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Author Topic: VW Solar panel started  (Read 2622 times)

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ElSenator

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VW Solar panel started
« on: May 29, 2006, 07:39:51 AM »
So I'm starting to finish my VW solar panel that I started last fall. It's held together by packing tape, zip ties, and blind faith.


The front, made out of an old storm window.




The back. Packing tape holds it together, and to the window. Zip ties hold the cables so they stay somewhat neat.




The lid of the Junction box. A spring clip speaker terminal was a great idea, I thought.




The Junction box guts. 2 buss bars, wires, and no magic smoke. Yet. Note the $2.99 cordless B&D drill (Works great!)




I've seen 2 amps out of it, and about 30 watts. Pretty reasonable, considering I'm in grey/cloudy Seattle.


I'm thinking about how to protect it (encase in resin?) and mount it.


Comments welcome/needed!


Lee

« Last Edit: May 29, 2006, 07:39:51 AM by (unknown) »
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Jon Miller

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Re: VW Solar panel started
« Reply #1 on: May 29, 2006, 04:57:37 PM »
Hi there Lee, looks very good, can i ask why you went with those VW panels??  arnt they expencive?  
« Last Edit: May 29, 2006, 04:57:37 PM by Jon Miller »
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ElSenator

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Re: VW Solar panel started
« Reply #2 on: May 29, 2006, 05:14:19 PM »
They weren't that expensive when I bought them about two years ago (about 6 bucks apiece). Got one lot of 10, and picked up the other two for about $10 apiece. If I was thinking ahead, and maybe a bit clairvoyant, I would have bought a bunch more.
« Last Edit: May 29, 2006, 05:14:19 PM by ElSenator »
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commanda

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Re: VW Solar panel started
« Reply #3 on: May 29, 2006, 08:58:39 PM »
Why all the in-line cable joiners inside the junction box?


Amanda

« Last Edit: May 29, 2006, 08:58:39 PM by commanda »
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ElSenator

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Re: VW Solar panel started
« Reply #4 on: May 30, 2006, 12:38:28 AM »
Now that I look at it... I have no idea why I did that. There are a few "Y" connections in that mess, and I think I needed the length.

This is the second incarnation of the J-box. The first was hammered copper tubing, drilled, bolts and nuts installed, and mounted to a block of wood.


Anything else to help me get this in top shape?

« Last Edit: May 30, 2006, 12:38:28 AM by ElSenator »
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commanda

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Re: VW Solar panel started
« Reply #5 on: May 30, 2006, 01:16:38 AM »
Anything else to help me get this in top shape?


The weather is your enemy. If I was doing this, I'd be using an IP66 diecast aluminium box. But that's just me. Lots of silicon sealant might be your next best avenue of attack.


Amanda

« Last Edit: May 30, 2006, 01:16:38 AM by commanda »
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ElSenator

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Re: VW Solar panel started
« Reply #6 on: May 30, 2006, 04:23:10 AM »
I was talking to this very smart man, and he suggested that I use spray foam to seal the panels. I think I will, but make an enclosure for it first. And the j-box will be pretty weather-tight (a plastic covering for it) in the 'winter'.
« Last Edit: May 30, 2006, 04:23:10 AM by ElSenator »
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