| One of the biggest draws of homemade solar panels | | | | quick search on eBay for used solar cells and see |
| is the promise of cheap, affordable solar power. And | | | | what comes up. TIP: If you can, get "tabbed" solar |
| while it's not always possible to build solar panels on | | | | cells, as the tabbing simplifies the actual construction |
| the cheap, there are some steps you can take to | | | | of the panel by cutting out an extra soldering step. |
| ensure the lowest possible construction cost. In this | | | | Sometimes you can also find used solar cells by |
| article, I'm going to show you three simple steps you | | | | contacting local solar panel installers and asking them |
| can take to save money on your DIY solar panels | | | | if they have any old solar panels they're about to |
| without adding more time or effort to your project. | | | | throw away. These contractors have to pay disposal |
| 1. Recycle! | | | | fees anytime they dump solar panels, so they'll |
| Not many people realize this, but there are actually | | | | probably thank you for taking these off their hands. |
| very few specialized components in a solar panel. | | | | Once you have them, just take the panels apart and |
| That means you should have no problem finding | | | | take out the solar cells for re-use. |
| most of the materials you'll need at low costs - or | | | | 3. Ask a friend to lend his time... and his tools! |
| even for free. In your case, you'll probably be building | | | | One of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to |
| a wooden frame to house your solar cells, so the | | | | save money on your solar project is to have a friend |
| easiest way to save money on your panel is to | | | | join you. Two heads are better than one, and your |
| scrounge used lumber. Go to your local dump and | | | | friend will probably spot cost-saving steps you can |
| look for couches and two-by-fours, as these are | | | | take that you're not noticing. Plus he might have |
| both a good source of dimensional lumber. | | | | some of the tools you need but don't own yourself. |
| 2. Hold out for used solar cells. | | | | For example, a cheerful friend in the possession of a |
| You can also find used and cosmetically-damaged | | | | soldering kit is the perfect candidate for tag-along |
| solar cells for cheap by going to sites like Just do a | | | | help! |