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The flat plate collector, or solar panel, is relatively easy to construct and should present few problems to the average handyman. If you can install a sink unit, plumb in a washing machine, make a bookcase, then this project should not be too difficult. An entire novice plumber may need a little help. The panel can be constructed without the aid of special tools, specialist materials, or 'secret' processes. A hacksaw, wood saw, drill, hammer, screwdriver, nails, screws, paintbrush, file and a tape measure are the tools you will need most. The materials needed are, 10 mm annealed copper tube, 16 swg aluminium sheet, timber for making a frame, glass fibre wool, marine-ply sheet, and 4 mm glass. These items can usually be obtained locally from a good hardware shop, plumber's merchant, or from a mail order company specialising in the DIY market. The actual sizes, quantities and specifications will be dealt with a little later on.