DIY Solar Panel Guide Review
Build Your Own Solar Panel

 

solar panels

If you are here looking for a quality   diy solar panel guide   to learn how to build your own solar panel and install a solar energy system for your home, you must have had enough of your sky-rocketing utility bills and got really tired of your utility company's greed.

And I can certainly understand you here.

You may have noticed that there are lots of free guides on solar power on the web and, like me, may have downloaded many of them in the hope of discovering "the secrets" to installing a solar power system for your home.

From my personal experience, I found that free solar panel guides did not contain any specific step-by-step sort of instructions that I was looking for.

The best I could find was the general information on solar electricity which was actually not bad. If you want to learn more about home solar systems, please feel free to read our article Solar Panel System For Your Home.

Having said that, there are some good sites out there which provide instructions on how to build your own panels (like this page on our site).


But what is lacking though is a complete set of instructions on:

 

And I mean not only written instructions but videos as well.

Actually for some topics, nothing can be better than a video demonstration of the process.

 

You will certainly find plenty of solar guides on sale on the web, which will contain most of this information.

I bought two of them which are considered among the best packages available.

These packages are Green DIY Energy and Earth 4 Energy.

If you are close to deciding on whether to go ahead with your own diy solar project and want to know more detail about these guides, feel free to read my overview below.

 

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before getting any of these guides?
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Solar Panel Guides - Overview

 

Let's start with the contents of GreenDIYEnergy and Earth4Energy guides and see how they differ.

Please note: this overview will deal with aspects related to solar panel construction only (i.e., no coverage of material related to windmill construction which these guides contain as well).

 

Green DIY Energy Contents
Earth 4 Energy Contents

Ebooks

  • E-book 1:     Solar Photovoltaic Introduction (.pdf)
  • E-book 2:     $98 Solar Panel (.pdf)
  • E-book 3:     Wind Power Introduction (.pdf)
  • E-book 4:     The $140 Wind Turbine (.pdf)

Ebooks

  • E-book 1:     Introduction to Solar Power (.pdf)
  • E-book 2:    The $98 Solar Panel (.pdf)
  • E-book 3:    Introduction to Wind Power (.pdf)
  • E-book 4:     The $140 Wind Turbine (.pdf)

Videos

  • Part 1:     Intro, Tools, Materials
  • Part 2:     Frame Construction
  • Part 3:     Soldering Solar Cells
  • Part 4:     Assembling, Attaching, Connecting
  • Part 5:     Final Panel Assembly
  • Part 6:    Testing

 

 

 

Videos

  • Introduction to Earth 4 Energy
  • Connecting to the Grid
  • System Types
  • Electrical Fundamentals
  • Required Tools To Build A Solar Panel
  • Part 1:     Tabbing the Cells     (viewable only on E4E's site, i.e NOT downloadable but you can order it additionally on a CD)
  • Part 2:     Joining the Cells Together     (viewable only on E4E's site, i.e NOT downloadable but you can order it additionally on a CD)
  • Making Windmill Blade

Bonuses

  • Bonus 1:     Electrical Wiring Plans for Solar Panels (.pdf)
  • Bonus 2:    Installing and Mounting Solar Panels (.pdf)
  • Bonus 3:    Energy Consumer Guide (.pdf)
  • Bonus 4:     PV Solar Panel Array Sizing Sheet (.xls)
  • Bonus 5:     Solar & Wind Tax Credits & Rebates (.pdf)
  • Bonus 6:    Wind Map Resource Directory (.pdf)
  • Bonus 7:     Renewable Energy Guide (.pdf)

Bonuses

  • Bonus 1:    Electrical Wiring Plans for Solar Panels (.pdf)
  • Bonus 2:    Installing and Mounting Solar Panels Guide (.pdf)
  • Bonus 3:     Energy Consumer Guide (.pdf)
  • Bonus 4:    Wind Map Resource Directory (.pdf)
  • Bonus 5:     Renewable Energy Guide (.pdf)

 

 

 

 

Other

  • Online video library (accessable online from the members' private area) - a sizable collection of solar diy videos by other users

Other

  • An ebook on how to make biodiesel
  • Tax rebates forms
  • Online video library (accessable online from the members' private area)

 

 

Lets take a closer look each component of these packages. Please remember that we are only covering solar related material here.

