Polycrystalline Solar Cells – Improved Performance

Polycrystalline solar cells, also called multi-crystalline solar cells, received their name because of their appearance and the way they are manufactured. They were created by multicrystalline technology and are cut from a silicone material that has grown in many different directions. Each cell has a block of multiple crystals instead of a single silicone crystal which gives the cells a unique appearance, much like that of shattered glass or a mosaic. Fine wafers are cut from a large block and are then attached side by side to create panels. Because these solar cells have a slightly lower efficiency than other types of cells each individual solar cell is larger than average and thus creates a larger module.

Polycrystalline Solar Cells

In spite of the fact that these cells are less efficient than single crystal cells they are cheaper and easier to produce and thus attract potential buyers who are faced with spending thousands of dollars. They also last as long as more expensive cells and make it possible for nearly everyone to have solar power in their homes. Different brands bring different prices but in general the price ranges between eight and twelve dollars for a watt of power and cells average an efficiency rating of 12 percent which means that twelve percent of the sunshine they receive is then converted into electricity. Applied to an electrical panel that is in an environment of at least seventy degrees, this results in approximately one hundred and twenty five electrical watts for each square foot of panel. These figures can, however, vary with the environment and temperature of the geographical area in which the polycrystalline solar cells are installed.

The availability and efficiency of polycrystalline silicone solar cells make it possible for consumers to experience genuine cost saving benefits because the lifespan of these solar cells is comparable to the more expensive mono crystalline variety, and their durability makes it possible for home owners to enjoy their benefits for about twenty-five years and possibly longer.

In today’s world supplementing a home source of power can easily be accomplished with a trouble free solar energy grid composed of solar panels. The cheapest way to get them is to build yourself, you could easily find bulk polycrystalline solar cells for sale on eBay.

How to Make (Build) Solar Panels

This article covers how to make solar panels; you will still need a battery and the DC hook ups. Building your own is an easy task.

You will need the following items:

• Solar panels are made up of 32 to 36 cells. You will need a normal 4” piece of glass that is 2.3mm to 3mm thick for each solar cell
• Indium-Tim Oxide Powder (Sn02)
• Semiconducting nanocrystalline Titanium Dioxide (TIO2)
• Crushed blackberries, raspberries, pomegranate seeds or red Hibiscus tea
• Ethanol
• A Volt – Ohm meter
• Pencil lead
• Iodine electrolyte solution
• copper tabbing wire
• Solder
• Wood, peg board or other material for the panel frame
• Silicone caulk
• Counter electrodes

build your own solar panel

Step 1: If you want to make cheap solar panels, first step is to coat each piece of glass with a transparent conductive layer of Sn02. If you do not wish to do this yourself there are many companies that sell this glass pre-coated.

Step 2: To make your own solar panels, coat one side of the glass with a TIO2 solution that is made by crushing the TIO2 and adding water. This allows the glass plate to effectively transfer electrons.

Step 3: Dye the glass plates using a natural dye made from your berries. Soak the film until they are a deep red-purple color. Both sides must be uniformly stained. When sufficiently dyed, wash the film with ethanol and blot dry.

Step 4: Identify the conductive side of each plate. Use your meter to identify which side of the glass is conductive. Apply a thin layer of pencil lead to the conductive side of each surface.

Step 5: Place the glass plate film side up and place one or two drops of iodine on the film. Place the counter electrode so the conductive side is on top of the film. You will want to offset the glass plates so that the edges of each plate are exposed. This gives you a contact point to test each cell and extract electricity.

Step 6: As you can see there is no rocket science here. Pretty much anybody could make solar panels at home. Assemble your panel by connecting each cell together using your wire and solder. You will need to connect each cell together to make a solid grid. You can attach each cell to the frame by using caulk on the center of the glass.

Step 7: Now you know how to make your own solar panels, last step is to test your panel by taking it out in full sunshine and using your meter to see the voltage your panel is producing. A typical panel of this size can produce about 18 volts with no load.

This is how you build solar panels. It sounds complex and for some people it could be, but if you follow through you will proudly say “I can make my own solar panels”.

What Solar Panel Maintenance is Required

If you are considering a solar panel system (domestic, RV or boat, not that important), then you probably already know, that solar system requires a substantial initial investment. You have to buy a panel, betteries, charge controller, maybe invertor, somehow mount it all and hook up to each other. Now, another cost to consider is a solar panel maintenance. You did not think that once installed your solar panel will last forever on autopilot, right?

How much you spend on solar panel maintenance depends on the system and setup you choose. For example if you want and off-grid system, then your biggest headache will be batteries, because they are the weak part of the system and wear out in a several years. If you have a tracking mount (a special device which rotates your panel in order to follow the sun), then it also could experience mechanical problems, since moving parts are introduced to a system.

solar panel maintenance

But let’s say you have the simplest domestic setup with a solar panel and inverter only, what solar panel maintenance is required? Industrical (that is if you bought ready solar panel and did not make one yourself) solar panels are designed to withstand elements including rain, snow and hail for many years to come. Good manufacturers usually give a 10 year warranty for panel performing up to 90% of it’s maximum power and 25 year warranty for panel to perform up to 80% of it’s power. As you see, your panels will gradually loose electric output.

If you have a high quality panel, then you don’t have to do much solar panel maintenance. Just make sure you keep them clean, since they will produce less electricity if there is dirt or leafs on them. Also they should be installed properly with proper wire isolation, otherwise your wires could wear out. And Check roof mount from time to time to ensure that there is no leaks in the places where panel is screwed to the roof.