Solar Panel Configuration
You don't need to be an Engineer to make your own solar panels. But if you are new in making one, it is always good to start small to gain experience.
Usual configuration for 3x6 cells (0.5v) is 36 cells connected in series. This will give you around 18 volts or more, enough to charge a 12 volt battery.
And from it, you can expand with another 36 cells panel and so on.. Just make sure to consult a professional before venturing in to a lot high voltage panels. ** S a f e t y f i r s t ! **
Putting it all together..
Now that you have a full tabbed cell (pls. see Solar Cell Basic page) you can start putting it all together. I believe that visual instruction is easier to follow, then again, the pictures below show you how to solder it all together.
Apply flux on each contact point before soldering.
What I always do is line up three (3) tabbed cells (positive side up) and then solder them together..
The negative side (blue side)..
The positive side. This is how it will look like after soldering 3 cells together..
Above shows 1.56Volts for 3 (0.5volt) cells, meaning all cells are working and I did a good job soldering it.
It's always a good idea to check your soldering while it's still small, it is easier to detect a bad cell if you have one.
It's always a good idea to check your soldering while it's still small, it is easier to detect a bad cell if you have one.
Below are the pictures of how I did the Bus wire..
This is how it will look like after soldering everything. Finish product on a 1/4 inch thick plyboard.
