Solar Panels

[jerrymrc]

I like building these things! The first one I ever built was OK but you learn as you go along. This one is almost complete. Just have to finish the wiring/seal and add the molding.

This one is 14"X33" and makes about 35 watts. It is less than an inch thick and is about 5lbs. I like building the smaller ones because it is easier to move around. I am going to use 2 of these next year when we camp instead of the larger 60 watt one I was using.

I can build 2 of these for about $125 for the pair. I need to order more cells and build some more.;) I have a bunch (400Ah) of extra gel-cells that need to earn there keep.

[jerrymrc]

nuther view.

[Papadoc]

Very nice, you should put together a "how-to" and post it here for all to duplicate. Include a bill of materials as well as locations/vendors that you have used for the parts.

[mosbysmen]

have you got any that have been in service for a while?
have you notice a loss in power ?

i was told to make sure to buy name brand pannels cause , the harbor
frieght kind will lose a lot of there power out put in a year.

very nice , more info , keep us posted .

[jerrymrc]

Originally posted by mosbysmen
have you got any that have been in service for a while?
have you notice a loss in power ?

i was told to make sure to buy name brand pannels cause , the harbor
frieght kind will lose a lot of there power out put in a year.

very nice , more info , keep us posted .

I have one that has been in service for 3 years. I have not noticed any loss in power. The cells I buy are "seconds" Any chip or defect of any kind gets them rejected. There are edge chips in the cells I buy but for the amount of watts I get I am not going to complain.

The type sold by HF have a very low output verses the size of the panel. A 5 watt panel I bought from them years ago (still sold today) is 1/3 the size of my 35 watt panel.

I have another I am building an will document on how to build as I go along.:biggrin:

[jerrymrc]

Originally posted by Papadoc
Very nice, you should put together a "how-to" and post it here for all to duplicate. Include a bill of materials as well as locations/vendors that you have used for the parts.

I could do that. I am building #2 of this batch and taking pictures as I go. If ther is enough interest I will start a new thread.

[lowr8]

definitely interest around here

[crffl]

Originally posted by lowr8
definitely interest around here

Same here

.

[Fortier]

YES, post a how to. Am very interested in doing this myself.

thanks for the offer!

Sure many will be interested.

[Wil-C]

Originally posted by lowr8
definitely interest around here

+1

[EdinKali]

+1

[flashwilcox]

Please post a how to.

flash

[0007]

More to the point the souce/cost of the cells if you don't mind. Thanks.

[mosbysmen]

the how to is stuck at the top of the page,

how to build solar pannels

[M2MG]

+1

I'm interested in solar panels too, please post

M2MG

[FN74]

I'd like to know the source as well for the cells - I could use a few myself.

[jerrymrc]

Originally posted by FN74
I'd like to know the source as well for the cells - I could use a few myself.

Take a look at the top for the sticky.

[teamster]

VERY INTERESTING ............i am rebuilding 4 solar hot water panels to tie into my outside wood boiler for summer hot water but i thought pv panels where out of the range of home builders

[FN74]

jerry - thanks!