When requested for a developing country, we send a small FREE sample

  pack which include a tiny pv panel and a 3.7v battery pack which powers
  an LED or radio.

  The photo opposite shows a small simple pv solar unit which we send out
  across the world. The parts are mounted on ply so you have a simple torch
  as well as radio power!
 
  It costs about $5 (ignoring postage) and powers most radios as well as
  the WLED.
  A similar pv unit can charge a mobile phone.

  Now we are introducing low cost SMF type LEDs which give much more light
  per watt for general lighting!
  All it needs is a 12 volt battery connected to the terminals at one end to have
  plenty of light!

  The DIY Solar Technique

  We provide the means to make simple small pv panels that can be
  used to power radios and charge rechargeable cells thus avoiding
  the need for expensive control devices as well as minimising the cost.
 
  Our efforts are aimed at helping the poor by supplying both information
  and parts to those in developing countries without electricity.
 
  We are now supplying low cost mini polycrystalline modules which are
  very useful for
  many types of project such as charging car batteries for powering lights etc.
  The main advantage over solar plate is that postage costs are quite small in comparison with
  solar 'glass' which is both heavier and more fragile. See Best DIY Solar Technique page.
 
  We also now supply Li-ion batteries instead of NiCd/MH for most applications as they have
  several advantages.
 
  We do not show prices, etc on this website so please email us if more information is required.

    SMALL ENTERPRISES  and EDUCATION

  This pv technique allows individuals, NGOs and those starting a small business to make and use small
  pv panels and is often ideal for income-creation.
   It also is used for educational purposes since it allows pupils not onlt to learn some science and technology
  but take solar lamps so they can do their homework!

    Other pv solar projects are run by the NGO Solar Aid using the DIY Solar technique 
   Visit www.solar-aid.org where you can find an excellent video showing this pv technique in use
  in several African countries.
 
  A series of US professional videos of simple PV training is found at
   http://www.californiasolarcenter.org/sshtutorials.html

   SUPPLIES

  We supply small amounts of pv plate and components from the UK but for large projects we offer to
  arrange the supply pv modules or 10+ watt plates from pv plate factories found in only a few
  countries.

  More details of pv projects are found in the PV Projects pages.
  If you hope to start a DIY Solar project in a country not listed, we can probably send you a list
  of contacts in that country!
 
   SPECIAL PROJECTS

  We also provide information about Biochar, DIY solar cookers and indoor mosquito control.
   Nous fournissons des renseigements en francais sur la technique DIY Solar
  quand on nous contacte à  biodes"at"bigfoot.com

   Voir webpages 'en francais' et Project Congo - DRC

   The DIY Solar technique consists of two basic concepts:

 1. Assembling a pv panel of the required voltage etc for each device and

 2. Arranging that the storage battery is charged with a safe trickle current

  If using a polycrystalline pv mini module all that is required is to solder on leads and then
  mount it on a ply sheet, etc.
  We are also offering pv modules which have a maximum power of 1.8 watts for charging
  car batteries. It is best if an air gap is arranged beneath to give some cooling.
 

  Where preferred, small panels can be made of amorphous silicon 'thin film' on glass.
  This is cut with a glass cutter, fitted with electrical leads and a simple frame and the leads led
  to a battery or, with radios, mobile phones and fans, directly connected to the panel.
  Many people prefer to fit a PVC conduit frame around the glass to give these pv panels more
  sales appeal.

  Ask us for advice if in doubt. There are several factors that need considering especially used
  in hot situations!

  If you click on this link you will get a typical pdf that we offer freely.
  This one explains about solar charging NiCd/MH recells

   Various stages of the making of a small solar panels
  (both pv module and plate) are illustrated in the photos below.  
  Contact us for full details.