Newbie seeking help

[Zino mori]

Hello friends..
I am new to this forum and need to clarify a few things about solar electricity. Well, I must admit that I am totally a noob to solar electricity. If I try to build solar panels my own by buying individual cells and soldering them together, how much money can I save in percentage? I just read somewhere that it can be more expensive to build solar panels your own. Can anyone confirm this?

Thanks.

[Dave Schwartz]

I think the summary of the current discussions is that there's no way you are going to have access to first-quality components (cells, glass, framing, backsheet, adhesives and sealants) at the price that a panel manufacturer does. While you might find eBay/fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck stuff (often antiquated), how much of that are you going to turn into scrap during your learning curve and what's your time worth?

Also, "home-built" construction techniques are virtually doomed to suffer weather related failures far earlier than the industrial processes that manufacturers use to guarantee only 20% output degradation in 25 years? How much is not having to rework your panels every 5 years or less worth to you?

Basically, PV panel manufacture is now a mature business where the average individual will never be able to do it better or cheaper. If you're looking for a science project, go ahead, but if you're looking for no-maintenance, high-quality power, forget it.

[Russ Bailey]

I don't think he has an interest in solar - just dropping the link. I have seen about the same statement a couple of times - with the link.

Russ

[Rob Beckers]

Thanks for pointing that out Russ. Given that the link has nothing to do, what-so-ever, with renewable energy it has been deleted.

-RoB-

[Stephane Bois]

For those who would like to do it!

I would only recommend it for learning purpose only.

The possibility of saving is mostly low due to the ability to
reproduce consistency and get the proper product...

First before starting I suggest that you read book and look on you tube some video about it.

1- Solar cell are having many level of quality.
Grade A being the best
B low output but still good for starter project.

2- You will need to solder them together with a lot of care.
during the process you will need to check them for power consistency.
(take care or not leaving finger print,dirt...)

3- To have a long lasting life out of them you will have to encapsulate them either in TEDLAR sheath chasing all air bubble. Or in resin sylgard which isn't easy to properly achieve.(first easier but dammed more expensive)(To protect them from external element and oxydation)

4- You have to frame it in something that resist impact but without building heath in the cavity you store it...(Heath reduce power production)

So if you survive to the whole process once! You will have to redo it as many time as you will need power...2.5kw 15 panel of 170w I would not try it...

On the web the solar cell that you get cheap mostly are 3*6 and you'll need 36 to assemble for a system charging 12v at +- 3.8 amp. The whole process will cost you ruffly 200-300$ Which isn't under any warranty of you goofing...


I have a 2.6kw dual axis tracking purchased and looking to build my own solar panel for the experience of it...But I know what to expect!:nuts:

Don't dream to much and good luck to
all who want to do it on there own!