https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=SolarpvOpen Source Ecology - User contributions [en]2026-05-15T06:21:23ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.39.13https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=Solar_Cells&diff=120752Solar Cells2014-06-23T02:11:05Z<p>Solarpv: /* List of Solar Cell Manufacturers and Price */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Category=Solar Power}}<br />
Also see the [[Solar Panels at Factor e Farm]]<br />
<br />
=Solar Cells=<br />
<br />
These are the solar cells that we have from [http://www.ersol.de/en/products/solarcells/multicrystallinecells/solarcelle6bluepower/ Ersol]<br />
[[Image:solar cell.jpg]]<br />
[[Image:solar cell back.jpg]]<br />
[[Image:bluepower.gif]]<br />
==Soldering Contacts==<br />
<br />
Recommendations for processing:<br />
<br />
* maximum of 24 cells per bypass diode<br />
* solder joint<br />
**tin-coated copper strips<br />
**2.3 mm x 0.15 mm<br />
<br />
Bypass diodes - [http://www.udel.edu/igert/pvcdrom/index.html]<br />
<br />
Diode, 8 amp, $2.25 - [http://store.solar-electric.com/8ampbypdiod.html]<br />
<br />
==Air Mass Calculation==<br />
<br />
In winter, the sun at high noon travels through an air mass of 2.2. See calculator at<br />
<br />
http://www.udel.edu/igert/pvcdrom/SUNLIGHT/AIRMASS.HTM<br />
<br />
This means that the solar irradiance available to the solar cells is about 0.8 kW per square meter, compared to 1 kW per square meter in summer.<br />
<br />
=Soldering=<br />
#SN60 40/60 and SN 63 is widely available in the plumbing section at your local/global enterprise hardware store. SN refers to tin, thus 60%, and the rest is lead.<br><br />
Technique is such that a low power iron or variable power iron is required. High power is generally for plumbing applications. High power will cause the solder to ball up and be of little use. The guide below is the most detailed description we have of how to solder the leads or "tabs" to the cells. If anyone has more info on this topic let us know please! <br />
#WORKING QUESTIONS: <br />
#1. alternatives to lead? lead free solder that still works for this application? given the lifetime of the panels and amount of PB necessarily a huge factor?<br />
#2. Width of solder? many sizes available, usually .31 and .75 are widely available. No guides<br />
<br />
=Encapsulation=<br />
#Information on encapsulation from Ebay - [http://cgi.ebay.com/Solar-Panels-Cells-How-To-Guide-Ver-1-5-EVA-Update_W0QQitemZ350035285233QQihZ022QQcategoryZ41981QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem]<br />
'''Comment''': item appears to be unavailable; 2 negative feedbacks on item not being delivered<br />
#YouTube video on encapsulation - [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYeynLy6pj8&mode=related&search]<br />
#Instructables reference - [http://www.instructables.com/id/SIBMZ38FDO29L3U/]<br />
<br />
=Soldering Leads to Solar Cells=<br />
To solder your solar cells, you must use a tow temperature solder iron (if you have a variable temperature iron, set it for 280' C) Use only good quality resin or rosin core SN60, 60/40 or SN63 solder and follow these steps:<br />
1 Wear eye protection safety goggles or safety eyeglasses<br />
2.Set cell on a cardboard surface.<br />
3.Carefully scrape the metal bar on top of the cell with a hoboy knife or razor blade. Be very careful not to scrape too hard as you can easily break the cell The oar should be shiny where you have scraped.<br />
4.Now draw the tip of your iron and some solder across the bar where you have scraped it and the solder should adhere. Now, carefully attach a flexible 28 ga (small) lead to the sokler contact (youII have to reheat it).<br />
5.Note: if the solder just balls up:<br><br />
a.Your soldering iron tip rs too hot<br><br />
OR<br><br />
b.You didn't scrape the bar properly<br />
6. After you have made your connection to the top, let it cool and then flip the cell over 7 You should not scrape the bottom as the solder will adhere without any special treatments. Just remember these facts<br />
a.On cells that have a dark gray background youH see squared off 'silver" areas to solder to.<br />
b.On all silver colored cell backs, solder to the "dull" looking areas only.<br />
<br />
=Practical Guides=<br />
<br />
http://www.sungroper.asn.au/project/solar-panel.html <br />
<br />
and <br />
<br />
http://www.goodideacreative.com/solarpanel.html<br />
<br />
are the best guides so far.<br />
<br />
=List of Solar Cell Manufacturers and Price=<br />
<br />
A list of international solar cell manufacturers can be found here:<br />
<br />
[http://www.enfsolar.com/directory/cell Solar Cell Manufacturers]<br />
<br />
A list of solar cells showing specifications and price can be found here:<br />
<br />
[http://www.enfsolar.com/pv/cell Solar Cell Database]<br />
<br />
=Further Information=<br />
<br />
From Richard Schulte:<br />
<br />
Most of the guides I have seen have all said the exact same thing about soldering the cells together. The process seems to be simple and more time consuming than anything. When it comes to encapsulating, however, there is a large amount of variance, though more people use plexiglass than I had thought would. Several guides have suggested the same sealant:<br><br />
http://pyronet.50megs.com/RePower/Homemade%20Solar%20Panels.htm<br><br />
<br />
Edit: I've been informed that fiberglass resin is a polyester resin and will not hold the moisture out very well. The best thing to use, which I'm switching to is a aluminum epoxy type sealer called ALUTHANE which can be found Here. <http://www.epoxyproducts.com/e_nonepoxy.html>"<br><br />
