In a nutshell, solar panels are devices that absorb the sun’s energy in its rays and transform it into useable energy for everyday activities, such as electricity. More scientifically called photovoltaic panels, these devices are most commonly an assembly of photovoltaic or solar cells arranged in a linear or array fashion. The cells take in the energy from the light of the sun and depending on the configuration, transforms the energy into everyday normal energy you can then use for pretty much anything you want. Of course you don’t have to pay the sun the way you pay a power company, so as long as it’s sunny, you get energy free. This is one huge allure of DIY solar panels, undoubtedly highlighted by hundreds of DIY websites marketing the concept. It’s definitely worth a try, but avoiding scams is a bit hard sometimes.

Most people would immediately embrace this concept unquestioningly. Well it is scientifically proven to work, but the problem is sorting through the frauds to get the authentic ones—and most probably, those won’t be free. But as long as you get you solar energy and lessen your bills in the long run, it is definitely a cost-effective and environment friendly alternative.

Renewable energy sources or non-renewable energy sources; the idea is to save as much as possible. The Energy Crisis has broken our backs and we really don’t have an obvious way out. So how about generating your own electricity from today?

You might be tempted to ask how that is possible. Well! We can satiate your curiosity. Just walk with us. Don’t look for harnessing the wind or water or any such source. Just make your own solar panel. We claim it’s too easy to build. Don’t say we hadn’t told you.

We will look to heat water and not producing electricity. So lo and behold! Let’s make a panel which will lock sun’s energy in a container.

A Solar Panel has 4 key components:

- Thick glass or Perspex
- 2×4 wood
- Thick plywood board
- Reflective radiator (for insulation)

Assembling a solar panel is no tough task. Just begin with choosing the size of container. Now this does not need you to have a Mensal IQ. All you need to know is what volume of water you are looking to heat. The central idea would be to soak high degree of heat and let the minimal degree escape. Now this is no rocket science either.

Use a thick front face. Glass or Perspex is ideal. It gives adequate green house effect. Remember the monster greenhouse gases, does it ring a bell. Glass would require frames for keeping it tightly positioned.

Drill holes on top and bottom of container for water conduits. Sounds simple and it is simple to execute too. Now thick glass is good at absorbing but we need the inner lining to be marked by something that can insulate and not let the heat pass. Tin foil is a nice option. Even nicer option is a reflective radiator.

Equipment listBacking-board
- Thermometer
- Nuts and bolts
- Screwdrivers
- Frames
- Cutting tools
- Flame weld
- Driller
- Beer

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This “How to Make a Solar Panel” article will not be enough – as you will need schematics/blueprints. However it was intended as a little booster push in the right direction. Schematics/Blueprints are available over the internet. Efficient Planet is a great manual, and you can read my review of it here. It is replete with great step by step instruction.

Use thermometers or else you will have to be very circumspect. Sometimes water reaches very high levels of temperatures that can cause real skin burns. Now don’t start imagining all that.

Well – I hope this short & sweet How to Make a Solar Panel article has inspired you to do a bit of research one probably one of the more fun DIY projects.