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So you want to build a solar panel? And your budget dictates If you’re like the majority of the
population, your daydreams are, more often than not, met with roadblocks
imposed by the lack of funds. Whether it is building that dream home, taking
a trip to far away places or even keeping up with the monthly bills, we all
feel the tug. |
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As
you see, we’ve made some holes and patched them |
Angled
supports allow panel to be free-standing, while gaining enough sun |
In conjunction
with the panel project, we are lining the porch using the same technique as
the panel. |
Inside
the porch, the pepper plants enjoy some warmth with no wind. In the
mid-November days. |
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For several years, my accomplice and I have
pondered the mechanics and functionality of solar panels. We reasoned that a
south-facing side of any building is a potential hot bed of
energy-collection. But how? With how much money? With what savings? And when? My quick little fingers tickled Google
for any assistance on the matter. There were scads of articles and online
warehouses to purchase the simple to elaborate panel schemes. However, even
the most basic panels, in scale and design, are exorbitantly priced. For the
average home owners I know, $900 is out of the question. That is when we decided to just do it
ourselves with material we had lying around, plus a few minor purchases at
our local farm and home center. Into Phase II of the project (we’re
calling Phase I supply-gathering), I have already decided that empty packages
and containers that I typically recycle could just as viably be used in a
build-your-own solar panel. In the sake of curb appeal, we have used wood
& plastic this go-round. Now, neither my neighbor-accomplice, nor myself,
have excessively high standards where impressing the Jones’ is concerned, but
we both recognize the value in doing a project that makes people curious –
not disgusted. Panel #2 can be for the back yard & maybe a little uglier! |
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Purchased
Materials 1 roll of 4 mil construction-grade BLACK
plastic wrap ($26) 1 roll of 4 mil construction-grade CLEAR
plastic wrap ($10) 1 roll black tape- duct type ($6) In preparation for Phase III (We tried to make our
purchases locally, though we had a hard time getting the clear construction
grade plastic at a price that made sense. We went to Menards for that.) |
On-hand
Materials: Miter saw (used to angle-cut supports) Cordless drill Electric Stapler 3” screws Staples FRAME: Misc wood planks. STABILIZER: (To add shape and
weight. |
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As we complete each phase
and document our experiences, we will post them. Please note, that although
we are striving for a nice-looking finished product, we are not afraid of
trial and error and a little imperfection.
home |