<br />
We need to make sure you have the right kind of soldering iron as well. It must be fixed at low temperature or have a variable temp, or else the kind of solder we are using will ball up. One site, http://www.mdpub.com/SolarPanel/index.html, suggested mounting them on pegboard, and using silicone caulk to attach them.<br><br><br />
<br />
=Materials and Implementation for Factor e Farm=<br />
<br />
[[Solar Panels at Factor e Farm]]<br />
<br />
=Links=<br />
*[http://www.sungroper.asn.au/project/solar-panel.html Solar Panel Construction]<br><br />
*[http://pyronet.50megs.com/RePower/Homemade%20Solar%20Panels.htm Homemade Solar Panels - Pyronet]<br><br />
*[http://www.mdpub.com/SolarPanel/index.html Homemade Solar Panels - MDPub]<br><br />
*[http://www.goodideacreative.com/solarpanel.html Homemade Solar Panels - Good Idea Creative Services]<br><br />
*[http://www.virtualsecrets.com/build-a-solar-panel.html Homemade Solar Panels - VirtualSecrets]<br><br />
*[http://www.siliconsolar.com/practical-photovoltaics-p-16423.html Book on PVs]<br><br />
*[http://www.greenlivings.biz/home-made-renewable-energy/home-solar-energy/diy-home-solar-panels/learn-how-to-build-solar-panels-from-scratch Homemade Solar Panels - Green Livings]<br></div>Solarpvhttps://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=Sun-tracking&diff=120751Sun-tracking2014-06-23T02:07:23Z<p>Solarpv: /* List of Solar Tracker Manufacturers */</p>
<hr />
<div>Sun-tracking is necessary to get the high power densities desired for [[Solar Concentrators]].<br />
<br />
== Feedback based tracking ==<br />
<br />
Feedback based tracking relies upon a light sensitive electronic circuit which adjusts the inclination of the reflectors to maximize the amount of light received by the circuit. <br />
<br />
The [http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3x Redrok tracker] is an example of this. However, the redrok circuit is a non-optical tracker, and adjusts itself to point towards the direction of the highest average light level. On a perfectly clear day, this would be directly at the sun. On a cloudy day (even when the sun is not obstructed), or in the presence of a snow covered hillside, house, etc., this direction would be towards some point in between the sun and the other sources of light (white cloud, snow bank, etc.) <br />
<br />
I am told by the designer of the Redrok circuit that it would not perform adequately in a situation where the receiver aperture is about the same size as the reflected image due to this error. His circuit is used by (point focusing) solar cookers where the reflector target is 3 times the diameter of the solar image.<br />
<br />
According to the Redrok engineer, an alternative to this would be an optical feedback circuit, where a lens focuses light on the photo sensor. this way, the focusable rays of the sun would give a very strong signal when the circuit is correctly aligned. This setup would be run in parallel with a non-optical tracker, which would track close enough to the sun for the lensing apparatus to begin to be effective and thus overpower the averaged signal of the non-optical sensors. For a linear collector arrangement, this would require a linear lens. <br />
<br />
The redrok engineer however was once given the advise "don't try to invent to many things at once", and since he hasn't ever built a linear optical tracker (and doesn't have a source for linear lenses), his initial advise is to avoid trying to develop this technique right now. <br />
<br />
==Sun's path calculation based trackers==<br />
<br />
Rather than relying on feedback, this method uses an equation (or tables of values) to calculate the sun's path and the appropriate rotation of the mirrors. Such could be implemented through a computer running a program with output to a stepper motor or linear actuator via parallel or serial port. It could also be implemented with a microcontroller ([http://www.arduino.cc/ Arduino board]), which would be a much lower power solution.<br />
<br />
This is the current recommendation of the Redrok engineer for our project.<br />
<br />
<br />
== List of Solar Tracker Manufacturers ==<br />
<br />
A list of global solar tracker manufacturers can be found here:<br />
<br />
[http://www.enfsolar.com/directory/component/tracker Solar Tracker Manufacturers]<br />
<br />
==Related pages==<br />
[[Heliostat]], [[Open Heliostat Array Project]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Energy]]<br />
[[Category:Solar Power]]</div>Solarpvhttps://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=Sun-tracking&diff=120750Sun-tracking2014-06-23T02:04:05Z<p>Solarpv: /* List of Solar Tracker Manufacturers */</p>
<hr />
<div>Sun-tracking is necessary to get the high power densities desired for [[Solar Concentrators]].<br />
<br />
== Feedback based tracking ==<br />
<br />
Feedback based tracking relies upon a light sensitive electronic circuit which adjusts the inclination of the reflectors to maximize the amount of light received by the circuit. <br />
<br />
The [http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3x Redrok tracker] is an example of this. However, the redrok circuit is a non-optical tracker, and adjusts itself to point towards the direction of the highest average light level. On a perfectly clear day, this would be directly at the sun. On a cloudy day (even when the sun is not obstructed), or in the presence of a snow covered hillside, house, etc., this direction would be towards some point in between the sun and the other sources of light (white cloud, snow bank, etc.) <br />
