Make Your Own Solar Panels Instead Of Buying Used Panels

If you're wondering if you should make your own solar panels, let me pass on a conversation I had with a friend yesterday.

"Why would you make your own solar panels if you can buy used ones for about $500 per panel," he asked. And he has a very valid question. After all, brand new, factory-built panels can cost thousands, but there are always used ones available on eBay, in the classified section of your community newspaper and more.

Personally, I love building things with my own hands, and solar panels are no exception. I guess it's a pride thing. Pulling into my driveway and seeing the panels I created gives me a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. And watching my power bill get smaller and smaller as a result of my own handiness makes me feel even better.

But what if you're not a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) kind of guy? Does that nullify the option of building your own solar panels? Would you be better off buying used panels off the Internet?

The short answer: NO! Sure there might be times you'll find fantastic deals that are too good to pass up, but by-and-large you'll almost always be better off making your own. Here's why:

It's Cost Effective.

Making your own solar panels is extremely cheap. There are several resources available that show how to make them for less than $200 each (here's my review of one of them). I've never spent more than $200 per panel, and my average cost is more like $150 per panel.

I've checked eBay, but I still can't find any factory panels THAT WORK in that price range. Most of them are still about $400 or $500, many cost much more. And those are for solar panels that create the same amount of power as the ones you can easily build.

You Know Your Homemade Solar Panels Will Work.

Can you say the same about panels you've never seen except for online pictures? We've all heard the horror stories of buying things online that don't deliver on the seller's promises. Even though I generally trust people, I'm always skeptical about used online purchases.

Often people sell "slightly" broken solar panels, that is they don't create as much energy as they once did. My thoughts are: Why pay more for something that doesn't work as advertised?

If you do buy online, be sure to get the seller's details in writing, and make sure he/she is willing to give you a full refund if you're not satisfied.

Making Your Own Solar Panels Is Fun!

If you're putting off making your own solar panels because you're afraid it's too complicated, I urge you to buy a set of plans before ruling it out completely. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is. You don't need a background in electrical engineering, just a willingness to learn a few techniques (which are almost always demonstrated in the plans).

Many people who make their own solar panels after thinking they weren't qualified to do so are very thankful they took the plunge. It also gives them confidence to address other tasks they once thought were too hard.

In Conclusion

If you're debating between making your own solar panels or buying used ones, I strongly urge you to make your own. If you're skeptical, buy a manual and see if it seems less scary, most manuals cost less than $50 and come with a money back guarantee, so you're not out anything should you decide it's not for you.

But if it convinces you to make your own solar panels, it will be the best decision you've ever made!