How To Build A Solar Panel - Part 2

[MrAlcorta]

Is the pegboard really necessary? Cant i just place the cells on top of the plywood with some silicone?

[RobertSmith3]

@MrAlcorta sure

[thefaeryman]

I came upon this site that sell solar panel laminates, they have no frame or J-box, though works for the diy folks

Company is Sun Electronics

[jarkosih]

Homemade Solar panels,reduce energy usage click my name below.

[yrofbar]

ang tagal!!! ang daldal,,,,, pati pag-e-screw-han cnbi p....

[adler234639]

What temp is that soldering iorn?

[antonioscheel]

@adler234639 maybe 25W to 30W

[MrAlcorta]

Thanks for this, I already have the cells now I have to get to it. One question, isnt plywood a not very good weather resistant, wont it affect the performance of the panel as it gets old, builds up humidity and so forth? Hope you get to read and clear my doubts!

[RobertSmith3]

@MrAlcorta I'm using pressure treated plywood, not regular plywood. Pressure treated plywood is common plywood that has been subjected to pressure treatment with chemicals to prevent the wood from decaying, or rotting. To some degree, it also discourages insect damage because of the chemicals involved. If you know how to work with aluminum, I would recommend you use an aluminum frame.

[Detroitfarm]

Man you have a nice size yard. lol i love your solar panel tutorials(where did you find most of your background music)? This is a very professional looking(and sounding)tut. Congrats!!

[RobertSmith3]

@Detroitfarm lol Thanks, the music is from iMovie's collection of free jingles.

[13xxi]

Where did you buy the solar cells from? I mean I know that I can get them on Ebay but is that where you got them from?

[RobertSmith3]

@13xxi Yes

[NewnotesJR]

Do you ever add extra solder to reinforce the connection? In another video I was watching from another person, they used extra solder on the back six connections. Have you ever noticed if it's better or worse to or not to use extra solder on the back?

Also, if we did want to use extra solder, what is the composition of the solder on the tabbing wires?

[RobertSmith3]

@NewnotesJR Yes you can use extra solder to reinforce the connection. At the time of making the video I was not really aware of that extra step, but either way will still work, but adding extra solder will definitely help in the long run. You should not need much solder since the tabbing wire itself is coated in solder.

[greywolf210]

ok, gloves are good for keeping the cells clean, but I noticed once or twice that you got those rubber gloves really close to the soldering iron, that will totally defeat the purpose of wearing them. You could get melted rubber on the cells, or worse, melt the rubber right onto your skin. Can you say thrid degree burn? Personally I use suction cups and solder point tools for handling the cells and tabbing wire and skip the gloves.

[critvalsky]

Hey Robert, my brother, I just thank Yaweh, I ran across your videos. You are articulate, easy to follow and with the way you put all that information (from your research) together, I would think you are going for a engineering degree. I want to thank you for your kindness you didn't have to show us this inexpensive way to save money I am more than impressed. I bless you 100 fold. Your admirer and brother: Elder: C.L. Ritvalsky: Wilm,DE

[ch47gunnergirl]

Most residential pt wood is not CCA take a look at the EPA's website.

Its still not chemicals you would want to take a bath in, but they can't use arsenic anymore. Standard procedures of using a dust mask, and appropriate PPE is all that is needed.

[smokesupp]

Learn how to make your own solar panels step by step for under $200 a panel!  .solarsjunkie. com

[CaptBart]

Robert, do NOT go sanding treated material! The dust is incredibly toxic. It's a copper sulfate, not conducive to life and living things, that's why it's used to treat wood. And from the way you've put this together it's not necessary, the wood is already paint grade.

I know these things as a contractor and cabinet-maker for 20+ years.

Just sayin' Good clean attention to detail otherwise. ;]

[RobertSmith3]

@CaptBart Thanks for letting us know!

[ch47gunnergirl]

@RobertSmith3 Most residential pt wood is not CCA take a look at the EPA's website.

Its still not chemicals you would want to take a bath in, but they can't use arsenic anymore. Standard procedures of using a dust mask, and appropriate PPE is all that is needed.

[jerrysjunk]

you need to have a air vents in the bottom of panel as not to over  heat

[toklaut7]

God bless you Robert

[TheKlinckFamily]

Is it safe in weather? Such as rain, snow, sleet ect.

[kriskris015]

Hello Robert! I have one question - what is the power of soldering iron?30 watt,40,maybe 60 ?Kris

[wnose]

Thanks for posting. Very detailed.

[BOYnextDOOR291]

what is the material

[Assassin4628]

wouldn't painting it black be more efficient to attract the sunlight?

[fadmaid]

@Assassin4628 i think it would attract heat not sunlight. i don't think is any way to attract sunlight! if is there... is there!

