Alternative energy sources have become increasingly popular in recent years.
People began to use solar energy and convert it into electrical energy a long time ago. Such devices are widely used in Mediterranean countries, where they are placed directly on the roofs of houses.
The Soviet Union even had allowances for building solar panels. Today, this information, of course, is not relevant, since mass production of solar power sources has been established.
However, the cost of the devices themselves and installation is quite high, so many people think about self-assembly.
Before installation
The module itself is a silicon wafer with photocells placed on it.
There are 2 types of modules: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. They differ in terms of service life and efficiency.
Each of these types can be successfully used to power a home.
The choice depends on the number of sunny days per year in each individual region.
Monocrystalline solar panels have a longer service life – about 30 years, and high efficiency – about 13%, but their efficiency is significantly reduced in cloudy weather.
Polycrystalline ones work in any weather and cloud cover, but at the same time, the service life of such elements is lower – about 20 years, and the efficiency is 7-9%.
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Before installing solar panels, it is necessary to calculate the total amount of electricity consumption in the house.
Over time, with an increase in the number of devices or insufficient power, the number of modules can be increased.
It is also necessary to carefully choose the location of the plates and consider changing the inclination of the plane of the battery for the most efficient use of it.
The angle of incidence of sunlight on the plane of the plate should be as close as possible to the perpendicular.
Carcass fabrication
A prerequisite for the use of solar panels is the presence of a case in which the plates will be placed. It should protect the modules from overheating and mechanical damage.
You can purchase a ready-made frame or make your own from a metal corner.
From above, the entire structure is covered with plexiglass, plexiglass or polycarbonate.
The main task of such a transparent screen is to protect the batteries from overheating.
You need to mount it on a metal frame with silicone and hardware. This will ensure the reliability and tightness of the structure.
Decide on a place to install the system, it should be well lit by sunlight.
If you plan to install on the roof of a building, you need to make sure it is reliable, calculate the weight of the future installation. Heavy batteries can also be placed on the ground using special racks.
We collect the battery
When purchasing battery cells, you can buy a kit that includes everything you need or assemble the components yourself.
The second option is usually much more expensive. Very often in online stores you can find damaged plates that are sold at a markdown.
If the appearance of the future battery is not important, you can purchase such parts. Such shortcomings do not affect the operation of the plates in any way.
One of the most difficult stages of assembly is soldering the conductors. This must be done very carefully so as not to damage the plate and qualitatively attach the conductor to it.
Despite the fact that many manufacturers offer the buyer modules with already soldered conductors, for reliability it is better to solder each one additionally.
When assembling the battery for the first time, do it on a marked sheet of cardboard. The plates are laid according to the markup so that there must be a gap of about 5 mm between them.
Also, as a markup, you can use plastic crosses for laying tiles.
When all the elements are laid out at the same distance from each other, they are connected with a soldering iron and brought out to a wide conductor.
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Experts also recommend making a so-called midpoint with a shunt diode. This will allow the battery to keep a charge for a long time at night and on cloudy days.
Before sealing the solar battery, it is necessary to check the operation of the system and the quality of the soldering.
Transfer the fastened elements from the marking sheet to the glass and apply sealant first to the gaps between the panels. When the seams are dry, use a brush to spread the sealing mixture evenly over the entire surface.
After complete drying, install the back wall. Now it remains only to fix the solar panel at an angle in the planned place and connect the house to the power supply system.
All over the world, government programs to equip houses with solar panels are being successfully implemented and are working.
Due to the popularity of these power supplies, it is possible that in the near future prices for plates and finished batteries will begin to decline.