Framing your Panel

One of the challenges of solar panel making here in the Philippines is where to get the right materials. Sometimes we have to use what is available locally in order to make your own solar panel.

Glass Alternative

The glass I used in this panel frame is just a regular glass, though it's not the recommended glass, it's the readily available and affordable alternative I could easily find.
Recommended glass for this application is TEMPERED GLASS, and the next best is ACRYLIC GLASS (popular known brand name is PLEXIGLASS). Both are locally available in the Philippines. Try inquiring to you nearest glass and aluminum supplier for this type of glass. Tempered glass are more expensive than regular glass, and it won't be readily available, you have to wait for atleast 2 weeks to process your order since tempered glass cannot be cut into sizes.

Materials and tools:

- Glass - 3/16" thick
- 1x1 Aluminum Angle Bars
- Rivets

- Rivet Gun
- Caulk Gun
- Silicon Sealant


Below are the photos of the very first panel frame I made myself. 

The silicon sealant is used. This is just a regular sealant I purchased at Glass/Aluminum Supplier

Notice how I applied the sealant around the frame. This helps in waterproofing the solar panel.

Detailed photo of the the corners. Rivets was used to attached each angle bars.

The finish product..