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Forum Index : Solar : Home made solar panel pics

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floodrod
Regular Member

Joined: 08/07/2009
Location:
Posts: 70
Posted: 01:43am 27 Oct 2009
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Just finishing my 4th half panel.. Tomorrow I will put up the 2nd completed panel to catch some rays!

5" 5-amp cells. 18 per 1/2 panel, 36 per full panel. Max output= 18V at 5 amps per panel. Schotty 8 amp diode installed on each full panel.



No wood is being used in construction. Waterproof plastic back-splash sheeting is used as backing, 1/2" acrylic rods for the frame, and 1/4" acrylic sheet tops. Glass would be better, but the prices are steep.



My first attempt has cracked cells from learning, but is putting out 17V at 2.5 amps in 50 degree direct sunlight. These new ones came out much better.. Edited by floodrod 2009-10-28
 
GWatPE

Senior Member

Joined: 01/09/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 2127
Posted: 03:11am 27 Oct 2009
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Hi floodrod,

I used similar Solarex cells on my WSC solar car. Some cracked in the construction, but output current did not change much. Are you measuring at the MPP. 17V is a bit high for 36 poly cells.

Gordon.
become more energy aware
 
floodrod
Regular Member

Joined: 08/07/2009
Location:
Posts: 70
Posted: 03:54am 27 Oct 2009
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Ya, it took a few shots to figure out a system that worked smoothly when constructing. I found preparing the tabbing wire by tacking it to a table and silver-tipping it saved hours of fuss. It makes the tabbing wire stiff and easy to align, and makes soldering the cells easy.

I am Measuring voltage going into the charge controller unloaded. When hooked to a battery bank, the voltage is between 12-13V depending on the charge level. The amps reading is being measured between the charge controller and the batteries.



 
joeb
Newbie

Joined: 06/11/2009
Location: Canada
Posts: 1
Posted: 06:10pm 05 Nov 2009
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how long did it take you to complete that? I've always wanted to attempt making my own solar panels, but just found it too time consuming...
--------------------------
Joe Brown
green all the way
www.SolarElectricityBasics.com
 
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