PV Gap

Myrtle Said:

DIY Solar Panel. How many watts will it emit?

We Answered:

Watts add up. If one cell can produce 1.8 W, then thirty six cells can produce 36×1.8 W.
Volts add up for cells that are wired in series. Amps add up for cells that are wired in parallel. If you put all of the cells in series, then you'll get 36×0.5 V, at 3.6 A. Etc.

Hilda Said:

how to build a simple diy solar panel?

We Answered:

oh there are a lot of plans out there on how to build your own solar panels

try
http://solarpowerandcleanenergy-space.co…

they have a few resources there

Nicole Said:

Whats the difference between a DIY solar panel system and a commercially installed system?

We Answered:

The harbor freight type system is intended to charge a battery, and is low power. It's good for experimenting, but is not very efficient, and not very powerful. I've seen an experimenter say that their 15-watt panel only gave him 5 watts in bright sunlight. If it's the amorphous silicon thin film type of panel, it wears out quickly, dropping to a fraction of its original output in a few years.

The $10,000 type whole house system usually has no batteries, and instead ties to the electric grid. There is generally a 10-year warranty on anything going wrong, and the panels themselves, the most expensive part of the system, have a performance warranty of 25 years. The nameplate rating on such a system may be 4000 watts, and you can actually expect to get at least 3400 watts, usually.

Neither type of system is easily expandable. The big system can be made expandable later, but that involves spending money up front, and the final system will likely cost more than if the larger system was installed in the first place. An extra panel or two could be added to the small system, since it is generally underpowered anyway, but otherwise expansion means getting a completely new system and running it alongside the first.

For ultimate cost effectiveness, the big system is maybe 1/8 the price of the smaller system, per watt.

Naomi Said:

Has anyone built a DIY solar home panel system for less $200 and are you please with the results ?

We Answered:

No. You don't need to be a pro to hook up DIY solar panels. These guides are very easy to follow. If you are considering to buy one, maybe you want to check this DIY solar panels site.

Jack Said:

I'm have a DIY solar panel and wanted to use micro inverters?

We Answered:

I like your optimism about solar power but unfortunately the utility company does not share your enthusiasm.

Installing a grid tie inverter implies that you wish to connect this solar array to your home AC electrical system and that is not allowed without prior certification. A reversible electric meter will also be needed if you want to connect the grid tie inverter directly to your home.

On its own, the grid tie inverter will produce an unstable amount of power since the solar panels only collect power in 50% or greater sun exposure. If you had a light bulb connected to the inverter, you would see it light up and go off as clouds pass by your home built solar array.

The great news is that you can enjoy the benefits of solar power by adding the following parts to your existing solar array:
1) MPPT Solar Controller to recharge an automotive battery - http://www.associatedcontent.com/article…

2) A Gel Cel or automotive battery to hold the solar power.

Once you have those parts connected, you can run an extension cord to your security lights to power them at night with the solar power you have collected during the day. Later, you can expand your solar array and power numerous appliances like a refrigerator in your garage or even a freezer.

I have been using solar power for several months now and deeply enjoy the ability to create renewable energy.

I wish you luck with your efforts as well!

Mae Said:

Solar panel diy guide/kits, do they work?

We Answered:

Yes they work. I would do just a little research first. But definitely you can save thousands by building your own. Solar Heaters are the most efficient but I would also combine the solar panels and like a mini turbine to save for home. A good kit I would try is the link below it helped me start saving huge, Happy Building/Learning!

Mark