How To Reduce Your Electric Bill With eBay Parts

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Solar Electric Panel Made With Solar Cells Found on eBayMichael Davis of Arizona has always had an interest in renewable energy. Last year he needed a way to provide electricity in a remote location and learned that used parts found on eBay can be used to build a solar-powered electric generator.

Most of us understand the benefits of using the sun to produce electricity. Sunlight is available for free and there is less harm to the environment. Up until now, the main stumbling block has been the cost of solar panels which contain electricity-producing photovoltaic (PV) cells.

Michael knew that damaged or blemished PV cells were available on eBay and purchased some, not sure if they would work. This is what he learned when he used them to build a solar-powered electric generator:

* Less then perfect cells can still perform efficiently.
* Damaged/blemished cells make solar panels much more affordable.
* eBay is a good source for these cells, but they can be found elsewhere as well.

Steps in Building Your Own Solar Panels

Once you find a source for the PV cells, the rest is relatively easy. Here are the basic steps you will need to follow when building your own solar-powered generator:

1. Determine How Many Cells You Need

You'll need to decide whether you want to produce enough power for your entire home or just power a few items such as lights or small appliances. This will help you determine how many cells you need.

2. Purchase The Photovoltaic Cells

Damaged or blemished cells can be found on eBay or from other sources. Although, even a badly damaged cell will produce electricity, you'll want to find ones with minimal damage and the highest efficiency rating. Also try to avoid cells that are coated with a protective wax because this is difficult to remove.

3. Connect The Cells Together

If the cells are not already connected together, you will need to connect them yourself. This is done by laying them out in the desired pattern to fit into the panel described in the next step. You then use solder and metal strips or wire to join them together.

4. Construct Panels To Hold The Cells.

The solar panel is nothing more than a shallow box typically made out of wood. It needs to be large enough to hold your cells, but don't make it too large or you'll have trouble carrying up to your roof for mounting. You can have many panels, all connected together with wiring.

5. Assemble, Test, And Mount The Panels

Place your completed solar cells inside the panel, running the wires out through holes. Then cover the panel with Plexiglas. This will increase their efficiency and make the whole system more weather-resistant. Finally, test the panel under the sun using a multimeter.

6. Mount The Panels

Most likely, you'll want your panels to be on your roof, but you can place them anywhere that sunlight is available. If you're in the northern hemisphere, face them toward the south.

7.Connect Your Panels To Your Home's Electrical System.

This is a step you may want to leave to a professional electrician. Wiring will have to be run from the panels and here are some items you will need to complete the project:


* Inverter - to convert power from DC to AC
* Safety shut-offs
* Solar energy monitor, Net meter, and Battery back-up (optional)

With a little guidance, you can complete this project on your own, and be on your way to to freedom from dependence on the power company.

Learn more here.