<br />
I am told by the designer of the Redrok circuit that it would not perform adequately in a situation where the receiver aperture is about the same size as the reflected image due to this error. His circuit is used by (point focusing) solar cookers where the reflector target is 3 times the diameter of the solar image.<br />
<br />
According to the Redrok engineer, an alternative to this would be an optical feedback circuit, where a lens focuses light on the photo sensor. this way, the focusable rays of the sun would give a very strong signal when the circuit is correctly aligned. This setup would be run in parallel with a non-optical tracker, which would track close enough to the sun for the lensing apparatus to begin to be effective and thus overpower the averaged signal of the non-optical sensors. For a linear collector arrangement, this would require a linear lens. <br />
<br />
The redrok engineer however was once given the advise "don't try to invent to many things at once", and since he hasn't ever built a linear optical tracker (and doesn't have a source for linear lenses), his initial advise is to avoid trying to develop this technique right now. <br />
<br />
==Sun's path calculation based trackers==<br />
<br />
Rather than relying on feedback, this method uses an equation (or tables of values) to calculate the sun's path and the appropriate rotation of the mirrors. Such could be implemented through a computer running a program with output to a stepper motor or linear actuator via parallel or serial port. It could also be implemented with a microcontroller ([http://www.arduino.cc/ Arduino board]), which would be a much lower power solution.<br />
<br />
This is the current recommendation of the Redrok engineer for our project.<br />
<br />
<br />
== List of Solar Tracker Manufacturers ==<br />
<br />
A list of global solar tracker manufacturers can be found here:<br />
<br />
([http://www.enfsolar.com/directory/component/tracker])<br />
<br />
==Related pages==<br />
[[Heliostat]], [[Open Heliostat Array Project]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Energy]]<br />
[[Category:Solar Power]]</div>Solarpvhttps://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=Sun-tracking&diff=120749Sun-tracking2014-06-23T02:00:37Z<p>Solarpv: /* List of Solar Tracker Manufacturers */</p>
<hr />
<div>Sun-tracking is necessary to get the high power densities desired for [[Solar Concentrators]].<br />
<br />
== Feedback based tracking ==<br />
<br />
Feedback based tracking relies upon a light sensitive electronic circuit which adjusts the inclination of the reflectors to maximize the amount of light received by the circuit. <br />
<br />
The [http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3x Redrok tracker] is an example of this. However, the redrok circuit is a non-optical tracker, and adjusts itself to point towards the direction of the highest average light level. On a perfectly clear day, this would be directly at the sun. On a cloudy day (even when the sun is not obstructed), or in the presence of a snow covered hillside, house, etc., this direction would be towards some point in between the sun and the other sources of light (white cloud, snow bank, etc.) <br />
<br />
I am told by the designer of the Redrok circuit that it would not perform adequately in a situation where the receiver aperture is about the same size as the reflected image due to this error. His circuit is used by (point focusing) solar cookers where the reflector target is 3 times the diameter of the solar image.<br />
<br />
According to the Redrok engineer, an alternative to this would be an optical feedback circuit, where a lens focuses light on the photo sensor. this way, the focusable rays of the sun would give a very strong signal when the circuit is correctly aligned. This setup would be run in parallel with a non-optical tracker, which would track close enough to the sun for the lensing apparatus to begin to be effective and thus overpower the averaged signal of the non-optical sensors. For a linear collector arrangement, this would require a linear lens. <br />
<br />
The redrok engineer however was once given the advise "don't try to invent to many things at once", and since he hasn't ever built a linear optical tracker (and doesn't have a source for linear lenses), his initial advise is to avoid trying to develop this technique right now. <br />
<br />
==Sun's path calculation based trackers==<br />
<br />
Rather than relying on feedback, this method uses an equation (or tables of values) to calculate the sun's path and the appropriate rotation of the mirrors. Such could be implemented through a computer running a program with output to a stepper motor or linear actuator via parallel or serial port. It could also be implemented with a microcontroller ([http://www.arduino.cc/ Arduino board]), which would be a much lower power solution.<br />
<br />
This is the current recommendation of the Redrok engineer for our project.<br />
<br />
<br />
== List of Solar Tracker Manufacturers ==<br />
<br />
A list of global solar tracker manufacturers can be found here:<br />
<br />
http://www.enfsolar.com/directory/component/tracker<br />
<br />
==Related pages==<br />
[[Heliostat]], [[Open Heliostat Array Project]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Energy]]<br />
[[Category:Solar Power]]</div>Solarpvhttps://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=Sun-tracking&diff=120748Sun-tracking2014-06-23T01:56:48Z<p>Solarpv: /* List of Solar Tracker Companies */</p>
<hr />
<div>Sun-tracking is necessary to get the high power densities desired for [[Solar Concentrators]].<br />
