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Author Topic: Broken Solar Cells  (Read 983 times)

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adaml

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Broken Solar Cells
« on: October 21, 2008, 07:46:07 PM »
I am considering buying some broken solar cells as a first attempt at making a 12v panel.  I have been warned however, that this is a fruitless task.  Please could I ask for the experts opinions, am I just wasting my money?
« Last Edit: October 21, 2008, 07:46:07 PM by (unknown) »
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jonas302

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Re: Broken Solar Cells
« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2008, 09:46:24 PM »
Depends if its for a fun hobby or to save money

http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2005/1/5/51211/79555

use the google search on the right  search terms homemade solar you will find many many pages about that
« Last Edit: October 21, 2008, 09:46:24 PM by jonas302 »
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Airstream

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Re: Broken Solar Cells
« Reply #2 on: October 22, 2008, 07:06:33 AM »
If I could've realized a way to make 10-year panels from cull wafers I would have.


Iron-free tempered glass and thin water-clear plastic EVA laminate and then tough UV proof backing sheet vacuum formed into a single unit at 250-300°F.

« Last Edit: October 22, 2008, 07:06:33 AM by Airstream »
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kurt

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Re: Broken Solar Cells
« Reply #3 on: October 22, 2008, 04:34:34 PM »
hehe i see broken solar cells selling on eBay $50 buy it now for 60 pieces it takes 36 cells plus breakage to make 1 12v panel so basically you get enough cells for 1 panel plus some extras for $50 then you have to buy ribbon, glass, a backing, some sort of sealing compound and such and you may get a few years use out of the panel you build if you are lucky before moisture and corrosion kills it. seems to me it would be cheaper to buy a commercial panel with a 20 year warranty  
« Last Edit: October 22, 2008, 04:34:34 PM by kurt »
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adaml

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Re: Broken Solar Cells
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2008, 12:41:40 PM »
Having received my "selection" of broken solar cells, I will give my honest opinion as far as I can regarding their suitability for building your own panel - that is DO NOT BOTHER!!  I am new to this so hoping I am not upsetting anyone with this comment, it is just my opinion, that this is not an effective way of doing things.  I brought a selection of sixty plus broken cells, these were nothing but shards the largest fragment being about 1" x 1".  I managed to piece some back together to form partial cells but am not going to pursue this any further as I see it as uneconomical and a waste of time.  My thoughts only for any other new people who are considering buying these broken solar cells listed on an auction site!!  They are as described but that is about it.  I will (for now anyway) stick to factory produced panels with a warranty!
« Last Edit: October 28, 2008, 12:41:40 PM by adaml »
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