How To Build A Solar Panel - Part 1

Watch in HD
www.solartechto...
I, Robert Smith, show you every step I take to building a custom made solar panel from scratch. I explain in detail about each item I use and why to use it, so the video is fairly long.
I will be hosting the majority of the video on my own server so you can view it all in one take. It will take time to edit the video, but the more of you that subscribe to the video, the faster I'll try to get it out to you guys as it just shows that people are interested and appreciate what I'm doing, as I'm providing this video for free unlike some videos you see on KZbin.
The method I described in this video is just one way to go about it, however, there are many ways you can build a custom solar panel. Some use aluminum or plastic frames, but I found for a beginner, working with wood would probably be easier and cheaper.
Overall, building a solar panel can be fun, but there are many factors that play into building a solar panel, and I as well still have an extreme amount to still learn about it.
So I hope that for those wanting to learn more about solar energy and wanting to take the adventure of building their own solar panel will find this video very useful.
To watch to full video just video, just visit: www.solartechto...
Again the video is fairly large, so to prevent from having to put 6 or 7 parts on youtube in 10 minute sections, I'm just going to host in on my server.
If you all have ANY questions, feel free to leave a comment under the video.
Thanks guys!
~
/ greentechtown
/ greentechtown
google.com/+Gre...

[@HellHound60248]

Robert, you're a good person. SOME PEOPLE ON THE OTHER HAND, want to "sell" this information on how to get "free" energy. It's hard to find honest people like you. And you're great at making the video itself, at the start the cheerful music with all of the backround sounds really complimented the beginning of this tutorial-series.

[@GreenTechTown]

It's holding up great. I also talked to others who have went the same route, and they said after a couple of months theirs was still performing well also.

[@GreenTechTown]

@RBurrows99 You do not want the solar cells touching each other, so you need to leave some space between each. You do not have to use tile spacers but you need to be sure some way they aren't touching.

[@wazzzinator77]

dude....you're my hero. Seriously, you're doing a good thing here. Fighting the good fight. Thank you....just, so much "thank you"!

[@anthonyaffee9292]

Material List for Video 1: - 2x4 PegBoard - $3.78 From Lowes - 2x4 Pressure Treated Plywood - $11.61 From Lowes - 4 Strips of Plywood - 1 Gallon of Deck & Siding Stain Paint (White) - $8.74 Walmart - 1 Large piece of Spare Plywood (To be used as a Template for Solar Cells) - Equally Cut up pieces of Cardboard (Shipped with Solar Cells) - Tile Spacers - $2.48 From Lowes - Staple Gun to hold spacers in place on plywood - Straight Ruler - Saw to cut Plywood -

[@GreenTechTown]

Thanks, and yeah, I have a while to go before this video series is finished. I didn't realise how long the video would turn out :) but we have a longggg way to go before the end.

[@GreenTechTown]

After a couple of months the panel is still working fine. Of course there are many tweaks you can always add being that it is a DIY panel, but like I mentioned in my last video, I'd definitely want to try building it out of aluminum next time around. Mostly to just learn how to work with the material, but it will also last long in the long run as well, and less maintenance.

[@pandg48]

Hi Rob, this is slow but very detailed one. I saw all your clips and now i am writting this comment, yoour video is lot better than any other, even Dan Rojas.

[@amandabass9712]

I'm excited about this. I hope to find updated videos on how this first project progressed; weathering, longevity, trouble shooting, better/updates material options, etc. :-)

[@GreenTechTown]

Hi Amanda. This project was definitely a fun one to introduce myself to solar. However, since making this solar panel over 10 years ago, I find it much cheaper and more reliable to purchase professionally made solar panels if you have access and the means to do so. I believe this solar panel in the video lasted about 2-3 years before I started to notice some power output issues in case you are wondering. Thanks for your support also! Always appreciated.

[@sparkypa]

i appreciate this video, Im a middle school student in the science fair and this is going to help me alot

[@mejuan]

AMAzing man. Thanks! You're offering confidence. You are the future!! Huge love from barcelona.

