If you have finally decided to start building your own green home, most probably the best idea is to begin from utilizing the solar energy. In order to convert it into electric power the first thing we need to have is solar panels. These could be either purchased or built which is considerably less expensive. The good news is that even the most unhandy of people can successfully build a working solar panel for a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new one.

Below is a list of pieces and parts that you will need to build your own solar panels.

Solar Cells (also called PV cells): You can purchase new or used solar cells from many online and possibly local retailers. It is best for the first project to use undamaged cells, but purchasing damaged cells is less expensive for obvious reasons and if you have the correct tools you can fix them yourself. Damaged and undamaged cells also can easily be purchased from eBay.

Strong Plywood: Plywood can be used as the backing plate for your solar panel to hold the cells. You don't need to purchase expensive hardwoods, as it will be protected by UV coating anyway. In addition to the plywood back panel, you will need to have wood to make the frame, which will hold the Plexiglas cover over the cells. This wood frame should be thick enough so that it will not splinter when it is drilled into or nailed.

Plexiglas: Another option is a 1/4 inch acrylic panel (Plexiglas) which can be used for the bottom panel. The Plexiglas is a little more expensive than the plywood, but you will save money and time by not needing the UV coating or the labor to apply it. This Plexiglas will be used to cover the cells and protect your panel from the elements. You should select a Plexiglas that is at least 1/4 inch thick. It should be available at your local plastics store and they will usually cut the piece to your exact size. You should purchase the 2 sheets of Plexiglas at the same time (white for the bottom and clear for the top) so the measurements will be exact. Metal "C" channel can be used as a frame if you use an acrylic top and bottom.

Tin Coated Tabbing Wire: This is a flat silver wire that is used to connect the PV cells together. It is used in coordination with the solder iron or solder gun and melts easily to connect to the solar cells. You will need two different sizes of wire with the thinner wire being used to connect each cell together and the thicker wire used to join the different rows of cells together.

Silicone: Silicone is used to attach the solar cells to our plywood or Plexiglas backing and to help seal and attach our Plexiglas cover as well.

Solder: Solder will be used to attach the copper wire to the back of each solar cell. It may also be needed to hold down some of the tin coated wire that does not stay down on its own.

Rosin Flux Pen: This "pen" is used to apply flux to the solar cells and tinning wire so the solder will adhere to the tabbing wire PV cells.

UV Protector: All of the wood in your project should be coated with the UV protector. This will increase the durability of the panel which is exposed daily to the sun. UV Guard can be found at your local hardware store and is often referred to as deck and fence coating. If you use acrylic (Plexiglas) in your project, there is no need to use UV protection.

Volt Meter: You will use this to test the power output of the PV cells as you solder them together. As each cell is connected together you can check the power output to determine if the cells are functioning properly. The voltage should increase as each cell is connected. These are also available at your local hardware store.

Amp Meter: You can use this meter to test the amperage output of the PV cells after you built your panel. These are also available at your local hardware store.

Having all these parts and pieces together, you can start building your first own solar panel.