Where can I find instructions for how to build a solar panel myself?

http://www.ehow.com/how_2140368_build-solar-panel.html?ref=fuel Things You’ll Need: Electric stove or hot plate Copper sheeting Sheet-metal shears Micro-ammeter capable of reading currents lower the 50 microamperes Sandpaper 2 alligator-clip leads Clear plastic bottle Water 2 Tbsp. salt Step 1: Cut 2 rectangular pieces of copper sheeting, each approximately the size of the stove burner. Step 2: Wash 1 piece of the copper thoroughly, and then use the sandpaper to clean off any corrosion. Step 3: Lay the copper sheet down on the burner. Step 4: Turn the burner to maximum heat. Step 5: Monitor the copper carefully. It will change colors as it begins to oxidize, slowly transforming to black.

Are you talking of solar PV panels, search on ebay people sell pv chips and manuals to make your own pv panel using those.

I have a 200 gallon solar hot water system using all copper "Second Generation Olin Panels" designed for 10 people that was installed by a private solar company in 1977. A year before a master plumber friend installed a ready made solar disk type panels. He did not build the solar panels because it's better and more efficient to buy it. You can save the cost of installation but you might need a permit if your state requires one. There are many factors in designing and installing a solar hot water system. If you are not building a thermosiphon system, then you need an electrician to provide the power for your pump and sensors to run your pump.

go to google

MIT. Of course I think it requires more than four years to understand it.

just surf the net

Good luck. I haven't found any. Even the ones that are 'sorta' do it yourself cost in the thousands. And to just do it on your own, no way. Even if you managed to build the solar panel, now you have to figure out how to make it work with the heat, plumbing and electricity in your house. Just doesn't work. Solar is too expensive right now, unless you're building a house from scratch and are including it in your design plans.

I actually own a solar panel on top of my house. This is how i got it. Hope it helps.

Efficiently running solar panels are very complicated, technically and chemically, I doubt it would be worth the effort...