Make sure to buy extras. These cells are extremely fragile. Cells can most easily be bought online through websites like Ebay, but you may be able to purchase some from your local hardware store. It may be necessary to clean wax off of the cells, if the manufacturer ships them in wax. To do this, dip them in hot, but not boiling, water. Each cell shouldn’t cost more than $1. 30 per watt. [2] X Research source

Leave an extra inch or two at both ends of the board. This space will be used for the wires that connect the rows together. Wood is a more common backing material to choose because it’s easier to drill through. You’ll need to drill holes in it for the cell wires to pass through. [3] X Research source

This step is not necessary if you purchase pre-soldered tabbing, which is often a better option because it cuts time in half, heats up the cells only once, and wastes less solder. However, it’s more expensive. [6] X Research source

Keep in mind that one row will have to run in the direction opposite to the one next to it, so that the tabbing wire sticks out at the end of one row and on the opposite side of the next. You should plan to put the cells in long rows, with a fewer number of rows. For example, three rows each consisting of 12 cells placed long side to long side. Remember to leave an extra inch (2. 5 cm) at both ends of the board.

The tabbing wire connected to the back of one cell should connect to the front of the next cell in every case. [9] X Research source

Connect all four wires to this bus wire. [11] X Research source

Make sure that there is enough space for the bus wires at the end as well. [13] X Research source

It’s important that the sides aren’t too tall because then they may shade the cells when the sun is coming from a sharp angle.

This prevents energy from travelling back through the solar panel from the battery when it isn’t charging. [19] X Research source

If using more than one panel, you might want to connect all of the positive and negative wires together using rings, to make sure you end up with two wires.

Make sure you get plexiglass and not glass, as glass is prone to breaking or chipping. [24] X Research source

This option is best if you have a large number of panels and very little ground space to place them on. [30] X Research source