I've been hunting around the internet and there are many people who claim to have made their own solar cells (yes, solar cells). Sadly, none of these people have mentioned how they were able to do so. Does anyone know if this is possible? And if it is, how to do it/ what you need? Thanks.

Here is a guy that made his own cell http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5Edw99PgzQ
But it’s more of a science project then a useful solar cell

You can certainly assemble your own panels, many people have done it.

However there are 3 problems no DIY can solve.

• Build a panel that does not fail within a year or two from moisture penetration. You cannot encapsulate the cells good enough to prevent moisture from seeping in like a factory who has a million dollar patented machine and process to do it.
• You cannot get your DIY panel UL certified so it can be used in a grid tied system or a battery system if integrated into your home wiring. About all you can use it for is something like a tool shed to charge power tool batteries with or power a light.
• Lastly you cannot build it as inexpensively as you can buy one. The cells you buy from E-bay are factory rejects, and you will never be able to get the amount of power you expect to get leaving you having to build more panels to reach your objective.

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Dereck, PE, MSEE
Moderator