 

 

green diy solar guide

 

 

Solar Panel Guide: Green DIY Energy

green diy solar guide

 

 

Earth 4 Energy


Main Ebooks

Ebook 1 Title:     Solar Photovoltaic Introduction

(39 pages)

 

Table of Contents:


Introduction

Solar Cells & Calculating Power

System Components

Site Selection

Solar Panel Construction

      Materials & Tools

      Step 1 - Obtain & Test Cells

      Step 2 - Determine Panel Output

      Step 3 - Panel Dimensions

      Step 4 - Build Panel Frame

      Step 5 - Wire Cells Together

      Step 6 - Attach Cells to Substrate

      Step 7 - Finish Wiring & Panel

      Step 8 - Attach Clear Cover

      Step 9 - Seal w/ Caulk

      Step 10 - Test Panel

 

Green DIY Energy introduction discusses:

  • how the sun's rays are harnessed to produce solar power
  • what solar cells are, their anatomy (with an illustration of different layers of a solar cell), how they function to produce solar electricity
  • different types of solar cells
  • how to determine energy output of a solar cell (and subsequently a solar panel) in watts
  • different methods of calculating energy outputs for cells wired in series and cells wired in parallel
  • system components for different types of solar electric systems   -   off-grid, grid-tied and grid-tied with battery backup

    • brief description of each component of the system including a charge controller, a battery, an inverter and others (with photos and illustrations)
  • how to determine the best site location for your panels
  • solar panel construction
    • list of materials & tools needed
    • step 1 - obtain & test solar cells

    - instructions on how to correctly measure a solar cell's output, with some schemes and illustrations

    • step 2 - determine panel output

    - instructions how to determine your desired panel output, with an illustration

    • step 3 - determine panel dimensions

    - how to determine dimensions of a solar panel depending on the panel's shape that you will choose, with illustrations

    • step 4 - build panel frame

    - overview of how to build a panel frame

    • step 5 - wire cells together

    - how to tab solar cells and then wire them together in series

    • step 6 - attach cells to substrate

    - how to attach strings of solar cells to the substrate with silicon caulk

    • step 7 - finish wiring & panel

    - how to wire strings of solar cells together and secure the substrate to the panel

    • step 8 - attach clear cover

    - how to choose the best cover material and attach it to the finished panel

    • step 9 - seal w/ caul

    - how to seal the panel's edges and holes with silicon caulk

    • step 10 - test panel

    how to test the finished panel in the sun to make sure it works properly

Ebook 1 Title:     Introduction to Solar Power

(46 pages)

 

* See the note below

 

Earth 4 Energy introduction discusses:

  • what are photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and how they work
  • in what other ways the solar energy can be used, for example, passive solar heating
  • which construction materials are best suited to keep more heat inside the building, and even some architectural aspects of an energy-efficient home
  • components of a basic "portable solar power system", such as a solar panel, a charge controller, a battery and others
  • components of a grid-tied (or "on-grid") solar power system, a grid-tied system with battery backup and an off-grid solar power system
  • brief description of each component of the solar system
  • how to build your own solar panel:

    • parts required
    • tips on how to acquire cheap solar cells
    • tips on acquiring plywood, silicon, copper wire, solder & glass
  • steps of the project
    • how to get solar cells
    • overview of other materials
  • actual construction of a solar panel - from cutting a plywood / acrylic backing to size to finishing the panel up with plexi-glass

** See the note below

  • how to maintain a homemade solar panel

 

NOTES


* I have contacted Earth 4 Energy for their permission to include their Table of Contents here but have not received any reply. Therefore, I do not include the table of contents here


** Since I have not received an explicit permission to include the table of contents, I felt that I could not describe this stage of constructing a solar panel in too much detail here either

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Ebook 2 Title:       The $98 Solar Panel

(43 pages)

 

Table of Contents:

The $98 Solar Panel

DIY Parts List and Cost

Finding Low Cost Materials

DIY Building Components and Properties

Building Your Solar Panel Box

Cell Assembly

Final Panel Installation

Testing Your New Solar Panel

Finished Solar Panel

 

This part of the Green DIY Energy guide discusses in detail an actual construction process of a solar panel from sratch.

First, it gives us a rough idea of the prices of parts required for constructing a panel, attempts to fit everything within a $100 budget limit and gives us some tips on how to get cheap or even free solar cells (used to construct a solar panel) of desired dimensions.

Second, it tunes us up to the project and starts with building a solar panel box including a substrate.

