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+---- Thread: DIY Solar Panels (/showthread.php?tid=3355)
DIY Solar Panels - CovertRunning - 18 November 2012
How to make solar panels.
You'll need:
Solar Cells (The 0.5 volt / 3.6 Amp type)
Soldering Iron
2 x Perspex sheets at least 3mm thick
EVA material
Araldite or silicon sealant
Heat Gun / Hair Dryer
Material for spacer 'beading'
You must essentially cover up the soldering, wire connections with EVA applying to the solar panels.
![[Image: P1020680.jpg]](http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s366/MountainHold/P1020680.jpg)
![[Image: P1020692.jpg]](http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s366/MountainHold/P1020692.jpg)
The cells are wired up in a series configuration resulting in a theoretical 8 volts from 16 cells. However in extreme sunshine this can result in a 10 volt reading.
![[Image: P1020712.jpg]](http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s366/MountainHold/P1020712.jpg)
This part will be covering the EVA application, making the 'beading', perspex fixing, environmentally sealing, confirmation voltages and then it'll be ready
![[Image: SolarPanelClamped.jpg]](http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s366/MountainHold/SolarPanelClamped.jpg)
Finished!
![[Image: P1020707.jpg]](http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s366/MountainHold/P1020707.jpg)
Cost for all materials was approx £40 or $60.
RE: DIY Solar Panels - PrepperJohn - 18 November 2012
Nice one
Could you use a vacuum sealer to seal the EVA?
RE: DIY Solar Panels - CovertRunning - 18 November 2012
(18 November 2012, 22:52)PrepperJohn Wrote: Nice one
Could you use a vacuum sealer to seal the EVA?
Maybe.
Not sure on the mechanics of those things...
Depends how big it is and if it'll interface ok with the perspex...
Your mum's or wifey's hairdrier *might* do the trick. The one use on that panel was a paint-stripper grade heater-gun...