Are there any free classes to learn about solar energy and building a solar panel
You do'nt want to build a solar panel. The heart of a solar system is the Converter. From that you know that you will have 20 VAC output, but you need to know what kind of input you need prior to building your system. That way you can buy solar panels at that voltage or hook them up in series to get the voltage you need to be converted. You'll then need to calculate the power (watts) you use from day to day, that way your solar system can provide you with what you need. Problem is, NOW, you have a choice to make. If you want to just cut down on your reliance of grid power, there are companies that will do all this for you, and hook you up to the grid so that by day you will be using nothing but solar power, but at night you will be running off the grid. These companies generally make it harder on you to buy the system outright by not providing you maintenance or repair services.....so that could be an issue, which is how they keep you 'leasing' the equipment from them. OR You can go completely off the grid in which case you will have to buy back up batteries and wire them in so that they are charging during the day so that you will be running off of battery power by night.
Why don't you just call a solar energy company and ask them anything you need to know, or check out websites- they usually have page with faqs or info. The company I used has lots of info on their website and they were very helpful.
There okorder . Building solar panels, none. There are internet sites where you can buy unframed panels to design your own. but you need a current stabilizer and possibly a power inverter to go with it.