[bryan17777]

This is a GREAT series of videos!!! Thank you for doing this...

[SheviClassic]

Nice video Robert!! You rock!!! Thanks Pro!

[kevindog86]

he called walmart a home improvement store

[WilliamEGD]

nice choice of music

[zerodegrees8]

Great video, I just ordered 72 cells tonight :D thanks for this, every video helps

[AhD2001AhD]

this is a very helpul and informative video thanks..think you can also make a video on how to make the solar cell.

[CodeMonkeyG]

Thank you so much for all of this. Wonderfully detailed process. Will be building a few of these myself soon.

[ArchtPdelaRosa]

Excelent....Thank for share...

[ArchtPdelaRosa]

Excelent....

[MultiPoopinator]

I love the porn music around 6:30

[alexwohlbruck1]

where do you get solar cells? what price? how many do you need?

[galtzur21]

yo man thx for the vid, we might still could do a vid.

im going to try it out.

[Adeptmind]

Very well made videos! Nice background music too.. perfect touch

[DemCrookBooyz]

Oh and when fastening your side pieces to plywood you should screw into your plwood down into your side pieces this will give it a better grip into the plywood. In the video he did the opposite...not being a carpenter of course LOL. Also use an adhesive on the side pieces to waterproof it.

[critvalsky]

@DemCrookBooyz

C.L. Ritvalsky( local 199) Hey your advice not bad. The stain he covered it with will more than adequately do the job. (lol) I'm sure you would agree. Oh, well you had an opinion regarding this young (HEBREW) man and felt you had to comment and I did too, where's your site "MR CARPENTER" ?(LOL)

[DemCrookBooyz]

Materials: Caulking, Screws/Finish nails if needed, 1"x2" strips, plywood(can be pressure treated for weather durability) plexi-glass/glass(ask a professional on type of glass for application, Woodfiller , Paint or Sealer

[DemCrookBooyz]

Having a background in carpentry i find this very simple and I hope this has helped you...Using this calculation will make it much easier for you.. # of cells x Cell Height/ # of cells x Cell Width. Hopefully you have somone you know with proper tools I recomend Tablesaw, Mitresaw,Speed Square, Straight-Edge( 4ft level, long ruler, PLaned, jointed and ripped wood, Utility Knife(OLFA) Drill, Drillbits or counter-sink,nail-set, and a hammer.

[DemCrookBooyz]

lay flat... use clear caulking to seal the glass then nail a thin piece of wood..( use fnish nails to prevent wood from splitting inset with nailset and apply woodfiller) this will clamp the glass inplace and along with the sealent will hold it in place. Use cork inbetween the glass and wood on all sides of glass to reduce risk of breaking the glass. i would buy 1"x 2" pieces myself for frame and cut to length each end having a miterd 45 degree angle for appearance.

[DemCrookBooyz]

into the plywood down into the side pieces. There is also adhesive you can apply to waterproof your solar panel. If you are using plexi-glass... counter-sink (pre-drill and drill the diameter of the screw head) for every screw and apply clear caulking and then fasten..this will ensure a waterproof seal. Use mininmal amounts of screws ib on every corner and 1 centre on every side. If using glass dato or cut out part of the side pieces the thickness of the glass and about 1/2" fior glass to ....

[DemCrookBooyz]

for overall lenght/width of plywood. For example... Say you have your template cut into sections of 3 and it is10 high and the overall sections add up to 9 along the width of the plywood. Your overall dimension should be 26 1/8"W x 60 1/4"H inside the frame and overall plywood dimensions should be 61 1/4" x 27 1/8" overall. You can also use template to just draw each cut-out with a pencil then adheare. Use accurate measurements to keep square. To fasten your frame to the plywood screw....

[DemCrookBooyz]

Say if the cell is 3" x 6" then overall plywood dimensions for 90 cells all in sectoins pf 3.. 9 being overall by 10 high will be [61 1/4" H x 27 1/8" {# of cells x Height + 1", # of cells x width + 1" ] Use template to mark the plywood with a pencil. or even use to adhere the cells to plywood removing the temlate each time. Bristol Board may also be used at is is thin and durable enough for marking. Using the 1/8" spacing between cells and Outer Frame will prevent any losses for shadows.....

[DemCrookBooyz]

for overall hieght and width. of plywood. Use a constant # for each row of cells in template to get the desired width Note: know ahead of time when ordering. Know the measurement of each cell Height and Width. WHen making template always use 1/8" spacing even between cells and frame as this will reduce any shadows. Note each thickness of the cells and cut the sides of frame slighly larger than thickness. If constant # is 3 for each row overall should be 6, 9, 12 etc 6 giving you 2 rows etc.

