My Solar Plans is one of the latest information product on the web that teaches you how to build your own Do It Yourself (DIY) Photovoltaic (PV) panels. Its main web site can be found at www.mysolarplans.com/.

A lot of home owners are currently looking for ways to reduce their home electricity consumption. I don’t know about you, but for myself, my home electricity bill is my second largest monthly expenses next to my bank mortgage. As we buy more new electronic gadgets for our household, the amount of money we pay the power utility company will only get higher and higher.

One way of supplementing our home energy usage is by installing a residential solar power system. However, a solar system installed by professionals can cost upwards of $30,000 to $45,000! The Return On Investment (ROI) can take up to 25 to 30 years. It is safe to say, most home owners would not be able to afford such option.

A cheaper alternative to utilize the energy from the sun is to make the solar panels and setup the entire system on our own. This is where MySolarPlans will be useful.

MySolarPlans – DIY Solar Panel Guide

Firstly, the My Solar Plans guide is actually not an ebook or digital PDF file. As a matter of fact, MySolarPlans download area consists of 7 High Definition (HD) instructional videos teaching you how to make a PV panel on your own with a relatively small budget.

The HD videos are streamed into your computer meaning you can watch them over and over again, just like watching video clips on YouTube. Each video ranges from 3 to 5 minutes long.

The videos start off my explaining what My Solar Plans membership site is all about and then it goes through the tools and parts list needed for the project. The most important process is learning how to solder the solar cells together. You have to know how to connect up to 18 pieces of 3 x 6 inch PV cells together in order to generate sufficient power to charge the deep cycle batteries.

In the members’ area, you will also get to download the complete manual on creating your own 70 watt solar panel, building material check list, tools check list, PV panel diagram, connectivity chart and resource guide.

Soldering PV Cell Together Video

When you purchase MySolarPlans, you will also receive 4 bonus materials which are:

1) How To Be Environmentally Friendly e-book (Value $27) – This manual will show you simple actions you can take to do your part in living a greener life.

The guide covers topic such as ways to save electricity bill, how to save water, how to have a greener lawn, hybrid cars, tips on organic gardening etc.

2) How To Be Environmentally Friendly MP3 version (Value $15.95) – If you prefer to listen to audio book rather than ready a PDF file, this bonus will be ideal for you.

3) Solar Power For Energy e-book (Value $17.00) – Do you want to know why solar power was ignored in the past and why it is important in the future, this comprehensive report will give you the answer.

4) How To Make Biodiesel From Vegetable Oil report (Value $9.95) – One of the ways to save on your energy cost is to make your own biodiesel from vegetable oil. This report will show you the correct way to extract biodiesel oil minus the expensive cost.

With the 7 high definition videos and all the bonus material, the entire package cost only $49.97. You can use your Paypal account to make your purchase and then access MySolarPlans download area immediately. If you are in the process of researching DIY solar panel guides, I hope this MySolarPlans review has been useful for you. Click on the link below to visit the web site now.

==> Click here to get My Solar Plans now!

Solar panels are arrays of interlinked solar cells. A solar panel normally forms part of an overall Photovoltaic (PV) electrical system to generate and distribute electricity.

PV panels do not sometime function at all and even it works; it does not generate power at optimum levels. There are many reasons for malfunctioning of the solar panel. But the question is, how do you troubleshoot a faulty solar panel?

Here are 4 of the causes for malfunctioning of home solar panels and possible solutions to overcome the problem.

1) Over-heating problem.

If the solar panels are installed in comparatively warm areas; the panels are likely to absorb sweltering heat. In the midday, during the scorching sun, the solar cells function at above their normal temperature limits resulting in considerable drop in voltage of the solar panel system.

This is a usual feature and they recover once the atmosphere cools down. For example, a normal 18V capacity PV cell is designed to operate at around the voltage range of 17 to 18 at 25° C. Even if the efficiency level decreases due to high temperatures, the voltage of solar cells can be still around 12.

However, if the voltage drop is much below this level; it may be due to either a weak PV cell or defective electrical connections at some place in the array.

2) Corrosion and expansion of connections due to heat.

Oxidation and expansion of electrical wiring due to heat can result in increase of resistance and consequent reduction in power generation. Wrapping with a sheet or pour water over it, without removing its outer covering may help in cooling the array.

Once the system is cooled, the voltage may return to a normal range and if it does not happen, there may be a faulty cell in the array. A ‘shading test’ will help in locating any faulty cell in the system.

In order to carry out a Shading Test, the panel should be dismantled first and after that, the faults in the cells or electrical wiring can be identified by just shading portions of the panel by turns. Keeping the panel disconnected, check the output with a multi-meter or test the load using a small fan.

If in spite of shading a portion of the surface of the panel, the power does not drop, it means that cells in that portion of the panel are not functioning efficiently.

In order to locate the faults, all the tabs and wiring at intersections of the nearby sequence of cells should be checked. Any indication of corrosion at any point in the sequence of cells may be the origin of the malfunction of the system, leading to decrease in power generation. This problem requires immediate attention and if it is not rectified soon, it may damage a cell due to excessive heat.

The additional resistance due to faulty soldering increases the load as well as the overall resistance and the prolonged excessive heating of the cells leads ultimately to its breakdown. Besides a visual check of all connections, the Shading Test can be helpful to spot the defective area of the panel. The problem may be due to poor soldering.

3) Moisture in solar panel.

If by any chance the moisture gets into the cell, it will be a very big problem. Moisture is the root cause of oxidation and it corrodes all electrical connections.

