I’d like to build some solar panels for my house, and I have the instructions to do so. However, I live in NY, which means we get snow and ice. Because of this I question the use of glass, or at least standard glass, that might be more incline to break or chip. Would alternatives work as well? Also, I heard that an anti-reflective coating on the "glass" would increase the efficiency of the panels, but I can’t find anything that would do this unless I order pretty expensive "glass" (which sort of defeats the purpose of making the panels myself). Any advice?
You can use double strength glass, which is, as the name implies, twice the strength of standard glass. The other option is to use a tempered glass which increases the cost substantially. As far as buying pure "white" glass, you are getting well beyond reasonable cost.
Here is a list of manufacturers and distributors of anti reflective coatings, from a brief read it seems that this may not be a do it yourself project. Good Luck!
January 23rd, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Very good question and needs to be considered based upon your climate. I would advise you to check out http://www.thediyer.com/Green_Energy. This site has information about building your own solar panels and there is an 800 number for you to call if you have these types of questions.
References :
http://www.thediyer.com
January 23rd, 2010 at 8:02 pm
You can use double strength glass, which is, as the name implies, twice the strength of standard glass. The other option is to use a tempered glass which increases the cost substantially. As far as buying pure "white" glass, you are getting well beyond reasonable cost.
Here is a list of manufacturers and distributors of anti reflective coatings, from a brief read it seems that this may not be a do it yourself project. Good Luck!
References :
http://www.thomasnet.com/nsearch.html?cp_name=ove&mctoken=v4v43571Z3a175117606895051787Z3aZ2d1Z3aZ2d1Z3aZ3a1Z3a1662Z3aZ3a_anti+reflection+coating&WT.srch=1&mtid=1&heading=15630205
January 23rd, 2010 at 8:34 pm
I was thinking of trying recycled glass from a picture window or sliding patio doors. you would have to build the collector to fit the glass, but other than that it should work and cost very little.
References :