[DemCrookBooyz]

With a Sharp utility knife...Use Template when adhering the solar cells to your frame. Keep in mind when building frame the # of cells and every measurement as you can calcualte overall fram size with # of cells and the hieght and width of the cell plus 1/8" spacing between every cell. ( hieght x # of cells/ width plus x # of cells [ex. 6 1/8" x 10 = 61 1/4" this will be where you mark your plywood on either side to line up your lets say 1" x 1/2" piece] Just add 1" o the measurement ....

[DemCrookBooyz]

For Template use thin cardboard, make a template the hieght and width of one row of solar cells. Mark each end with the width plus spacing (about 1/8" on either side continue all the way across the cardbord.Line each mark on either end with a straight edge and mark all the way across. if size is 3" x 6" mark ever 3" then add 1/8". Then mark hieght across the width of row ever 6" plus 1/8" for spacing. Draw a staight line across the row at each mark. Now cut the inside marks with a sharp ....

[honkydudeman]

commenest mistake ,,,,,,using wood ?old upvc windows,with a fibreglas board as backing?wood warps+causes leaks?cells last 20/25 year.wood wont,recycling the old or ,seconds that are normally put in landfill etc?imagine if you used old patio doors?1or2 kilowatt easy,fix em to ya wall like windows or faux shutters ,free standing in yard or garden rotateable to follow sun ?a kilowatt system for around £500/£750 diy,,,,,,AMEN

[wedad5555]

wow , this is so awsome , i am going to try this project.

you are a great teacher.

[bloodawn5]

As a student of Renewable Energies Carrer here in Mexico, this is very interesting and helpful, thanks a lot

[KingRafox]

This man is a king.

[paperfeed]

Hi there Robert, may I ask what type of soldering iron you're using here? I have been using a 40W one for my solar project but the tabbing wire refuses to stick to the cells, perhaps it's just not getting hot enough?

[pandg48]

Hi Robert, you should not use cloth while soldering cell, a kink under solar cell make cell break, i will prefer piece of wood or strip of plywood atleast 20 mm thick. Elevetated wood give better work condition but still you are the best

[pandg48]

Hi Robert, you should not use cloth while soldering a kink under solar cell make cell break but still you are the best

[snooter28]

whats the song at 4:25



[MASSIVE100]

elevator music ...... genius

[FreeMBS]

this seems awkwardly romantic lol I think its the music

[AkaNyKing]

where did you get the solar cells from

[johnny5634]

Hello i would like to ask a quick question i just bought 108 muli crystalline solar cells 3* 6 and all of your tutorials on how to build the panels use tabbing wire is there any way that just using copper wire soldered to the end of the cells would work ok. or if not can you tell me a store in which i can buy the tabbing wire and the bus wire and the flux pen that i can physically buy it not online or maybe a very well trusted online site to buy this stuff from. thanks for all your help

[subxeroarcher]

great videos...i have a small suggestion that may or may not help when cutting the tabbing wire...since the board is only a template and will not be used in the actual panel, after measureing the first tab why not make a line or mark on the template itself so you dont have to hold the new tabbing wire to the other strip while trying to mark it to cut or cut it...the cells will be spaced the same so it shouldn't mess with the length of the wire...just a suggestion and again great vids

[101094mike]

Where did you get the flux marker???

[RobertSmith3]

@101094mike It was included in the solar cells kit from eBay. You can also buy them separably at eBay or online. Search: Flux Pen or Solar Cell Flux Pen

[tommyreddog08]

@101094mike

Frys Electronics



[Phosisticated]

Isn't that the music from StreetEnglishTV?

[marba27]

I would like to know what kind of white pencil is that , because you passed on the back of the solar cell before start to soldering?

I also would like to know if you ship this kit to Brazil. I'm not in U.S.A anymore and I would like to build it. Thanks.

[tsikboyyy]

hey bro! where can i buy a solar cell kit

[sparqi]

Nice vid. Suggest adding a note about the soldering iron wattage and perhaps element temperature. There are a lot of variations out there and it would be helpful say something like "You want a minimum 80 watts for the iron."

[sikam2006]

Can I use only one column of solar cells? Will it work or it needs 2 columns for negative and positive?

[jass763]

hi robert,

i am planning to put my whole house on solar in india...say i need 750 watts of energy...my question is does the wooden frame is weather resistant...!

[XwebfX]

the videos was great. because it was step by step procedures. but the problem is the videos was too long. but it was great to share this kind of knowledge to everyone..

: )

[Shumy1970]

Were i can buy the wafer policristal

[mnmluvme]

i think you should of gave us a list of what we were goin to need 1st

[RobertSmith3]

@mnmluvme The problem with that at the time is that, I myself did not know everything I would need. lol You'll discover that throughout the video and maybe a little bit more planning could have prevented that, but if you go to the main website, the general components you need are listed.

