Solar panel 90 Watt/p
Do it yourself: solar panel 120X60cm!
We are going to present here the construction of a solar panel with an output of 90 Watt/p per hour. This solar panel will be capable of providing the required energy for lighting each day 2-3 sites for 4-5 hours, a 21" TV for 2-4 hours, the laptop for 2-4 hours, charging mobile phones and other small appliances!
For starters, let's see in detail all the materials that we will need for the construction of the solar panel:
The Solar Cells:
The main part of a solar panel is of course the individual small solar
cells which collect sunlight and convert it into electricity.
The solar sells that we will use here are very high performance crystalline solar cells (approximately 15% efficiency). Each solar cell gives approximately 0.6 volt and a little more than 2.5 Watt. The photo shows a polycrystalline solar cell.
The rule in the solar panels is to have 36 such cells. So, by linking 36 such cells in series we have output: 36 X 0.6 V = 21.6 Volt and about 4.5 Amperes. The upper side of the solar cell with the shades of blue (the front, is shown in the figure) is negative and the bottom (behind, the gray side, not shown in the picture) is the positive.
The interconnections of the solar cells with tab-ribbon
The interconnection material is a special tab-ribbon. In each cell there are two slim passageways where we stick the tab-ribbon with a soldering-iron 40W - 60W.
A slow transition with a slight pressure is sufficient.
The solar frame or panel:
The "frame" in which we will place solar cells that we described
above.
Here we will follow the DIY solution. Not only because it is the cheaper option since it will cost about 40-50 Euro, but the satisfaction of "Do it yourself" is indescribable (it is the same like ... the admiration of others who will see the final result: "No way you did it your self")!
In the photo, the panel that we built and which will stick to the solar cells that we saw above appears ready.
Summary:
In summary therefore, the materials that we will need are:
- 36 solar cells
- 18 meters tab-ribbon
- 5mm glass or polycarbonate UV that we would use for the back of the frame and 3mm thick glass or polycarbonate UV for the front (same size as the back)
- Silicone for the insulation of the frame.
The construction cost of the solar panel I have purchased a large amount of solar cells, because I knew that some may break in transit.
After sorting them out, the cost came to just under 200 Euros for every 36 cells that I need, along with the tab-ribbon.
The remaining material is estimated between 30 and 40 Euros. Thus, the total cost for the panel is a bit more than 200 Euros! Not bad at all...
The quality of the panel
Of course the construction quality is not comparable to the commercial solar panels but it is good. After all, at the price of one I can build two panels!
Furthermore, the heart of the panel which is the solar cells, are the same used in professional panels and are guaranteed for 25 years.
In the next page the construction of a solar energy panel begins and the first pictures are presented.
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