475 watts of solar cells, diods, wire, flux $225 woudl you?

[rmay635703]

108 Solar Cells 6" X 6" 475 Watts. W/ Flux, Wire, Diode, Etc.

only $225.00

I am curious if any of you would bite on these, personally given the natural of solar cells I'm not sure if I could justify buying them even if free.

They are new, unused 6x6's meaning they will be very hard to handle if at all.

Anyone think I could pull off a DIY solar panel that lasts more than a year?

From what I remember to build a solar panel you need some very expensive RTV like compound to encapsulate the cell on both sides and a sandwich of tempered glass plates for either side.

These are from a place I have dealt with in the past for a panel and are reputable, I just don't think its possible to make a go of cells anymore.

Also 108 cells is only 54v nominal, enough to barely trickle a 48v pack or charge a 36v sting

[Joenavy85]

I've done a few small set ups (400 Watt Wind, 150 Watt Solar, all "12" Volt) and have had no problems using individual cells, the question is whether or not they are UV Stable. If they are, you could mount them on a sheet of plywood with a sheet of 1/4" plexiglass over them for impact protection. If they aren't I wouldn't bother spending the money.

[AltFuel]

I have assembled a few panels out of cells. It is tedious and takes alot of time but it is cheaper. One critical step for building a panel that will last for a while especially when used outside is to encapsulate the panels in some Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA). It is basically like flat clear heat shrink for the cells.

The best way I have found is to get two rigid poster boards, build the cells on one and then lay the sheet of EVA on it. Next sandwich it with the second board and flip it over. Lay a second sheet of EVA on it and then heat the panel with a heat gun to encapsulate the cells. As long as this step is done correctly the cells will resist moisture for a long time.

[deathtrain]

have you done any solar tracking?

[Phantom]

If you are going to seal the cells behind some plexy or glass it might be possible to have it double as a solar water heater allowing for slightly cooler temps in the summer and be able to run it in reverse to keep snow off in the winter. The issue is how much heat you can get out of it with out blocking the light to the cells.

To protect the contacts you could try Marine Varnish For Alternators, or see Waterproofing