[donorigodon]

@RobertSmith3

how to use it as power saver? we have an existing power provider? what i mean how to use it with the power provider.

[Adeptmind]

@mnmluvme Just be happy he did all the research for you and decided to physically show you for free how you can build one. You can see all the parts and how they are used, so write it down as you watch =]

[ThePatricioviera]

Thanks Robert for sharing your videos. I am interest in building a panel for a pool filter motor how I calculate how many panels do I need and where do I buy everything that I need to start working on this project. Thanks in advance.

[bearboneskentuck]

Cut your plywood out before with a skill saw or cut in on a table saw to make it straight

[RASAlexander]

where im from they dont allow them :(stupid goverment.they dont even sell the solar cells so it hard to make 1. i want to transport them via baggage when i go back there for vacation but they might stop me at the airport.

[MeEncantaKiley]

Do you have to use pegboard?

What is its purpose?

[1pfr33ly]

Kool vid M8..keep up the gud work

[mikeymike77123]

I seen a video where a guy puts a little dab of some *silver solder (I think that's what it's called) on the back of them cells (aka the positive side) where them 6 little spots are and it helps to get them to stick better when soldering, after the flux pen is used. Just figured I would mention that cause it may help some people out. These are great videos, and without them I would be having to watch tons of other videos just to figure out how to make a solar panel. Thanks.

[SuperJasontube]

I love you MAN this is good work ...:)

[jdadap27]

i want to know ur ym. coz i want some ideas about this stuff. i will build my own solar panel...

[roboduke1086891]

what is a flux pen, and wat does it do?

[gcdrummer02]

@roboduke1086891

a flux pen contains an acid that cleans off the solder contact. A lot of lead based solders have flux built into them. Flux is available separately because its also used in braising and welding.

[TheTwistedGypsy]

@roboduke1086891 a flux pen holds and distributes liquid flux to the metal surface. Flux is and acid base liquid or paste that etches the surface of the metal aloowing a better surface for the solder to adhere to. It is used in all soldering applications and in the case of copper pipes for ater is contained in the core of the sloder wire...hope this answers you question :-)

[Naruto0519]

Hey, man, great video! :D

[walperstyle]

reason why you dont mount directly to the board is condensation. Sure, a proper housing will stop it, but when you are spending all sorts of money and time, might as well make sure it cant jump across and cause 'issues'

[dugudr]

Why not put the cells on the plywood, eleminating the use of a pegboard?

[RobertSmith3]

It just serves as a better surface to place the solar cells on top of, and it also became very useful when using the tile spacers as you'll see throughout the video.

However, you do not have to use pegboard, it's optional.

[TheAksumite]

Hey about the solar cells,If one orders pre-tabed do they already come attached together?Or do you need to go buy more tabbing and bus wires from the stores?

[RobertSmith3]

I would buy a little extra tabbing wire just in case. Your supplier may provide extra, but it's always better to have more than what you need when you do start assembling the solar cells together.

[medicup9111]

@RobertSmith3

Question Why type of solar cells do you recomend?

[YeeYIpWai]

@RobertSmith3 how about glass sheet?

[xlightwavex]

this is reason my computer has completly replaced my tv

[mrkhristoff]

@xlightwavex  u cn say that again...the tv is going floppy disk now

[tlon442]

dear robert thanks first, but how much equipment and how long will the set up you built power will last

[RobertSmith3]

How long the battery will last depends on what device/s you hook up to it. Some devices use more watts than others, such as a laptop compared to a cell phone. So it varies, but for small devices like a cell phone, I could possible run that 24/7 because of the low wattage it consumes, but a laptop would only get about a day or a little bit under a day or two possibly until the battery is fully drained.

[Tuckoovam]

The great DIY video. what I want to know is the size of the ply board and peg board is used?

[RobertSmith3]

Thanks for the comment. The size of both is a 2x4.

[solarflorida]

MR Robert,

Geat job!

I'm learning now. where can we buy a aluminum frame completed so all

we have to do is place the cells and done

I will use 36 cells ( 3x6) 60 watts

can you tell me how to do a 175 w -200w

type cells i can buy

[RobertSmith3]

Please visit our Forum on the website and address your questions there and we'll try our best to help you.

[parhae]

This is a service to America. One and only, the best.

[SolarXpert]

100 monocrystalline 2 watt solar cells 5" x 5"!

$264.99 at checkout!

$1.32/watt!

Ends Sunday, June 21, 2009!

Solar-Deals(.)com

[saiyan33]

what is the ebay item # to order the solar panels

[virlusun]

and that is the tricky part. putting together the solar cells is easy, I did a mini panel first to see what I need to have and I came with the same conclution. Circuit first!

[tupac93013]

cool nice videos dude

[RobertSmith3]

Thanks :)