So, perhaps this energy crisis we are in has you looking at making your own solar panels to save money on you electrical utility bill. I know I had the same thoughts, because I was really upset that my monthly utility would increase and there didn't seem like much I could do about it.
I decided to take a good look at solar power for home use, and in particular how I could make my own panels and hopefully save some money by doing so. Here is my personal opinion on home-made solar panels for home use.
You won't save a significant amount of money by making your own panels. I know the idea seems feasible at first, you can buy the cells, solder them together, and so forth. But when you really look at how many panels you really need, and all the work that is required to make just one panel, you are better off just buying them. So, I think that it is a big waste of time to make your own panels if you think you can safe a few bucks. This is better left to professional manufacturers who have the expertise and economies of scale to make a cost effective panel.
Your home-made solar panels are not completely safe, and potentially could be a severe hazard to you and your home. You see, there are so many things you have to get right with these panels to get them to work right, and the margin of error is extremely small. Literally hundreds to thousands of these small soldered connections that have to be just perfect, or you possibly end up with a short. It is very easy for one of these connections to short out and start a panel fire. This would be unfortunate, and know what, your home owners insurance would not cover you in this case. I think you should leave the panel making to the pros, guys who know what they are doing and can make a panel that is safe.
Your home made solar panel won't generate as much electricity as you think. You see, solar panels really only have about four hours of daily usable sunlight for making electricity. Forget about the times when it foggy, cloudy, night time, or times when the panels fog up or get too dusty. The fact it, you won't be able to generate as much electricity as you think, and you will end up having to make more panels. This ends up costing you more money than you planned, and any potential cost savings are now eliminated.
I think the best approach to saving money on electricity is by making your own magnetic power generator. These devices are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. You can make one that will either supplement or replace your monthly power needs. A magnetic power generator can be made at home in an afternoon using parts and materials found at your local hardware store. Simple plans and step by step guides can be found to make the device and you can make all the free electricity that you want.
