DIY Solar panels for RV or off grid

   This instructable is about a couple solar panels I made while traveling in our RV. I ordered 72 solar cells from ebay. It was a kit that came with cells, flux pen, and flat buss wire. The glass came from a recycle store for 5 bucks. I got the epoxy encapsulate off ebay also. I added 3 more batteries to the RV system for extra storage. The 2 panels I made are 60 watt each. I added them to a store bought panel for a total of 240 watts. On a sunny day it has put out a steady 9+ amps.

Step 1:

                          

I tested each cell before starting. Then soldered the tabs on. Be sure to put flux on all solder points. These were tabbed cells but i had to resolder a lot of them. Solder them + to –  in series. Be very carefull as they break easy.

Step 2:

I arranged the cells along a straight edge and taped them. I left 1/8 inch gap between them.

Step 3:

I put a small dab of solder on all the points first then soldered the tabs to them. I tested them after soldering them together. I made strips of 9 cells each.  Use 2 strips of cardboard for moving and flipping the cell strings over. Be very carefull as they break very easy.

 

I layed the cell strips face down on the glass and soldered them together in series. I takes 36 cells for a 60 watt panel. I soldered the diode that came with the kit to the + end of the series and added an old lamp cord. I then poured the epoxy encapsulate from ebay over everything and carefully spread it with a paint brush, then wait and wait. It took 3 days for it to set up. I used a white garbage bag fit over the back, not really needed but it made a white background for the cells. My neighbor mounted them on the roof for me and off we went. We can now dry camp for many days without running the generator.

By aleutianwind

Source: instructables.com