You can make your own solar panels rather than buying them. Things have come a long way from the big and bulky panels of a few decades ago and with the technologies available, photovoltaic cells have become smaller and more powerful than ever before. Because they have become so popular with DIY enthusiasts, the price of these cells has not only come down, but if you buy in quantity, the price drops dramatically.

Building the frames for solar panels has also become much more reasonable, and you can build these with common materials, aluminum panels, Plexiglass coverings, and lightweight stands and mounting brackets. You can purchase almost everything you need from your local hardware store, or home improvement outlet. Batteries to store the energy for backup power have improved with each generation, and the ones made today have more capacity, as well as hold a charge longer. Inverter technologies have also advanced, and inverters are smaller and lighter, but can convert low voltage direct current into high output alternate current much better. Because of internal fans, small electronics, and better quality conductors, they stay much cooler.

How much is the cost of building solar panels and whole house power systems these days? The panels themselves can cost around $100-$200 per panel, depending on where you buy the cells, and framing materials. Batteries can be around $400, for each unit, and the inverters can be up to $500, or more, depending on how many watts are put out, and how amount of outlets needed. Wiring depends on where you purchase parts.

The nice part is while you may think some of these materials are high in price, the lifespan of the batteries can be upwards of ten years, and there are warranties available to seven years. The same can also be said for power inverters. The total costs for systems can vary, but an average whole house power system can be completed and installed for around 1-2 thousand dollars on average.

Now think about the return on investment for a moment. Let’s say for a rounded up figure you spend three grand on your solar panels, inverters, batteries, and automatically rotating mounting brackets, plus initial installation. However, over the course of the year, depending on where you live, and how much power you use, you can spend from fifty to one hundred dollars a month for just your electricity bill. Times that by 12, and you could be spending $1,200 or more for the year. If you used your system, and completely relied on your own energy, the system would pay for itself in less than three years time.

So you can not only realistically make your own solar panels, but the complete system itself. There are many different kinds of DIY kits available on the internet. These kits can be as simple as putting together prefabricated components, or plans and diagrams to make the whole thing yourself. It really depends on what your skill level is, and how much time you have. If you decide that you are capable of doing it with a complete plan, make sure it has plans and supply lists, as well as a list of all the tools you will need.

Here’s a video explaining a little bit about creating Solar Panels.

If you want to learn more about building your own solar panels – you should check out the video guides I talk about here – Small Solar Panels.

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