Introduction: Solar Panel Case

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About: I'm a maker. I love to create, I love to travel and I never stop dreaming...

Small photovoltaic panels are normally sold without a frame and installation support and products of this type are not easily found on the market.

Protection of this type is essential, because the panels are used outdoors and therefore are exposed to atmospheric agents and also because it is necessary to be able to orient them in order to increase their efficiency.

In fact, during the realization of an electronics project, in which I used small 3.5W photovoltaic panels, I found myself faced with the problem of installing them.

So I decided to design a special protection case, to be interfaced to a standard support for video cameras.

In this Instructable I describe what I have created, providing all the instructions to allow you to do it too.

Enjoy the reading!

Supplies

  1. Solar Panel 6V 3,5 W (for example: https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1798816500.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.21ef3696lsfHWS&gatewayAdapt=glo2ita )
  2. Solar Panel case ( https://www.tinkercad.com/things/baTjBssvbcp )
  3. Solar Panel mounting support (for example: https://www.amazon.it/ds-1296zj-h-regolabile-Universale-Fotocamera-sorveglianza/dp/B01KZP6KKI/ref=dp_prsubs_1?pd_rd_i=B01KZP6KKI&psc=1 )
  4. Cable gland PG9 (for example: https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B07V9GK4R8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 )
  5. Cable 2x1

Step 1: Print Solar Panel Case

Solar Panel case is composed by 2 parts: the frame and the closing back panel

Download the .stl attached files.

Print both parts

Attachments

Step 2: Solder Solar Panel Cable

Solder positive and negative wires on the solar panel back.

It is suggested to insulate the poles with hot glue

Step 3: Fix Solar Panel to the Frame

Fix solar panel to the frame by waterproof silicone sealant

Step 4: Pass the Cable Through the Closing Back Panel

Install cable gland on closing back panel.

Pass the cable through the cable gland of the closing back panel

Step 5: Close the Solar Panel Case

Close the solar panel case by 4 small self-tapping screws

Step 6: Install the Mounting Support

Fix the mounting support by 2 self-tapping screws

Step 7: Enjoy!

Your solar panel is ready to be installed outdoors!