<br />
== Feedback based tracking ==<br />
<br />
Feedback based tracking relies upon a light sensitive electronic circuit which adjusts the inclination of the reflectors to maximize the amount of light received by the circuit. <br />
<br />
The [http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3x Redrok tracker] is an example of this. However, the redrok circuit is a non-optical tracker, and adjusts itself to point towards the direction of the highest average light level. On a perfectly clear day, this would be directly at the sun. On a cloudy day (even when the sun is not obstructed), or in the presence of a snow covered hillside, house, etc., this direction would be towards some point in between the sun and the other sources of light (white cloud, snow bank, etc.) <br />
<br />
I am told by the designer of the Redrok circuit that it would not perform adequately in a situation where the receiver aperture is about the same size as the reflected image due to this error. His circuit is used by (point focusing) solar cookers where the reflector target is 3 times the diameter of the solar image.<br />
<br />
According to the Redrok engineer, an alternative to this would be an optical feedback circuit, where a lens focuses light on the photo sensor. this way, the focusable rays of the sun would give a very strong signal when the circuit is correctly aligned. This setup would be run in parallel with a non-optical tracker, which would track close enough to the sun for the lensing apparatus to begin to be effective and thus overpower the averaged signal of the non-optical sensors. For a linear collector arrangement, this would require a linear lens. <br />
<br />
The redrok engineer however was once given the advise "don't try to invent to many things at once", and since he hasn't ever built a linear optical tracker (and doesn't have a source for linear lenses), his initial advise is to avoid trying to develop this technique right now. <br />
<br />
==Sun's path calculation based trackers==<br />
<br />
Rather than relying on feedback, this method uses an equation (or tables of values) to calculate the sun's path and the appropriate rotation of the mirrors. Such could be implemented through a computer running a program with output to a stepper motor or linear actuator via parallel or serial port. It could also be implemented with a microcontroller ([http://www.arduino.cc/ Arduino board]), which would be a much lower power solution.<br />
<br />
This is the current recommendation of the Redrok engineer for our project.<br />
<br />
<br />
== List of Solar Tracker Manufacturers ==<br />
<br />
A list of global solar tracker manufacturers can be found here:<br />
<br />
[[Media:http://www.enfsolar.com/directory/component/tracker]]<br />
<br />
==Related pages==<br />
[[Heliostat]], [[Open Heliostat Array Project]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Energy]]<br />
[[Category:Solar Power]]</div>Solarpvhttps://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=Sun-tracking&diff=120747Sun-tracking2014-06-23T01:53:13Z<p>Solarpv: /* List of Solar Tracker Companies */</p>
<hr />
<div>Sun-tracking is necessary to get the high power densities desired for [[Solar Concentrators]].<br />
<br />
== Feedback based tracking ==<br />
<br />
Feedback based tracking relies upon a light sensitive electronic circuit which adjusts the inclination of the reflectors to maximize the amount of light received by the circuit. <br />
<br />
The [http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3x Redrok tracker] is an example of this. However, the redrok circuit is a non-optical tracker, and adjusts itself to point towards the direction of the highest average light level. On a perfectly clear day, this would be directly at the sun. On a cloudy day (even when the sun is not obstructed), or in the presence of a snow covered hillside, house, etc., this direction would be towards some point in between the sun and the other sources of light (white cloud, snow bank, etc.) <br />
<br />
I am told by the designer of the Redrok circuit that it would not perform adequately in a situation where the receiver aperture is about the same size as the reflected image due to this error. His circuit is used by (point focusing) solar cookers where the reflector target is 3 times the diameter of the solar image.<br />
<br />
According to the Redrok engineer, an alternative to this would be an optical feedback circuit, where a lens focuses light on the photo sensor. this way, the focusable rays of the sun would give a very strong signal when the circuit is correctly aligned. This setup would be run in parallel with a non-optical tracker, which would track close enough to the sun for the lensing apparatus to begin to be effective and thus overpower the averaged signal of the non-optical sensors. For a linear collector arrangement, this would require a linear lens. <br />
<br />
The redrok engineer however was once given the advise "don't try to invent to many things at once", and since he hasn't ever built a linear optical tracker (and doesn't have a source for linear lenses), his initial advise is to avoid trying to develop this technique right now. <br />
<br />
==Sun's path calculation based trackers==<br />
<br />
Rather than relying on feedback, this method uses an equation (or tables of values) to calculate the sun's path and the appropriate rotation of the mirrors. Such could be implemented through a computer running a program with output to a stepper motor or linear actuator via parallel or serial port. It could also be implemented with a microcontroller ([http://www.arduino.cc/ Arduino board]), which would be a much lower power solution.<br />
