I am just starting to build two large solar panels. I'll use 2 x 40 cells in each. So, I'll get 20V open voltage, and when I take glass loses, wire loses, sun position loses, I think I'll still have something good to charge my NiCd batteries.
I got some hard glass from an old bus. When I look at the cutout side of the glass, it's all white. So, I think it is good for this use.
The reason I'm building large panels ( one would be large as two common) is that in the local glass store they told me that they can not cut this kind of glass.
So, I decided to go the shorter way. Anyway, I would build at least two panels. Now, everything is just simpler.
I'll use Plastecs WB-28 cells ( 100 mm round ( 4")), rated at 2.5 A each.
At the bottom of my panels I'll use some plastic, so no need for back of the panel electric insulation. Between the back plate and the glass I'll use an Al profile usualy used in glass shops to make the gap between the two glasses. It's 6 mm ( 0.25") thick, and the'll give me some kind of a sand they use to prevent condensation in windows.
I'll post some pictures when I start the job in the workshop.
