In these tough economic times and with summer on its way you may be interested in studying how you can build your own solar panels, which will undoubtedly save you money from your electricity bill.

Before we go into how you can build your own solar panels, it's interesting to know the science behind it.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) cells are produced from thin silicon wafers that are connected together to form a solar panel. When exposed to sunlight, these cells convert the light directly into energy in the form of electricity. When a number of these panels are wired together, they form a solar array which is the major component of a solar powered system.

Photovoltaics is the technical definition of the process in which light converts into electricity at the atomic level. Some materials known as Semi-conductors, such as silicon exhibit a property known as the photoelectric effect. This property causes the material to absorb photons of light and release electrons. The electric current that results is harvested and used as electricity.

So, do you live in the desert or somewhere sunny? If you don't then don't worry. Solar Panel technology has advanced rapidly in recent years that you can still collect electricity even on the dullest of days.

Here are a few tips that will help you decide whether it's a project you might like to undertake.

Depending on your skill level, you can either bulid your own solar panels from a kit, or build it completely from scratch. You will also need some basic carpentry and electrical skills.

First, have a search on the internet for potential suppliers. For example, there are numerous kits you can purchase from a certain popular online auction website. You will also find that there are there are many suppliers who will offer everything that is required to complete the job, as well as plans and advice on the assembly process.

You probably have all the tools needed to build your own solar panels in your shed somewhere. These include a saw, hammer, soldering iron, knife, screws and screw drivers.

To construct the frames for the solar panels, you will need some wood, woodscrews etc, and mounting brackets to attach it to your roof. To save time you can get the wood cut for you at your local supplier. I don't know about you, but I find it impossibly difficult to saw two pieces of wood to make a perfect ninety degree join.

Other items needed are pre-tabbed photo-voltaic cells and the tab wiring to connect them. Glue, solder and flux, plastic sheeting to cover the lid of the housing, as well as blocking diodes to stop current reversal.

The next step is to stand back from your house and have a good look at your roof to decide where to mount the panels. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you should mount it on the south side of your roof. If you are in Australia or New Zealand, then it will need to be mounted on the north side.

Your solar panels will need to be slanted at 30 degrees to collect the optimum sunlight. Obviously there should be no trees or anything else in the way that will block the suns rays from the panel.

The solar panel configuration required is usually a 6 by 6 array. Join the cell tabs with the wire and add the blocking diodes and cable to connect it to the storage battery. Cover with the plastic lid, seal the whole unit with silicone grouting and you're done

Mounting the panels on the roof should occur after some insulation has been applied to the rear of the housing, and to make the unit really energy efficient you need to paint the housing black.