[@ipdsbpsbulungan9160]

Thank you robert for this awesome and very useful tutorials. Thank you very much

[@JohnPheeva]

Young brother take a minute to be proud of yourself as I am. You may not understand how important this information is to a lot of people worldwide. I will do this and teach someone how to do this as well. Thank you

[@GreenTechTown]

Hi, I actually just made a script on the website for this. If you go to the website and click on the Solar Tools link at the top, the second script is the one you want to use. Also, at the beginning of this video is a link (red annotation) to the video I made on how to use it.

[@israellopez5894]

I just wanted to say thank you for posting this Robert Smith

[@MPaulHolmesMPH]

You are awesome. Thank you for all your help.

[@kyhillbilly672010]

Just wanted to say that you was absolutely correct on the other videos missing certain parts in their videos or they didnt script before making the video making it to where a rocket scientist wouldnt of been able to comprehend it! Good Job!

[@GreenTechNetwork]

By far, the most through and easy to understand tutorial on creating panels on youtube. I clicked a few of your google ads on your website so you get a few bucks for your work :).

[@GreenTechTown]

Hi randrboy, As long as the solution (paint) is made to protect the wood it should be fine. I only used white because I wanted it to look similar to a regular solar panel.

[@tylermunson742]

Thanks Robert!! Good start, easy to follow and professional look to boot!

[@artclemente]

Robert, thanks so much for giving me a great background on building a solar panel. I think this is going to be my next project. Thanks

[@RayRift]

Awesome! This is exactly what I was looking for! THANK YOU. Looking forward to viewing them all.

[@bluace98]

Very excited to get started on something like this man. I've been letting my skills go to waste for too long. I'm going to start with a Iphone charger.

[@jdubincali]

You deserve some sort of an award...I would call it: Humanitarian Award, Video of the Year.

[@KenRoach]

Great job Robert, I have all my stuff coming in the mail. I needed this. one comment though. wish you would have spent more time on connecting the 3 rows together (the bus wires) - getting the pos/neg. maybe that's in video 5. anyway great job!

[@nikkolai27]

Hey, Robert. Can you sum up the total hours needed to finish this solar panel of yours? need reply ASAP. ;)

[@ajrecio5]

Wow thanks man its great people like you that take the greed out of passing on knowledge, appreciate it :)

[@athriaxo]

Don´t use wood frames guys... it can catch fire if there is a concentration spot within the solar panel or a wire spark... use aluminium its not much more costly but still light and can´t burn...

[@s.sradon9782]

just paint the wood white and spray on a coat of varnish, degradation and moisture ingress are bigger issues

[@clutchlevels]

You could also coat and cover the wood with flame retardant material.

[@FaithFerreira]

Bless you! I appreciate this information more than you know.

[@GreenTechTown]

@netKnap6 There is no download link, but the video player on the homepage of the website will automatically take you to the next video in the series instead of having to find the next part of the video here on KZbin.

[@ErikJThompson]

Lots of detail to your videos.... Thanks for sharing

[@breezyday0126]

Thanks so much for the video! Where did you purchase the solar panels from?

[@HowToSaveOnPower]

Great tutorial! Much success on your college studies, Robert!

[@TheMathMax]

Good tutorial and information.You answered some of my questions and I like your idea of the tile spacers. Thank you

[@LeslieJones817]

Thank you so much, Robert. You are awesome!

[@GreenTechTown]

@hotsexybrownguy Most charge controllers prevent the back flow of current and a blocking diode is not necessary. You would need to read the description/features of the charge controller to find out if it does perform that feature.

[@Stornge]

Thank you for adding your experience.

[@insAneTunA]

I can't believe I didn't see your series of videos earlier. I am going to watch every part, but I can already see that you did a fantastic job. I made a play-list from your videos called, How to build a solar panel by RobertSmith3, and I hope that many people will watch your videos. That is one awesome garden you got there, I could see you have a fish-pond, I am growing food with the help of my pond, it's easy and very efficient and low maintenance and called aquaponics, you should check it out.