<br />
This is the current recommendation of the Redrok engineer for our project.<br />
<br />
<br />
== List of Solar Tracker Companies==<br />
<br />
A list of global solar tracker companies can be found here:<br />
<br />
[http://www.enfsolar.com/directory/component/tracker]<br />
<br />
==Related pages==<br />
[[Heliostat]], [[Open Heliostat Array Project]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Energy]]<br />
[[Category:Solar Power]]</div>Solarpvhttps://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=Sun-tracking&diff=120746Sun-tracking2014-06-23T01:51:53Z<p>Solarpv: /* List of Solar Tracker Companies */</p>
<hr />
<div>Sun-tracking is necessary to get the high power densities desired for [[Solar Concentrators]].<br />
<br />
== Feedback based tracking ==<br />
<br />
Feedback based tracking relies upon a light sensitive electronic circuit which adjusts the inclination of the reflectors to maximize the amount of light received by the circuit. <br />
<br />
The [http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3x Redrok tracker] is an example of this. However, the redrok circuit is a non-optical tracker, and adjusts itself to point towards the direction of the highest average light level. On a perfectly clear day, this would be directly at the sun. On a cloudy day (even when the sun is not obstructed), or in the presence of a snow covered hillside, house, etc., this direction would be towards some point in between the sun and the other sources of light (white cloud, snow bank, etc.) <br />
<br />
I am told by the designer of the Redrok circuit that it would not perform adequately in a situation where the receiver aperture is about the same size as the reflected image due to this error. His circuit is used by (point focusing) solar cookers where the reflector target is 3 times the diameter of the solar image.<br />
<br />
According to the Redrok engineer, an alternative to this would be an optical feedback circuit, where a lens focuses light on the photo sensor. this way, the focusable rays of the sun would give a very strong signal when the circuit is correctly aligned. This setup would be run in parallel with a non-optical tracker, which would track close enough to the sun for the lensing apparatus to begin to be effective and thus overpower the averaged signal of the non-optical sensors. For a linear collector arrangement, this would require a linear lens. <br />
<br />
The redrok engineer however was once given the advise "don't try to invent to many things at once", and since he hasn't ever built a linear optical tracker (and doesn't have a source for linear lenses), his initial advise is to avoid trying to develop this technique right now. <br />
<br />
==Sun's path calculation based trackers==<br />
<br />
Rather than relying on feedback, this method uses an equation (or tables of values) to calculate the sun's path and the appropriate rotation of the mirrors. Such could be implemented through a computer running a program with output to a stepper motor or linear actuator via parallel or serial port. It could also be implemented with a microcontroller ([http://www.arduino.cc/ Arduino board]), which would be a much lower power solution.<br />
<br />
This is the current recommendation of the Redrok engineer for our project.<br />
<br />
<br />
== List of Solar Tracker Companies==<br />
<br />
A list of global solar tracker companies can be found here:<br />
<br />
(http://www.enfsolar.com/directory/component/tracker)<br />
<br />
==Related pages==<br />
[[Heliostat]], [[Open Heliostat Array Project]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Energy]]<br />
[[Category:Solar Power]]</div>Solarpvhttps://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=Sun-tracking&diff=120745Sun-tracking2014-06-23T01:50:34Z<p>Solarpv: /* List of Solar Tracker Companies */</p>
<hr />
<div>Sun-tracking is necessary to get the high power densities desired for [[Solar Concentrators]].<br />
<br />
== Feedback based tracking ==<br />
<br />
Feedback based tracking relies upon a light sensitive electronic circuit which adjusts the inclination of the reflectors to maximize the amount of light received by the circuit. <br />
<br />
The [http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3x Redrok tracker] is an example of this. However, the redrok circuit is a non-optical tracker, and adjusts itself to point towards the direction of the highest average light level. On a perfectly clear day, this would be directly at the sun. On a cloudy day (even when the sun is not obstructed), or in the presence of a snow covered hillside, house, etc., this direction would be towards some point in between the sun and the other sources of light (white cloud, snow bank, etc.) <br />
<br />
I am told by the designer of the Redrok circuit that it would not perform adequately in a situation where the receiver aperture is about the same size as the reflected image due to this error. His circuit is used by (point focusing) solar cookers where the reflector target is 3 times the diameter of the solar image.<br />
<br />
According to the Redrok engineer, an alternative to this would be an optical feedback circuit, where a lens focuses light on the photo sensor. this way, the focusable rays of the sun would give a very strong signal when the circuit is correctly aligned. This setup would be run in parallel with a non-optical tracker, which would track close enough to the sun for the lensing apparatus to begin to be effective and thus overpower the averaged signal of the non-optical sensors. For a linear collector arrangement, this would require a linear lens. <br />
