How to Build a Solar Panel From Scratch

Now, you don't need batteries if you don't want to store your solar generated power to use at night and on cloudy days. But there is no way to produce solar energy without using solar panels.

18 Volt Drill Battery

But what if you save a bundle of money by making your own solar panels? And what if you didn't have to be an engineer or physicist to do it?

18 Volt Drill Battery

Well, you can. And I am going to show you how it's done.

Required Tools

You probably already have most of the tools you need if you're an average DIY person. Otherwise, between your local home improvement and electronics store, you can get everything you need.

o Hand or electric wood saw
o Soldering iron or gun
o Paint brush
o Rosin flux pen
o Wire cutters
o Screwdriver
o Caulking gun
o Volt meter
o Plexiglas cutters
o Drill

Parts and Supplies
o 3/8 or ½ outdoor-grade plywood (4x8 sheet)
o 4/8 sheet of Plexiglas
o Tin wire
o Electrical solder
o Silicon caulk
o UV-ray protective varnish
o Solar Cells (available online or at electronic supply stores)

Ready? Let's get started.

Calculate the number of solar cells you need by considering that 80 cells will produce around 100 watts of power under ideal sunlight conditions. You need around 36 cells to charge an 18 volt battery. Lay out your solar cells in rows and columns and then cut your plywood to a size necessary to support the dimensions you end up with. Most people use a rectangular layout, but that is not necessary. Use any layout pattern that works best with your roof and the number of solar cells you'll be using per panel. Apply the UV-ray protective varnish to all sides of your cut plywood. Use the rosin flux pen to carefully apply flux to connector strips on each solar cell. Then use your solder and soldering gun/iron to connect each cell together. Use dabs of the silicon caulk to attach the connected solar cells to the plywood panel. Drill two small holes to accommodate the two wires leading from the last solar cell in your array. Feed the wires through the holes and then seal the holes with silicon. Construct the frame that will support the Plexiglas and use silicon and wood screws to attach the frame to the plywood panel containing your solar cells. Pre-drill screw holes in the Plexiglas. Then apply a bead of silicon around the edges of the Plexiglas where it will contact the frame. Press down to make a tight seal and then screw in the wood screws. Do not over-tighten or you could crack the Plexiglas. Carefully inspect the assembled panel to make sure there are no gaps where moisture can enter. Seal any openings with silicon.Drill a small hole on the bottom of the panel, away from all the electrical connections, to allow air to circulate through the panel and remove condensation.

Guess what? You've built a solar panel. Now that was easy, wasn't it?

How to Build a Solar Panel From Scratch
18 Volt Drill Battery

Black Friday DEWALT DC720KA Cordless 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver 2011 Deals

Nov 24, 2011 17:09:43

Black Friday DEWALT DC720KA  Cordless 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver Deals
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DEWALT DC720KA  Cordless 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver

>> Click here to update Black Friday prices for DEWALT DC720KA Cordless 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver <<

Black Friday DEWALT DC720KA Cordless 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver Feature

  • Compact size allows users to fit into tight spaces
  • Lightweight design (4.8 pounds) minimizes user fatigue
  • 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck reduces bit slippage
  • Dual speed range 0-500/0-1,700 rpm delivers optimal performance
  • High-performance frameless motor delivers maximum power of 410 unit watts out
  • LED worklight provides increased visibility in confined spaces


Black Friday DEWALT DC720KA Cordless 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver Overview

The DEWALT DC720KA 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Compact Drill/Driver Kit is built around a versatile tool that makes quick work of a variety of driving and fastening tasks. With its high-performance, frameless motor; dual-range, variable-speed control; and comfortable grip, this tool is powerful and easy to handle. The Drill/Driver Kit includes a convenient one-hour Ni-Cad charger, two 18-volt Ni-Cad batteries, and a sturdy kit box.

callout box top
18-Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Compact Drill/Driver Kit
At a Glance:
  • Powerful, 18-volt design delivers 410 unit watts out

  • Dual-range variable-speed control for job-specific applications

  • Easy-to-maneuver, lightweight design

  • Ergonomic grip for comfortable handling

  • Three-year limited warranty, one-year free service, 90-day money-back guarantee
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DEWALT (DC720KA) 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Compact Drill/Driver Kit

Drill and fasten in one quick motion with the compact drill driver. View larger.

DEWALT (DC720KA) 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Compact Drill/Driver Kit

The comfortable ergonomic grip allows you to perform precision drilling in tight spots.
View larger.
Powerful Motor for Job-Specific Performance
The DEWALT DC720KA 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Compact Drill/Driver's high-performance, frameless motor is capable of delivering a maximum of 410 unit watts out, translating to performance in a broad range of applications. The drill/driver also features dual-range, variable-speed control--from 0 to 500/0 to 1,700 rpm--that makes material-specific performance easier to achieve.

LED Work LightLED illuminates
work area.
Comfortable Handling and Convenient LED
The DC720KA is built with an ergonomic grip for comfortable handling that assists in ensuring accurate results. Its balanced, mid-handle grip makes control easy, providing comfort and reduced fatigue when tackling extended applications.

This drill/driver weighs an easy-to-manage 4.8 pounds and features a convenient LED for visibility.

Cordless Design and Ratcheting Chuck
Being cordless, the DC720KA allows you to move quickly between projects without the hassle of a cord or outlet. With the one-hour Ni-Cad charger, you can reduce downtime and quickly recharge the long-life 18-volt Ni-Cad batteries.

Single Sleeve All-Metal 1/2inch ChuckAll-metal
1/2-inch chuck.
Stay on point with its 1/2-inch, single-sleeve ratcheting chuck, which works to reduce bit slippage as you work.

This 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Compact Drill/Driver Kit comes with a DEWALT warranty package that includes a three-year limited warranty, a one-year free service contract, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.

What's in the Box
DC720KA 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Compact Drill/Driver, one-hour Ni-Cad charger, two 18-volt Ni-Cad batteries, and kit box.


DEWALT (DC720KA) 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Compact Drill/Driver Kit
Drill through masonry, wood, and steel with the powerful 18-volt drill/driver.





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DEWALT DC720KA  Cordless 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver

Limited Offer Today!! DEWALT DC720KA Cordless 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2011 Deals

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