Author Topic: Build your solar panel  (Read 1026 times)

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prabs

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Build your solar panel
« on: December 17, 2006, 06:22:00 PM »
I would like to build a solar panel from solar cells taken from solar powered Calculators. I would like to make something similar to 'expedition folding solar panels'(like a small laptop carrybag having two panels in it, it looks nice!!!) to make up to 60W to power my little Sony laptop that i can carry around.


Is it possible to make one?

« Last Edit: December 17, 2006, 06:22:00 PM by (unknown) »

fungus

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Re: Build your solar panel
« Reply #1 on: December 17, 2006, 11:31:40 AM »
It would be possible but probably not feasible unless you had a lot. IIRC the cells in calculators are 2v 15ma which is 0.03w each. To make 60w you'd need 2000 of them. That'd be a lot of work, soldering 4000 tiny wires coming out of them and would most likely be very expensive. Although if you have a very cheap source then it could possibly be feasible. Another issue to think about would be mounting them since they're pretty fragile.
« Last Edit: December 17, 2006, 11:31:40 AM by fungus »

dudevato

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Re: Build your solar panel
« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2006, 11:56:17 AM »
Check out Harbor Frieght on line. They have a 1 1/2 watt panel (about 4"x12" as I rember) for $15 I think.  They also have a 5 watt for like $50 which I got when it was half off. You can sign up online to get coupons/specials from them. They send out 15% off coupons from time to time. Good Luck
« Last Edit: December 17, 2006, 11:56:17 AM by dudevato »