<br />
The redrok engineer however was once given the advise "don't try to invent to many things at once", and since he hasn't ever built a linear optical tracker (and doesn't have a source for linear lenses), his initial advise is to avoid trying to develop this technique right now. <br />
<br />
==Sun's path calculation based trackers==<br />
<br />
Rather than relying on feedback, this method uses an equation (or tables of values) to calculate the sun's path and the appropriate rotation of the mirrors. Such could be implemented through a computer running a program with output to a stepper motor or linear actuator via parallel or serial port. It could also be implemented with a microcontroller ([http://www.arduino.cc/ Arduino board]), which would be a much lower power solution.<br />
<br />
This is the current recommendation of the Redrok engineer for our project.<br />
<br />
<br />
== List of Solar Tracker Companies==<br />
<br />
A list of global solar tracker companies can be found here:<br />
<br />
([http://www.enfsolar.com/directory/component/tracker])<br />
<br />
==Related pages==<br />
[[Heliostat]], [[Open Heliostat Array Project]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Energy]]<br />
[[Category:Solar Power]]</div>Solarpvhttps://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=Sun-tracking&diff=120744Sun-tracking2014-06-23T01:49:46Z<p>Solarpv: /* List of Solar Tracker Companies */</p>
<hr />
<div>Sun-tracking is necessary to get the high power densities desired for [[Solar Concentrators]].<br />
<br />
== Feedback based tracking ==<br />
<br />
Feedback based tracking relies upon a light sensitive electronic circuit which adjusts the inclination of the reflectors to maximize the amount of light received by the circuit. <br />
<br />
The [http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3x Redrok tracker] is an example of this. However, the redrok circuit is a non-optical tracker, and adjusts itself to point towards the direction of the highest average light level. On a perfectly clear day, this would be directly at the sun. On a cloudy day (even when the sun is not obstructed), or in the presence of a snow covered hillside, house, etc., this direction would be towards some point in between the sun and the other sources of light (white cloud, snow bank, etc.) <br />
<br />
I am told by the designer of the Redrok circuit that it would not perform adequately in a situation where the receiver aperture is about the same size as the reflected image due to this error. His circuit is used by (point focusing) solar cookers where the reflector target is 3 times the diameter of the solar image.<br />
<br />
According to the Redrok engineer, an alternative to this would be an optical feedback circuit, where a lens focuses light on the photo sensor. this way, the focusable rays of the sun would give a very strong signal when the circuit is correctly aligned. This setup would be run in parallel with a non-optical tracker, which would track close enough to the sun for the lensing apparatus to begin to be effective and thus overpower the averaged signal of the non-optical sensors. For a linear collector arrangement, this would require a linear lens. <br />
<br />
The redrok engineer however was once given the advise "don't try to invent to many things at once", and since he hasn't ever built a linear optical tracker (and doesn't have a source for linear lenses), his initial advise is to avoid trying to develop this technique right now. <br />
<br />
==Sun's path calculation based trackers==<br />
<br />
Rather than relying on feedback, this method uses an equation (or tables of values) to calculate the sun's path and the appropriate rotation of the mirrors. Such could be implemented through a computer running a program with output to a stepper motor or linear actuator via parallel or serial port. It could also be implemented with a microcontroller ([http://www.arduino.cc/ Arduino board]), which would be a much lower power solution.<br />
<br />
This is the current recommendation of the Redrok engineer for our project.<br />
<br />
<br />
== List of Solar Tracker Companies==<br />
<br />
A list of global solar tracker companies can be found here:<br />
<br />
(Solar Tracker Manufacturers[[http://www.enfsolar.com/directory/component/tracker]])<br />
<br />
==Related pages==<br />
[[Heliostat]], [[Open Heliostat Array Project]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Energy]]<br />
[[Category:Solar Power]]</div>Solarpvhttps://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=Sun-tracking&diff=120743Sun-tracking2014-06-23T01:48:29Z<p>Solarpv: /* List of Solar Tracker Companies */</p>
<hr />
<div>Sun-tracking is necessary to get the high power densities desired for [[Solar Concentrators]].<br />
<br />
== Feedback based tracking ==<br />
<br />
Feedback based tracking relies upon a light sensitive electronic circuit which adjusts the inclination of the reflectors to maximize the amount of light received by the circuit. <br />
<br />
The [http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3x Redrok tracker] is an example of this. However, the redrok circuit is a non-optical tracker, and adjusts itself to point towards the direction of the highest average light level. On a perfectly clear day, this would be directly at the sun. On a cloudy day (even when the sun is not obstructed), or in the presence of a snow covered hillside, house, etc., this direction would be towards some point in between the sun and the other sources of light (white cloud, snow bank, etc.) <br />
