Build your own solar panels...

[jkindt]

Has anyone successfully built their own solar panels? I have decided that it may be a good idea to incorporate solar in my setup but at about $1000 for a 125W panel, I kept dismissing the idea. I have, however found that building your own panels can save most of that cost and allow you build custom sized panels better suited for your own needs. I would love about a 125-150W panel to help keep the batteries charged. Any help is appreciated.

[lornaschinske]

I would build my "heatgrabber" (DIY solar space heater at MEN) but I would buy a PV array. It's just my comfort level.I've heard it's easy but I also heard that the DIYs don't work as well (bad soldering?). I know my soldering skills are crappy now (too much stained glass work?). In our case PV isn't feasible. We tend to be under trees (we TRY to be under trees). We are full-timers and need to keep our AC powered refrigerators and freezer going... we cannot risk losing the product in them (we're food vendors). So I opted to adapt Passive solar, stand-alone solar (vent fans) and use low power techniques for our bus. I think I have found a mix that will work for us (the most important thing).

[Bavo76]

Ive never built my own solar panels but on e-bay you can get a 120watt sloar panel for under $500.00 check it out as this is where i brought mine from