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

Step 1 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

Comments

[john1968]

DIY Solar Panels are the only way to think about...
Because Commercial Panels as so expensive
It will take you 10 years to break even on commercial solar panels
Look at this diy solar panels website that calculate it
 

[earthwindwater]

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?

[SolarPoweredGardener]

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.

[drbill]

Nitrogen gas filled will stop the condensation

[mcarrell]

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??

[Don,t try this at home]

On your site what would be the best deal of solar cells so i can make a panel