So you have built your own solar panels and solar energy system? Yeah? GOOD! Now’s the perfect time to start testing your DIY solar panels to make sure it works and it works safely. Let’s take a closer look at some of the tests that you should do before letting your DIY solar panels work full scale:
Testing With The Multi Meter
For those who have built their home made solar panels and solar energy system, I’m sure you know by now that having a multi meter that can measure volts and amps is handy for the project. Here’s how the testing should be done:
(1) Get the multi meter ready
(2) Next, you should set the dial to measure voltage
(3) After that, you should touch the testing rods both on the positive and negative run wires that are coming out from behind of the solar module.
When done correctly, the reading should be at around 18 volts. Done? EXCELLENT! Now let’s go ahead and measure it in amps. Reset the dial to check for the current, do the same steps outlined above, and the amperage reading from the solar cells should be somewhere around 2.5 to 3 amps.
Taking Advantage Of The Power From The Solar Panel
When you are pumping out electricity from a solar panel, the output would be in Direct Current (or DC for short). Here’s the thing, however, many of the electrical appliances and gadgets we have at home – washing machine, computer, television, fridge, and others, run on Alternate Current (or AC).
With that in mind, you need to connect the power output of the solar panel into a power converter that will change Direct Current to Alternate Current. Once done, you can finally use the power from the inverter coming out from a standard 120 volt plug.
Scaling Things Up – Running Everything On Solar Power!
Since you now know to make a home made solar panel without breaking your back or sucking your wallet dry, the next logical step to take is to scale up the project. What you need to do is repeat the whole process – start working on the second, third, or even fourth solar panel (depending on the number of appliances you have at home and their energy consumption).
For those of you who have gadgets, gizmos, and electrical appliances that need to run on higher voltage, you have to link or connect several solar panels in series to increase your solar energy systems power output.
If you want to re charge a battery quicker, here’s a tip that will help – the solar panels should be wired in parallel for you to increase the amps. With the amps doubled, you can reduce the battery charging and get things done half the time!
Building Your DIY Solar Panels NOW!
What?! You don’t have even the slightest idea how to build your own solar panel without spending a fortune? You are being left out! BUT no worries, you can always catch up.
Here’s what – check Green DIY Energy and get your hands on their easy to understand DIY solar panel guide coupled with high definition videos that will walk you through the process of building your own solar energy system.
And believe me, it works! And I’m the living proof. I have built my own solar panel and solar energy system about 2 months ago and I’m enjoying all of the benefits brought by this renewable energy source. It’s about time you take advantage of it, too!