Third, it takes us through the cell assembly stage which, among other things, includes soldering solar cells together, connecting them in series and gluing them to the substrate.

Fourth, it shows us how to install the strings of cells into the main panel frame, wire them together and screw the plexiglass cover into place.

Fifth, it finalizes the project by testing the finished panel and making sure it works.

 

There are photos and illustrations throughout the guide.

 

Many concepts and facts for constructing a solar panel that we have seen in the first ebook are re-iterated in this second one as well.

 

Ebook 2 Title:       The $98 Solar Panel

(37 pages)

 

* See the note below

 

This part of the Earth 4 Energy guide discusses in detail an actual construction process of a solar panel from scratch.

It is very similar to that of the Green DIY Energy guide.

In other words, if you read the overview of the Green DIY Energy guide in the left column, you will get an idea of what is contained within this part of the Earth 4 Energy guide as well.

 

 

NOTE

 

* I have contacted Earth 4 Energy for their permission to include their Table of Contents here but have not received any reply. Therefore, I do not include the table of contents here

 

 
 
Videos

Part 1:       Intro, Tools, Materials

An overview of tools & materials needed for the project (in parallel with what has been described in the introduction ebook above)

 

Length: 18 min

 

Video 1:       Introduction

Introduction to Earth 4 Energy, terminology & definitions, system components

 

Length: 11 min

 

Part 2:      Frame Construction

Step-by-step instructions of building a frame for your solar panel

 

Length: 24 min

 

Video 2:      Connecting to the Grid

Things to consider when attempting to connect to the grid, and system components involved

 

Length: 4 min

Part 3:      Soldering Solar Cells

Instructions on how to solder solar cells together into strings

 

Length: 16 min

 

Video 3:      System Types

More detailed discussion of components of different system types

 

Length: 11 min

 

Part 4:      Assembling, Attaching, Connecting

How to assemble the solar cell rows, attach them to the substrate and connect them together

 

Length: 13 min

 

Video 4:      Electrical Fundamentals

Definitions & terminology used in the electric field, types of currents, types of electric circuits, different ways of wiring panels into arrays

 

Length: 19 min

 

Part 5:      Final Panel Assembly

Finalizing the construction of the panel and covering it with plexi-glass

 

Length: 12 min

 

Video 5:      Required Tools To Build A Solar Panel

Detailed overview of the tools you will need for the project - both required as well as optional

 

Length: 11 min

 

Part 6:      Testing

Testing the panel to make sure it works properly

 

Length: 12 min

Part 1 :      Tabbing the Cells (viewable online only)

Demonstration of how to tab the cells, with onscreen instructions

 

Length: 5 min

 

 

Part 2 :      Joining the Cells Together (viewable online only)

How to join the cells together, with onscreen instructions

 

Length: 4 min

 
Bonuses

Bonus 1:     Electrical Wiring Plans for Solar Panels (.pdf)

(61 pages)

 

The first part of this guide reviews briefly what a solar photovoltaic (PV) system is, what components it consists of, description of the components, wire sizing charts, instructions on sizing a basic solar system.

The second part appears to be a big, thorough article taken from some popular science magazine, which gives a detailed explanation of solar electric systems, how they work, what their components are and how to choose the proper system for your needs. It includes very useful illustrations as well.

The thrid part of this ebook gives info on wiring solar arrays in series and in parallel.

 

It appears that this guide is a compilation of third party contributions.

 

Bonus 1:    Electrical Wiring Plans for Solar Panels (.pdf)

(61 pages)

 

The same as the equivalent Green DIY Energy guide (see the left column)

 

 

 

Bonus 2:    Installing and Mounting Solar Panels (.pdf)

(36 pages)

 

Basic information and installation guides for roof mounted systems.

 

This guide is a third party contribution.

Bonus 2:    Installing and Mounting Solar Panels Guide (.pdf)

(36 pages)

 

The same as the equivalent Green DIY Energy guide (see the left column)

 

 

 

Bonus 3:    Energy Consumer Guide (.pdf)

(20 pages)

 

A consumer's guide Get Your Power from the Sun contributed by the US Department of Energy.

 

Bonus 3:     Energy Consumer Guide (.pdf)

(20 pages)

 

The same as the equivalent Green DIY Energy guide (see the left column)

Bonus 4:     PV Solar Panel Array Sizing Sheet (.xls)

 

This part consists of the following wroksheets:

  • PV System Load Estimation
  • PV System Battery Sizing
  • PV Panel Array Sizing
  • PV Controller Sizing
  • PV Inverter Sizing

 

Bonus 4:    Wind Map Resource Directory (.pdf)

(1 page)

 

A compilation of the most useful wind maps and resources available on the internet.

