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Panels are now running - Pictures Posted | 11 comments (11 topical, editorial)

Re: Panels are now running - Pictures Posted (3.00 / 0) (#9)
by Nando (nando37-at-tx-dot-rr-dot-com Correct theanti-spam) on Sun Sep 9th, 2007 at 11:15:39 AM MST
(User Info)

RCpilot:

I congratulate you for such GOOD AND CLASSIC well done job.

Indeed, learning to do it, prior tackling the job, insures to One self to have a good well done job.

spending some few extra dollars to lean the proper steps and procedures do give us the chance to do a much better job.

I have always suggested :
First :READ the instructions,
Second: Read the instructions;
Third: practice before tackling the job.

Nando

Re: Panels are now running - Pictures Posted (3.00 / 0) (#10)
by DamonHD (d@hd.org) on Sun Sep 9th, 2007 at 11:32:27 AM MST
(User Info) http://www.earth.org.uk/

Yes, indeed.

In software terms: "practice before tackling the job" is "make a prototype that you must be entirely prepared to throw away" (given that you now understand the job a lot better). If you can salvage any more than the experience gained, it's a bonus! As a sometime CTO I agree with this wholeheartedly...

Rgds

Damon

[ Parent ]

Re: Panels are now running - Pictures Posted (3.00 / 0) (#11)
by RCpilot (rcpilot (at) rollanet (dot) org) on Sun Sep 9th, 2007 at 01:12:54 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.rollanet.org/~rcpilot

Everyone, thanks for the great comments! I used to be a toolmaker and I guess it's in my blood to do precise work. Ever since I put the panels outside in the Tracker I have had nothing but rain and partly cloudy days and can't get a good reading on their output but I have seen around 8 amps for them once or twice. I am hoping for 5 amps per panel. They are wired in series going to a BZ MPPT 500 charge control. Unfortunately I am trying to charge a 1500 AH battery and really need my other two panels built and even more after that. The mount is setup to hold 8 panels total but cash flow will limit how fast I can fill it up with homemade panels. Today it's outside to try to wrap up the tracker setup as It's just rigged right now and needs the wiring cleaned up and the battery mounted in a box or something to protect it. I have enough small solar cells to build a small 10-15 watt panel to charge the tracker battery but there just isn't enough hours in a day to get it all done. If there is anyone interested in building panels I am willing to share the techniques used to solder the cells, etc. I broke several in the learning curve and think I am pretty good at it now and have a good procedure worked out. The construction of the panels are in a previous diary entry. Kelly
Pray every day!
[ Parent ]

Panels are now running - Pictures Posted | 11 comments (11 topical, 0 editorial)

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