Making own solar panels yes or no

[Psi]

Hi all,

this is only my 3rd post and getitng to grips with solar, i was looking at building my own panels as a typical 200w panel over in the UK is like

[Mike90250]

What's your end use for the panel ? Camping, backyard projects, go ahead and build one.

Power for your house, or an insured building or grid tie, you need UL/CSA/ABCDEFG approved panels.

[slavecky]

Hello

First of all if you choose solar panels for your house, as Mike said you will need certification, for European Union UL is not needed best if panels have: CE (must!), TUV (IEC61215, IEC61730), ISO etc.

These prices in UK are horrible as I see, in fact in China (where green energy business is growing up very fast in last 2-3 years) you can buy solar panels much cheaper but you have to know that many companies will offer you fantastic price but instead of good solar panel they will supply you with panels already built from Silicon Grade 'B' which is not so effective as Silicon Grade 'A'. How they work: they get certification for good solar panels and then they make for customers not so good and effective panels. Not all of them but you may be sure if someone offers you panels for 1.65USD or even 1.80USD per Watt that may be Grade 'B'.

Conclusion: all depends how many Watt you want to buy, you can find good supplier in China and buy it, together with shipping it may cost you at about 250-255GBP per 180W Mono Solar Panel + custom tax and VAT. Maybe it is good solution for you.

My advice is, if you're thinking about solar panels for your home not for fun or testing do not try to save some small money. This investment is for years and don't make mistakes.

[Psi]

Hello


Conclusion: all depends how many Watt you want to buy, you can find good supplier in China and buy it, together with shipping it may cost you at about 250-255GBP per 180W Mono Solar Panel + custom tax and VAT. Maybe it is good solution for you.

My advice is, if you're thinking about solar panels for your home not for fun or testing do not try to save some small money. This investment is for years and don't make mistakes.

is there anyone you could reccomend from china or anywhere that provides good quality but value to money ?

William

[Solar Guy]

Hi there WIlliam.
I've done it and it really wasn't that difficult.
Sourcing the cells was the hardest bit and I found them on ebay.
While I haven't sourced out of China directly, I have heard stories of people who were burn't - main reason was the PV cells didn't achieve the vdesired voltage.
I'd have a good look on eBay first then try googling - there are lots of companies selling cells at good prices.
Cheers
Solar Guy

[MarineLiner]

Hi there WIlliam.
I've done it and it really wasn't that difficult.
Sourcing the cells was the hardest bit and I found them on ebay.
.....
I'd have a good look on eBay first then try googling - there are lots of companies selling cells at good prices.
Cheers
Solar Guy

[slavecky]

There are some companies: CSG Group, Alex Solar... But you have to remember all of them are factories so they collects large orders. The problem is that mostly good factories in China are very busy now so they may not be (and I'm sure will not be) interested in small orders.

In next few weeks we should place an order for small (200kW) plant for Poland... one of managers said: not a lot but should be ok?..! 200kW is about 1.120 panels - 2 containers. As I know Spain, Italy and rest of Southern Europe is crazy about solar energy now. They build and order a lot.

At this time in Shanghai we have large exhibition related to Solar Energy, I will meet some friends and ask for small order for you. If its ok I will provide you all info.

[innovativesolar]

If it's your first time being involved with a solar project, it might be best to seek advice from a licensed solar installer. Furthermore, you might end up saving money in the long run (and heartache along the way) if you don't try to make panels from scratch the first time.