does not generate and taxable income or excise tax.