If the home is situated close to seashore, all electrical connections can get corroded because of salty moist breeze coming from the sea. Moisture can also make wood go out of shape and twisted wooden panel container can cause breaks in electrical connections or cracks may develop in cells.

In order to overcome this sort of problem, it is advisable to use aluminum or Perspex sealed panel even if it means an additional expenditure. All corroded metal parts and connections should also be replaced without any delay.

4) Damaged blocking diode.

Most of the PV arrays use a “blocking diode” to stop array from discharging the batteries at night. Though not very common, a damaged blocking array can also contribute to the system failure. If this is the problem, there will not be any power output at the connecting leads.

If possible faults in all other vulnerable areas are eliminated; the next course of action is to carry out a “Diode Test”. If the diode is defective, it should be replaced immediately. If one is in a remote place, the diode should be taken out from the circuit till a replacement is procured.

The panels should be disconnected at night till a replacement is obtained; otherwise your battery bank will get totally discharged. In order to minimize expenses, some people try to group several smaller diodes to correspond with the “blocking amperage”.

However, it is not at all advisable to use smaller diodes. This is because the electric current will first flow through the smallest diode, the lowest point of resistance, till it gets overheated and fails, then the current flows through the next diode till it also stops working and ultimately. Everything short circuits and blows with disastrous consequences to the whole electrical system.

If you want to have a diagnostic test carried out on blocking diodes, it is advisable to information about the said diode before proceeding.

Solar panels are, generally, dependable, even in cloudy atmosphere or in snowy conditions, if they are properly maintained and kept clean. Moisture causes a lot of damage and therefore panels should always be in sealed condition.

Have you been considering harnessing the power of the sun as part of going green and lightening your environmental footprint? When you are ready to choose the best solar power system for your home, there are a lot of factors to consider. The following are 6 questions you should ask yourself when selecting the best solar panel for your home solar power system.

1) How much are you willing to pay?

The price for a solar panel is based on the size of the unit, the manufacturer, warranty service offered and any energy efficiency certifications the system may posses.

Choosing the ideal solar panel for your home depends large on your budget. But, do not select the least expensive panel, but instead choose the system that is best suited for your homes size and energy needs.

Also note, inexpensive, lower-end systems may not produce and store enough energy to qualify you for government rebates or to save you any significant money on your electric bill.

2) How long will it last?

The durability of a solar panel system is very important for several reasons. First, you should expect a solar panel to last long enough to pay for itself in power generation. If the system takes 10 years of power generation to pay off but the warranty only is 5 years, the system may need to be replaced before it has paid for itself.

Also, if you are planning on installing a critical system, note that lower quality panels will have be replaced earlier than other panels, leading to increased disruptions in power generation. Most reputable dealers of higher-end solar panel systems offer a 25 year warranty on all systems. With a little bit of investment, you can have a “peace of mind”.

3) How much power do you need?

Most solar panels are priced by dollars per Watt. Watt refers to the output of a panel; for instance, under ideal conditions, a 100 Watt panel would be able to produce 100 Watts of electricity per hour, a 200 Watt panel would produce 200 Watt per hour, and so on.

Therefore, a 200 Watt panel would be twice the price as a 100 Watt panel. Also, the output of the panel also determines the surface area required to absorb light and the size of the unit, meaning a 200 Watt panel would be larger in size than a 100 Watt unit.

The kind of solar cells used in the fabrication of the unit, also contributes to the panel size. It’s important to consider that you will require a panel large enough to supply your electricity needs but small enough to physically fit the area that you plan to install it.

Therefore, make some calculation on how much power you’ll need from your residential solar system and then make your decision from there.

4) How efficient is it?

Energy efficiency is an important factor when choosing appliances and systems for your home, yet there has been debate over the “energy efficiency” of one type of solar panel versus another.

It is important to remember that solar panels are producing, not consuming power, so a 200 Watt solar panel will produce 200 Watts regardless of its “energy efficiency” rating. The key here is to select the Photovoltaic (PV) panel which is the most efficient.

5) What type of solar cells it uses?

There are 3 different types of solar cells. The first, mono-crystalline silicon, is the most efficient and with this type of solar cells, the panels are smallest on the market.

The second, poly-crystalline (or multi-crystalline) silicon, is the second most efficient and the panels are larger than mono-crystalline silicon systems. The third cell is morphous (or thin-film) silicon; this type contains the least amount of silicon and produces the least amount of power. It also takes up more surface area then the two other types of cells; however, it can be installed on curved or irregular surfaces where the other systems cannot.

6) Is the solar panel suitability for your climate?

It is important to note that mono-crystalline and multi-crystalline function best in bright but cool conditions, while amorphous (thin-film) silicon performs better at higher temperatures. Monocrystalline or multi-crystalline cells are recommended for large, unshaded roofs; amorphous panels are better for roofs with partial shading.

Regardless of what type of solar panel system is used in full shade, it will not perform well. It seems fairly obvious to state, but you can’t harvest the power of the sun in the shade; so by this logic, advertisements for “shade tolerant” systems should be considered misleading.

Build Your Own Solar Panel Guide

One of the best ways to save money on a residential solar power system is to build your own solar panel. If you are good with hand tools, you can make a Photovoltaic (PV) array for around $150. What you’ll need is a step by step instructional guide.

Read some of the Earth 4 Energy reviews and learn what the top selling DIY solar array ebook on the web has to offer. Also, remember to check out the Earth4Energy download page for more information.

==> Click here to visit Earth4Energy now!