[@prostrongmanzack]

You rock Robert Smith!

[@eireons]

hi when they said solar cell need to be encapsulated.. what does it mean? how its done? plus when you were laying down the 2nd row of solae cell was it turned 180 deg(top side down) so the negative end meet the other negative end? thanks very nice detailed video..

[@newblackworldorder9030]

AWESOME! THANK YOU FOR MAKING AND SHARING THIS VIDEO

[@eam33380]

Nice job Robert! Well done!

[@randrboy]

Robert this is exactly what I was looking for. Your step by step instructions are easy to follow. I do have one question. Can the UV stain that I apply be a clear coat stain to give it a really nice appearance. Thank you very much

[@HMA4646]

How much was the total cost for the project?

[@jasminsanty]

THANK YOU! for the FREE information.

[@LOOPPEY]

Thank you for your reply Robert. I'm getting ready to make two 125 watt panels in a bit different configuration than yours and using a different frame and junction block. I take my time so it will be a while before I post the video. Thanks again

[@iowac]

Great job Robert,

[@estatic10]

Thanks for making these videos.

[@quinsomnia4934]

Thank you for this really important info! You're awesome!

[@InfinityVision]

Very nice instructional video, props to Mr. Smith. However, unless you just happen to have some stuff laying around to work with I don't recommend building a panel. The prices of professional panels has dropped enough that it doesn't really make sense. I got a 100 watt panel off Ebay for $200 that is fully sealed with aluminum frame, junction box etc (Ramson) I am going to build a small panel but that's only because I have some solar cells already laying around and don't want to waste them.

[@GreenTechTown]

Have you visited the website that's listed on the video? Try that as most of the information is shown on the website.

[@SomewhatHonest]

It's been 11 years since this summer break . How's life treating you? Those panels still up and running??

[@GreenTechTown]

Hey SomewhatHonest. I cannot complain. Regarding the panels, no I've come a long way since making this video and currently use commercially made panels. I still believe making a panel is great for educational reasons.

[@kobbydaddy3185]

you great homy and an inspiration i really like your work from RSA

[@Rod7355]

Hey there robert, will a 100w soldering iron due instead of a 60w for attaching the tabbing wire to the cells..?

[@tntfireball]

I agree with hellhound thanks for the vids and not trying to rip us off like other people.

[@RBurrows99]

Hi Robert, I'm just wondering if you can build the solar panel without the spacers, so that the solar cells are practically flush against one another? Great effort in putting these videos together.

[@mageshwaranmanokaran3560]

Really very useful video👌.... Thank You very much👍💐💐💐

[@JonDeeAnthony]

I need to know where you got your solar cells and for how much. Any useful info to get me started on these would be great.

[@GreenTechTown]

thanks :)

[@LOOPPEY]

A lot has been said about the longevity of home built solar panels. I would like to know how is your panel holding up after a week or two?

[@GreenTechTown]

@6WildThing6 Visit the website that is shown in the video and description. It tells you all that information on the homepage. Good luck.

[@stinkinfishguts]

thanks for taking the time man good share

[@adler234639]

Robert, do you have a video on sun tracking? Once I construct my solar cells I would like to find a way to attach servos and have them move with the sun. Thank you.

[@espheroz]

how many watts did you get can you use it for the whole house? how much does everything cost?

[@racenemo]

@RBurrows99 Spacers are there to allow the material to increase due to temperatures I would prefer different material like plastic over ply-wood though

[@eireons]

would there be a way to determine 1)how long a 100w panel charge a 105ah bat. 2)how can we install a meter to show how much is left in battery and how much is already being charged? 3)last how long will a 100w drain a 105 w bat.. should we let bat discharge fully or not? thanks sorry for too many question just starting to learn things

[@epaszty]

Hello...I only wanted to ask if you couldn't upload somewhere the full video...i was on your site but i didn't found a link to dowload a complet video in one...i have a very slow internet so it's much easier for me to download it and then watch it...if you can please answer me...thanks (btw it's great to see that someone finally did something like this...)

