using Solar Cells, To make Glass frame DIY Solar Panel

Step 4 Making an all glass Solar Panel

In my opinion, this type of Solar panel seals the best. It was made with two sheets of 1/8" thick glass. The one sheet of glass was the backing and the solar cells were siliconed to it. Then the other glass sheet was placed on top to form a seal. Before I siliconed the top, I put blobs of silicone around the 1" lip for the seal, about 1/4" high, and let dry over night. The next day I then placed silicone all around the 1" lip on the bottom glass piece. The blobs were used to stop the glass from sinking all the way down and braking the solar cells. After it dried, I added more around to make sure I had a good seal. Then what I used for the white frame, in the very last pictures shown here below, is white j-molding or j-Chanel, what is typically used when siding a house like what is used around windows or doors. This was siliconed on too, then when it dried I added more, this made a double seal. This Solar panel is sealed real good for keeping out the rain and moisture. The wood frame is also good, but sometimes hard to make a water tight seal, or to keep condensation out because of the wood.