The closer we get to moving, the more prepared we're trying to get. I have begun building solar panels! I bought my first 3 a week ago. My plan is to perfect it and then start making how-to videos with more detail start to finish than I have been able to find on the internet. There's lots of videos of soldering & building frames but not many that go all the way to the battery and further. Go big or go home!
February 14, 2012 at 6:03 PM
NICE!!! i'm interested in cost per watt data for each panel (less labor) when you get done.
February 17, 2012 at 10:51 AM
Well, on ebay I found the cells Grade A 3x6 $118.21 shipping and all for 108 cells, all tabbing wire, some solder, 3 lead boxes, and flux pen. That will make (3) 36 cell panels which is pretty typical. 36 and 72 is normal. Each cell is .5 volts @ 3.6amps, soldered in 'series' to equal 18 volts used to charge a 12 volt battery. 36 x 1.8watts = 64.8 watts
The panel frame...I found a guy on youtube that has some how-to's and he also sells his frames on ebay. I bought 3 frames from him for $124.85 shipping and all. They're really nicely cut aluminum with all the screws and brackets you need. I am about to buy the tempered glass from him as well which is $63.50 a piece. I am still looking around for cheaper deals on the glass though.
Then, I will buy the SYLGARD 184 which is the best way to seal everything up. It's a 2 part encapsulate made by DOW. It allows the back of the panel to be completely open to allow the heat to escape but not allow oxygen and moisture in. It also has a 30 year life. It's looking like I can buy this for around $40 - $45 on ebay.
So, to do the math...
Each panel will cost around $185 or less depending on glass and the deals I find on the Sylgard. Now, I COULD build them closer to $120 but they will be made of wood which doesn't seal from oxygen and heat and even moisture well. My plan is to build 12 of these size panels and then have a battery for each.
And to answer your main question, each panel will cost about $2.84 a watt which is pretty dang good for all the components and quality.
That is compared to typical "professional systems" costing anywhere from $6-$12 a watt!
February 17, 2012 at 10:53 AM
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