Where to Find Solar Cells
Depending on what size solar panel you are going to build, will dictate how many solar cells you are going to need. The cheapest way to get cells is either from eBay or find a local firm who uses solar cells in their equipment. There are many companies who use solar cells to power road signs, their signs suffer from wear and tear and are chucked in the skip. The good news is that the cells work fine and just need a bit of TLC.
Iron Solder
Plywood - 15mm Thickness
The plywood is the main part of the construction of your solar panel. Get a good sheet of flat plywood and cut it to size. We will be treating the plywood later to make sure it doesn't rot when left outside to the elements.
Soft or Preferably Hard Wood
If you get a piece of 2"x1" and cut a rebate this will make a good frame to keep the flexible-glass in place. Hardwood is best but whatever wood you get, we will protect it with UV paint.
Flexi-Glass
Flexi- glass is used to protect the solar cells and all the electrical wiring. Some people like to use special glass that has the ability to collect infrared light. This is expensive but it will make your solar panel more efficient as the infrared feature will allow you to convert the suns energy in cloudy conditions.
Soldering Wire - Tabbing Wire
This soldering wire enables you to connect the various solar cells together and so make a complete solar panel. The tabbing or soldering wire is manufactured from tin and has a very melting point.
Silicone
Silicon is used to make the solar panel water tight by filling the gap between the flexi glass and the wooden frame. It is also used to hold the cells in place.
Solder
The solar cells are joined to the copper wire using solder. The copper wires carry the current, which the solar cells have produced, to either an inverter, or batteries or to the grid. Sometimes the tabbing wire lifts of the backing board or cell, you can use the solder to stick it back down again.
Soldering Flux
A flux pen is used to assist the tabbing wire to stick to the cells. You run the pen over the area where you want the wire to be assembled and then with the aid of a soldering iron, the tabbing wire is secured in position.
UV Wood Protector
To give your solar panel assembly as longer life as possible, it is recommended that the frame which holds the flexible-glass in place and the plywood be given a coating of UV protection.
Volt Meter
The volt meter is used to test each cells output as it is assembled to the board. The output increases as you add more solar cells.
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Nov 16, 2011 15:42:38
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