<br />
I am told by the designer of the Redrok circuit that it would not perform adequately in a situation where the receiver aperture is about the same size as the reflected image due to this error. His circuit is used by (point focusing) solar cookers where the reflector target is 3 times the diameter of the solar image.<br />
<br />
According to the Redrok engineer, an alternative to this would be an optical feedback circuit, where a lens focuses light on the photo sensor. this way, the focusable rays of the sun would give a very strong signal when the circuit is correctly aligned. This setup would be run in parallel with a non-optical tracker, which would track close enough to the sun for the lensing apparatus to begin to be effective and thus overpower the averaged signal of the non-optical sensors. For a linear collector arrangement, this would require a linear lens. <br />
<br />
The redrok engineer however was once given the advise "don't try to invent to many things at once", and since he hasn't ever built a linear optical tracker (and doesn't have a source for linear lenses), his initial advise is to avoid trying to develop this technique right now. <br />
<br />
==Sun's path calculation based trackers==<br />
<br />
Rather than relying on feedback, this method uses an equation (or tables of values) to calculate the sun's path and the appropriate rotation of the mirrors. Such could be implemented through a computer running a program with output to a stepper motor or linear actuator via parallel or serial port. It could also be implemented with a microcontroller ([http://www.arduino.cc/ Arduino board]), which would be a much lower power solution.<br />
<br />
This is the current recommendation of the Redrok engineer for our project.<br />
<br />
<br />
== List of Solar Tracker Companies==<br />
<br />
A list of global solar tracker companies can be found here:<br />
<br />
Solar Tracker Manufacturers[[http://www.enfsolar.com/directory/component/tracker]]<br />
<br />
==Related pages==<br />
[[Heliostat]], [[Open Heliostat Array Project]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Energy]]<br />
[[Category:Solar Power]]</div>Solarpvhttps://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=Sun-tracking&diff=120742Sun-tracking2014-06-23T01:45:57Z<p>Solarpv: /* Related pages */</p>
<hr />
<div>Sun-tracking is necessary to get the high power densities desired for [[Solar Concentrators]].<br />
<br />
== Feedback based tracking ==<br />
<br />
Feedback based tracking relies upon a light sensitive electronic circuit which adjusts the inclination of the reflectors to maximize the amount of light received by the circuit. <br />
<br />
The [http://www.redrok.com/electron.htm#led3x Redrok tracker] is an example of this. However, the redrok circuit is a non-optical tracker, and adjusts itself to point towards the direction of the highest average light level. On a perfectly clear day, this would be directly at the sun. On a cloudy day (even when the sun is not obstructed), or in the presence of a snow covered hillside, house, etc., this direction would be towards some point in between the sun and the other sources of light (white cloud, snow bank, etc.) <br />
<br />
I am told by the designer of the Redrok circuit that it would not perform adequately in a situation where the receiver aperture is about the same size as the reflected image due to this error. His circuit is used by (point focusing) solar cookers where the reflector target is 3 times the diameter of the solar image.<br />
<br />
According to the Redrok engineer, an alternative to this would be an optical feedback circuit, where a lens focuses light on the photo sensor. this way, the focusable rays of the sun would give a very strong signal when the circuit is correctly aligned. This setup would be run in parallel with a non-optical tracker, which would track close enough to the sun for the lensing apparatus to begin to be effective and thus overpower the averaged signal of the non-optical sensors. For a linear collector arrangement, this would require a linear lens. <br />
<br />
The redrok engineer however was once given the advise "don't try to invent to many things at once", and since he hasn't ever built a linear optical tracker (and doesn't have a source for linear lenses), his initial advise is to avoid trying to develop this technique right now. <br />
<br />
==Sun's path calculation based trackers==<br />
<br />
Rather than relying on feedback, this method uses an equation (or tables of values) to calculate the sun's path and the appropriate rotation of the mirrors. Such could be implemented through a computer running a program with output to a stepper motor or linear actuator via parallel or serial port. It could also be implemented with a microcontroller ([http://www.arduino.cc/ Arduino board]), which would be a much lower power solution.<br />
<br />
This is the current recommendation of the Redrok engineer for our project.<br />
<br />
<br />
== List of Solar Tracker Companies==<br />
<br />
A list of global solar tracker companies can be found here:<br />
<br />
[[http://www.enfsolar.com/directory/component/tracker]]<br />
<br />
==Related pages==<br />
[[Heliostat]], [[Open Heliostat Array Project]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Energy]]<br />
[[Category:Solar Power]]</div>Solarpvhttps://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=Solar_Cells&diff=120741Solar Cells2014-06-23T01:28:54Z<p>Solarpv: /* List of Solar Cell Manufacturers and Price */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Category=Solar Power}}<br />
