My Solar Power Set Up - Part 7 - Building a Panel - Conclusion

I finally finished my home made panel and have it online. It is working exactly as planned and is contributing about 3.5 amps to my charging capacity. I really learned alot in building this panel, and fully intend to build another one, incorporating the changes that I discovered.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• MOV
• 0015

[dracos78]

skippy just curious how the panel is working out for you ? Is there any more panels that you have built ?

[skippy3840]

@dracos78 Not too good. I really found out where i screwed up in the building of the panel after about 6 months. I was going to build a large 3 cavity panel, but the prices are dropping so fast it is almost not worth taking the time to build them anymore.

[wtam69]

Hi Skippy, What's the trick in glueing down the cells? How did you move the soldered cells from your work bench to the frame without breaking them? I just ordered some cells from ebay but is apprehensive about damaging the cells since everyone says how easily they can break. Thanks so much. Your panel looks great!

Paul from NY

[skippy3840]

@wtam69 I used those Scotch Adhesive tabs, but you can also use silicone dabs to adhere them. You kinda have to experiment a little, so it helps to cut some cardboard pieces the same size as your cells so you can experiment. Moving them is not too bad once you have a soldered string, just pick it up by both tabs on one end at the same time and move the whole string to a bench with a towel on it to protect the cells. Here again experiment with some kind of a substitute first to save your cells

[Maccan]

OK a bit confused. You started with Plexi but decided to switch to glass but in the end went back to Plexi. Something changed your mind. Cost? Flexibility? Strength? Appearance? ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[skippy3840]

@Maccan Yes, I switched back to Plexi. I really wanted glass, but found out that it was alot more difficult to work with, especially if you have to remove it for any reason. It also weighed alot more, and I figured that if the panel warped slightly (which it is doing) the glass may break whereas the plexiglass would have enough give to not break.

[wwjoshdew]

is that a camera mounted on the roof to the right of the solar panel? what kind is it if it is?

[paddyboy12432]

sweet

[iwantosavemoney]

looks great you did a good job

[shartne]

I would like to see your amp meter showing the 10 amps your talking about getting, I have three panels with 5.25 ratings only producing about 8 amps. Getting the full reading of the panels capabilities is difficult because of positioning this is hardly possible.

[DHarrisChillin]

looks professional skippy, nice job!