using Solar Cells, To make Glass frame DIY Solar Panel

using Solar Cells, To make Glass frame DIY Solar Panel
I have made wood frame solar panels and all glass solar panels, but so far out of all the solar panels
this type of DIY solar panel is the most sealed from water.  I have made wood frame and all seem to get moisture in them. I still make them but they are good under a roof or eve .
This diy solar panel was made with all cracked 3"x6" solar cells to see if I could get the same power out of them, on the next steps I will show what all I did. http://sites.google.com/site/earthforsolar/glass-frame-diy-panel

looking for solar cells www.solarcells101.com
 
Remove these adsRemove these ads by Signing Up
 

Step 1Soldering tabbing wire on solar cells

soldering tabbing wire on solar cells
When I solder the tabbing wire on solar cells I cut all the tab wire first. If i am using 3"x6" solar cells,
I will cut two pieces of tabbing wire 6" long.  Then I soldered all the backs first. http://sites.google.com/site/earthforsolar/glass-frame-diy-panel
On this set of solar cells I used cells that were cracked all the way across, I soldered the tab wire on the back first then I used packaging clear tape and taped the bottoms. This made the cell stronger and helped to keep them from braking more in the soldering and diy solar panel making process .

www.solarcells101.com


« Previous StepDownload PDFView All StepsNext Step »
5 comments
Jan 27, 2012. 11:53 AMearthwindwater says:
Curious... With two sheets of glass like that, do you have any issues with heat? Is your output still good in the middle of the day?
Apr 2, 2011. 2:42 AMSolarPoweredGardener says:
Condensation is going to be a big problem. Unless you can make a vacuum there is no way you will stop it, and we all know water and electricity do not mix.
I have made the same panels as you but put them in an aluminum frame on top of 4mm toughened glass. I've then encapsulated them in clear epoxy resin. Have had them on the roof for over a year with no problems so far.
Jan 12, 2012. 6:18 PMdrbill says:
Nitrogen gas filled will stop the condensation
Nov 23, 2011. 1:05 PMmcarrell says:
I heard you couldn't use epoxy because it doesn't have enough give which will cause the cells to crack when they contract or expand with seasons or day/night changes...... But after a year, you see no damage to the cells??
Jun 26, 2011. 7:53 PMDon,t try this at home says:
On your site what would be the best deal of solar cells so i can make a panel

Pro

Get More Out of Instructables

Already have an Account?

close

All Steps Viewing
View all steps of an Instructable on the same page when you're a Pro Member.

Upgrade to Pro today!
4
Followers
2
Author:EARTHFORSOLAR(solarcells101)
I love solar energy and building homemade diy solar panels, that is why i put together a solar diy free E-Book at sites.google.com/site/earthforsolar and a solar and wind forum at http:...
more »