[@ingridsallys]

I loved the video!! But wasn't able to see the full video. I tried going on the site but it didn't work. :(

[@davidtheking341]

thanks alot! maybe someday if i got my own house i will use your video to make some:)

[@anthonyaffee9292]

Hi. Thanks for the Videos. Can you add to all the materials?

[@JonDeeAnthony]

I think it would be a good Idea to make a video making the same panel only with aluminum and longer lasting material. Maybe even using parts of original vid for part comarison. Instead of plexiglass, what do you about using actual glass?

[@msamour]

Thank you, very well done. I have subscribed. Mike, London, On.

[@GreenTechTown]

@futbolfever90 Visit the main website that's listed on every single video in the intro :) Hope you find what you need. Good luck!

[@Lupi_Films]

excellent well done:)

[@ashleybandy2370]

I've been doing my own home solar setup (12v :D) and I've been needing to know how to do custom solar (for low amp f2 reasons) and this is so helpful. Can you give me some advice in the future? :)

[@maynard34442]

your videos are really good helpful and all that

[@sbhakta1990]

is there a cheaper way to build these i know on ur website it says around 500 for 63 watt but they have 100 watt panels for around 200

[@espheroz]

how many watts did you get can you use it for the whole house?

[@otxitxo]

So i am in portugal and i whant to build it but how i get the paint that did you sayed that was good for the wheater so how do i get that?

[@dross759]

Bravo to you

[@TheDarkSagan]

Really nice video. Good work

[@kneedragon76]

great vids... keep it up and keep us inspired.

[@ositaene452]

Some people are saying that wood frames might catch fire is that true?

[@JonDeeAnthony]

I found out that my max usage of watts per day for my home this summer was 101 watts. With that in mind and the possibility that I need to make sure that I'm covered for a few more watts extra just in case, How many solar cells would I need for my total home solar makeover? and at what price?

[@aresone26]

Good morning, I am Spanish. That measures are 2x4 Pegboard in centimetres?

[@ahmed0509099601]

hi brother thank u so much for this video , i would like to ask u , how i can study and take course or diploma in green energy and specially in solar energy , do u know any institute or any place can give this kind of course ??? i will be thankful if u helped me

[@jamil1985]

God Bless U Brother!

[@sepoldj]

I Robert, thanks for your excelent videos, I loved the rc lawn mower cause I do rc too and love to build rc planes. I would like to build a solar panel to charge a car battery, where do you buy the solat cells? Thank you very much.

[@jamessullivan6985]

Very cool

[@PINGPONGBANDIT]

pretty cool video, thanks

[@themarnina]

Cool! This one actually teaches you how to do it rather than advertising for the lesson they sell.

[@thegreenfiddler1]

Great vid. Thanks for posting.

[@KRISTIHOODsanantoniotx]

Thank you...sharing!!!

[@boloking18]

thanks for the help friend

[@6WildThing6]

Hello, I'd like to know(if I may) the estimate amount of money you spent on everything, from the building materials to anything else that could be covered as a cost. I'd like to know that so that I may gather up some money and then I'll start on building my own. :) Thanks in advance

[@denim98]

i would like to know how to make small solar panels out of flexible plastics material so that i can put it on jackets and bags.

[@eric8eric888]

GREAT VID!

[@therealcrazyo360]

yeah where do u get the solar cells other then that I wit the pegboard thing etc

[@InfinityVision]

Check out the B Cells these people try to peddle off on you (I got some and they were lousy, cracked and chipped) and add up the cost per watt. After you add in all the other costs you will find that it costs almost as much as buying one. The only way to go around this is either A. You already have materials laying around or B. You cut corners and end up with an inferior panel. Don't forget you have to encapsulate the cells correctly too. I don't sell solar panels, I'm just not stupid.

[@mcgradis]

Great Vid!