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Building a Solar Panel | 6 comments (6 topical, editorial)
Re: Building a Solar Panel (3.00 / 0) (#5)
by Volvo farmer on Sun Mar 23rd, 2008 at 08:27:52 PM MST
(User Info)

Wow, great advice there. I built using the same cheaper than dirt Evergreen cells, and a similar technique. I'm still using four of the six panels I made, (broke the front pane of glass on the other two) My panels are 72 cell strings @24V, which should come out to 100W ea@ manufacturers specs. I have never seen more than 11A out of these four panels, which puts the whole array at less than 300W.

All this considered, I'm dollars ahead, but the labor was ridiculous and these things could fail at any time. I enjoyed building them and I really enjoyed the board at that time and watching people build these panels, and trying to out-do everyone else's best idea.

Would I do it again? Probably not. I enjoyed the project, I enjoy looking out and knowing I made those hundreds of solder joints that are still flowing electrons, but the fact is that these panels have zero resale value, they're fragile, susceptible to moisture, and they don't make rated power.

Volvo Farmer

May you always have success in your quest to irritate those who you despise. -Ben Goode
[ Parent ]



Re: Building a Solar Panel (3.00 / 0) (#6)
by freeEnergy4me on Thu Mar 27th, 2008 at 10:18:20 PM MST
(User Info)

thats good to know. I was considering it only because I may save money. but somethings are worth the $$$ and worth the aggrevation.

Panels keep coming down in price and the quality is phenomenal. I can't imagine they will continue to be the huge expense every one has talked about in the past.

[ Parent ]



Building a Solar Panel | 6 comments (6 topical, 0 editorial)

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