DIY Solar Panel
A PDF version of this project is available with bigger pictures and more detailed instructions. Please email diypanel@mysolarshop.co.uk and we'll send you a free copy.
If you have any questions about the materials or methods used to construct it please send us an email with your question and we'll be pleased to help. More information can also be found here
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 | Wooden frame/box
The basic wooden box assembly before painting/treating with wood preserve |
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 | Painting the box
It's got to last a long time so make sure you slap it on! |
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 | Securing and painting the centre supports
The centre suppports help support the weight of the Aluminium sheet |
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 | Securing and painting the Corner supports
We screwed small triangle shaped pieces of wood into each corner to support the aluminium plate |
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 | Fitting the insulation
30mm Rockwool was placed behind the aluminium plate to insulate it so we don't loose any heat out the back of the panel |
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 | Absorber plate
Checking the aluminium absorber plate fits with 4mm gap for heat expansion |
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 | Lining the inside of the box with tin foil
The tin foil sits on top of the insulation and reflects heat back to the absorber plate which sits on top of the foil |
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 | Scratching the aluminium absorber
Roughing up and scratching the aluminium absorber plate so the paint adhears better to the aluminium |
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 | Marking and drilling
Marking and drilling the holes for fixing the copper snake |
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 | Snake bits!
Laying out and checing the copper snake parts ready for cleaning and soldering |
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 | More snake bits
All the corners and short pipe sections |
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 | Cleaning the snake bits
Make sure you clean the pipe ends thoroughly with the wire wool. The cleaner they are the better the joint and the less likely it is to fail |
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 | All soldered up
All soldered ready for a clean with a wire brush and testing |
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 | Seal one end ready for testing
Just to makes sure it's water tight under pressure especially before fitting the glass and painting it |
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 | Testing the snake
Attach mains water pressure and test for leaks for a couple of hours. Give it a bit of a bash and bend occasionally to stress. |
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 | Fitting the glasing strips
Fitting the glasing strips |
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 | Fitting the snake in the box
Cutting the sealed end so it will fit through the hole in the box |
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 | Securing the snake to the plate with the brackets
Securing the snake to the plate with the brackets |
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 | Pipe clips
After all the brackets/pipe clips have been put in place |
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 | Glassing
Testing the fit of the glass before painting the absorber plate |
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 | Painting
Painted with mat black metal paint before the glass was fitted
A DIY solar panel |
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