Bonus 5:     Solar & Wind Tax Credits & Rebates (.pdf)

(2 pages)

 

Solar & wind tax credit resources available on the internet.

 

Bonus 5:     Renewable Energy Guide (.pdf)

(23 pages)

 

An overview of renewable energy sources.

 

It appears to be a contribution by a third party.

 

Bonus 6:    Wind Map Resource Directory (.pdf)

(1 page)

 

A compilation of the most useful wind maps and resources available on the internet.

 

 

 

Bonus 7:     Renewable Energy Guide (.pdf)

(23 pages)

 

An overview of renewable energy sources.

 

It appears to be a contribution by a third party.

 

 
 
Other

Online video library (accessable online from the members' private area) - a sizable collection of solar diy videos by other users

Ebook on how to make Biodiesel

 

 

 

Tax Rebate Forms for US and Canada (downloadable from the internet)

 

 

 

Online video library (accessable online from the members' private area) - a sizable collection of solar diy videos by other users

 

 

So which one is the BEST solar panel guide?



solar panel

I think that the Green DIY Energy guide is definitely the best one.

Here is why.

Both the Green DIY Energy guide and the Earth 4 Energy guide are pretty good.

Both provide all the information you need to build your own solar panel from scratch even if you are a total newbie to this field.

Both of them also provide a lot of additional information to give you a bigger overview of the topic and help you determine the best solar system set-up for your house.

I can hear you asking, what are the differences then?

Here is my personal opinion which I hope will help you choose the right guide.

 

I think that   Green DIY Energy guide   is more focussed on the topic they are discussing, i.e. the construction of a solar panel within a tight budget, and is rather closer to the point than the Earth 4 Energy guide.

I also really like their complete video series. It consists of 6 parts and shows an expert building a new solar panel, step by step, from scratch. As the expert is moving forward, he will give you many useful DIY tips as well.

Green DIY Energy also offers full technical support. Post you question on the forum if you are stuck, and they'll get back to you with an answer.

I have had a very good experience with the Green DIY Energy support team. My questions were answered within a matter of hours. So you may rest assured that your query will not be left unattended either.

 

In the meantime,   Earth 4 Energy guide   is good at giving more detail about conceptual aspects, such as the way solar energy works in general, off-grid -, on-grid systems which can be built in a house and such like.

Their videos are also good at explaining the basics of home solar systems and their components.

The videos are professionally done and inspiring.

However, they do not offer full step-by-step video instructions on building a solar panel. They do have two videos which cover tabbing the cells and joining them together, but not the full start-to-finish process.

As for technical support, you can e-mail them with your enquiry but it does not appear to be a comprehensive technical support service that is offered by Green DIY Energy. Moreover, it appears that sometimes they just don't get back to you at all. Not a positive sign.

Also, quite recently I noted that some of their videos lead to dead pages - either bad site administration or occasional server problems. Not a good sign either.

 

Whatever you decide, you have already made at least one right choice - to use renewable energy for your home :) !

 

 

Still unsure?
Ask Me A Question

 

 

Wishing you all the best with your green endeavors!

 

 

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Update Statement:

GreenDIYEnergy and Earth4Energy release updates to their products on a regular basis.

So if you decide to purchase one of these guides, the latest version you'll be buying might be slightly different from their overview that I have done on this page - that depends on the last time I have updated my own overview above.

In any case, I predict that the changes that may have been done to these products since the last time I reviewed them are most likely to be the general arrangement of information (and perhaps some minor additions) rather than the change of its substance.

If you are ready to get one of the guides and want to know exactly how the content has changed, please use the form below to ask me your question.

I last updated this page at the start of October 2009.

 

 


Want To Ask A Question? Or Already Used One of These Guides And Want To Share Your Opinion?

Then please pop in to say hello :).

Perhaps you are seriously thinking of getting one of these guides but are still unsure and want to ask me a question?

Or, if you already followed one of them to build your solar panels then it would be great to hear about your experiences as well.

The good, the bad and the ugly.

Were these guides worth the money and time you've spent on them?

Did they help you the way you expected?

Did you manage to build your own solar panel successfully and have some photos to share with us?

Please feel free to do so below.

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