How Easy is are DIY Solar Panels

[BBC]

Lately I've been interested in making my own solar panels in my shop.
Trying to collect as much info as possible before I dive in. Has
anyone had any experience with purchasing some of the kits that I have
read about - saw one on this news release that looked interesting
http://www.prlog.org/10386512-12-year-old-secretly-builds-solar-diy-panels-saves-family-thousands-in-utility-bills-diy-energy.html

I'm looking for the highest wattage output at the least initial cost
possible.Thanks much for your reply.

[tallex]

Yes it's easy to make your own decent pv panels but the trick used to
be finding reliable cells to solder together. People have been making
their own panels for years but now with the proliferation of cell
types it is easier than ever to construct good panels DIY. There are a
number of good FREE guides on the net that show you how but it is
really very easy. Some time tested designs are,..ribbon solder the
cells together, mount on 1/2 inch stirofoam, use aluminum door joists
or similar for framing, use low E glass for facing, add DIODE to
prevent reverse draining batteries, add output wires, seal the whole
thing up with rubber gaskets (diy cut) and silicon, waterproof wood,
plastic or sheet metal for backing with L brackets on all
corners...whatever is available to you.. repeat for other modules.
You still have to be able to get good quality cells and the major
players WON't sell quantity pricing to most people or even smaller
amounts either, so you are stuck with stringing together different
batches of inferior cells from such things as trashed solar chargers,
lights,small panels etc. Not really a good source if you are going to
the trouble of making your own panel modules. As well scrap,
mismatched cells will cause internal resistances to increase and
impede efficiencies.
These days you are probably better off buying cells in bulk from Asia
or go to government or military auctions. Sometimes city auction off
their old solar powered traffic lights and such. There will be a good
market for solar surplus within a few years. I know several oem
suppliers that will sell you quality but 2,000 minimum and I gather
that's a few too many for your application. If anyone has any North
American good sources for cells please post the links here as they are
appreciated.

Instead of buying a diy guide just do a little research and you will
find plenty of plans for free. Basically variations on the design that
I explained above,.Do NOT use plastic for facing, most will not be UV
protected and will cloud or yellow and start to cut into generation
within months. Other types easily shatter in cold temperatures, break
from hail, or other extreme weather events or warp in heat. The last
thing you want is a storm smashing roof mounted panels and water
shorting out your system after all the work you put in. Do it right in
the first place.Ideal facing is tempered low E glass. Incidently
sliding patio doors are tempered, low E glass.
If you look hard enough, you can find almost anything for really cheap
or free.


<tallex>

On Oct 24, 8:00 am, BBC <barryc...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Lately I've been interested in making my own solar panels in my shop.
> Trying to collect as much info as possible before I dive in. Has
> anyone had any experience with purchasing some of the kits that I have

> read about - saw one on this news release that looked interestinghttp://www.prlog.org/10386512-12-year-old-secretly-builds-solar-diy-p...

>
> I'm looking for the highest wattage output at the least initial cost
> possible.Thanks much for your reply.

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