Before embarking on a solar panel making process it is imperative we look into the reason as to why solar power is gaining so much popularity worldwide. One among them is that it is a cheap method generating power. Solar energy is available in abundance from the sun and hence it is not just inexhaustible but free as well. There is no maintenance cost after installing the system.

After having depended on fossil fuels for a long time the earth is saturated with lethal substances that are released into the atmosphere by the process of extraction, processing and transportation of fossil fuel. Solar power however does not emit any of these harmful substances. Moreover, there is a real threat of energy in the world. This is due to the fact that the fuel deposits are quickly getting depleted. Solar energy on the other hand is a renewable source whose supply is infinite.

Having appreciated the benefit of solar power let us look at how the solar panel works. Solar panels otherwise known as photovoltaic modules captures the sunlight and converts it into electric power similar to the one that we get from batteries through photovoltaic effect. The basic component of solar panel is a solar cell which is made of silicon. Many solar cells are put together and encased in a glass case to make up solar panels that we are all familiar with.

Since the sun is only available during the day, installing a storage device to store power for use during the night is strongly recommended. You can use a rechargeable battery and connect it to the solar panel and then connect your appliance to the rechargeable battery.

It is interesting to make your own solar panel at home for your own use and to train children and adults alike how solar power works. You do not need to have special skills to accomplish this noble feat but just an ability to follow instructions.

To successively put together your solar panel you need to have the following items.

• A rechargeable battery.

• Battery box.

• A length.

• A drill.

• A solar panel preferably 16 volts rated.

• A length of insulated wire.

• A DC meter and inverter.

Then the following steps need to be put into action:

1. Take the battery box and drill two holes on the top.

2. Place the battery inside the box and direct two pieces of insulated wire through the drilled holes.

3. Connect one wire to the negative battery terminal and do the same for the positive terminal using the other. The wires should be of different colors preferably red for positive and green for the negative.

4. Take the DC meter and connect its output end to the battery. Use the wires already connected to the battery and connect positive wire to the positive side of the DC and do the same for the negative.

5. Connect the input end of DC meter to the solar panel. Use the same procedure of connecting the positives to the positives and negatives to the negatives.

You can place your solar panel outside and it will start charging the battery after just a few minutes of sunlight. You will have to wait for several hours before you start using the power that is already stored in the battery. Make sure the solar panel is located in such a way that it can receive maximum sunlight for optimal performance. There should be no shadows, trees or any other forms of obstruction.