Also see the [[Solar Panels at Factor e Farm]]<br />
<br />
=Solar Cells=<br />
<br />
These are the solar cells that we have from [http://www.ersol.de/en/products/solarcells/multicrystallinecells/solarcelle6bluepower/ Ersol]<br />
[[Image:solar cell.jpg]]<br />
[[Image:solar cell back.jpg]]<br />
[[Image:bluepower.gif]]<br />
==Soldering Contacts==<br />
<br />
Recommendations for processing:<br />
<br />
* maximum of 24 cells per bypass diode<br />
* solder joint<br />
**tin-coated copper strips<br />
**2.3 mm x 0.15 mm<br />
<br />
Bypass diodes - [http://www.udel.edu/igert/pvcdrom/index.html]<br />
<br />
Diode, 8 amp, $2.25 - [http://store.solar-electric.com/8ampbypdiod.html]<br />
<br />
==Air Mass Calculation==<br />
<br />
In winter, the sun at high noon travels through an air mass of 2.2. See calculator at<br />
<br />
http://www.udel.edu/igert/pvcdrom/SUNLIGHT/AIRMASS.HTM<br />
<br />
This means that the solar irradiance available to the solar cells is about 0.8 kW per square meter, compared to 1 kW per square meter in summer.<br />
<br />
=Soldering=<br />
#SN60 40/60 and SN 63 is widely available in the plumbing section at your local/global enterprise hardware store. SN refers to tin, thus 60%, and the rest is lead.<br><br />
Technique is such that a low power iron or variable power iron is required. High power is generally for plumbing applications. High power will cause the solder to ball up and be of little use. The guide below is the most detailed description we have of how to solder the leads or "tabs" to the cells. If anyone has more info on this topic let us know please! <br />
#WORKING QUESTIONS: <br />
#1. alternatives to lead? lead free solder that still works for this application? given the lifetime of the panels and amount of PB necessarily a huge factor?<br />
#2. Width of solder? many sizes available, usually .31 and .75 are widely available. No guides<br />
<br />
=Encapsulation=<br />
#Information on encapsulation from Ebay - [http://cgi.ebay.com/Solar-Panels-Cells-How-To-Guide-Ver-1-5-EVA-Update_W0QQitemZ350035285233QQihZ022QQcategoryZ41981QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem]<br />
'''Comment''': item appears to be unavailable; 2 negative feedbacks on item not being delivered<br />
#YouTube video on encapsulation - [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYeynLy6pj8&mode=related&search]<br />
#Instructables reference - [http://www.instructables.com/id/SIBMZ38FDO29L3U/]<br />
<br />
=Soldering Leads to Solar Cells=<br />
To solder your solar cells, you must use a tow temperature solder iron (if you have a variable temperature iron, set it for 280' C) Use only good quality resin or rosin core SN60, 60/40 or SN63 solder and follow these steps:<br />
1 Wear eye protection safety goggles or safety eyeglasses<br />
2.Set cell on a cardboard surface.<br />
3.Carefully scrape the metal bar on top of the cell with a hoboy knife or razor blade. Be very careful not to scrape too hard as you can easily break the cell The oar should be shiny where you have scraped.<br />
4.Now draw the tip of your iron and some solder across the bar where you have scraped it and the solder should adhere. Now, carefully attach a flexible 28 ga (small) lead to the sokler contact (youII have to reheat it).<br />
5.Note: if the solder just balls up:<br><br />
a.Your soldering iron tip rs too hot<br><br />
OR<br><br />
b.You didn't scrape the bar properly<br />
6. After you have made your connection to the top, let it cool and then flip the cell over 7 You should not scrape the bottom as the solder will adhere without any special treatments. Just remember these facts<br />
a.On cells that have a dark gray background youH see squared off 'silver" areas to solder to.<br />
b.On all silver colored cell backs, solder to the "dull" looking areas only.<br />
<br />
=Practical Guides=<br />
<br />
http://www.sungroper.asn.au/project/solar-panel.html <br />
<br />
and <br />
<br />
http://www.goodideacreative.com/solarpanel.html<br />
<br />
are the best guides so far.<br />
<br />
=List of Solar Cell Manufacturers and Price=<br />
<br />
A list of international solar cell manufacturers can be found here:<br />
<br />
http://www.enfsolar.com/directory/cell<br />
<br />
A list of solar cells showing specifications and price can be found here:<br />
<br />
http://www.enfsolar.com/pv/cell<br />
<br />
=Further Information=<br />
<br />
From Richard Schulte:<br />
<br />
Most of the guides I have seen have all said the exact same thing about soldering the cells together. The process seems to be simple and more time consuming than anything. When it comes to encapsulating, however, there is a large amount of variance, though more people use plexiglass than I had thought would. Several guides have suggested the same sealant:<br><br />
http://pyronet.50megs.com/RePower/Homemade%20Solar%20Panels.htm<br><br />
<br />
Edit: I've been informed that fiberglass resin is a polyester resin and will not hold the moisture out very well. The best thing to use, which I'm switching to is a aluminum epoxy type sealer called ALUTHANE which can be found Here. <http://www.epoxyproducts.com/e_nonepoxy.html>"<br><br />
<br />
We need to make sure you have the right kind of soldering iron as well. It must be fixed at low temperature or have a variable temp, or else the kind of solder we are using will ball up. One site, http://www.mdpub.com/SolarPanel/index.html, suggested mounting them on pegboard, and using silicone caulk to attach them.<br><br><br />
<br />
=Materials and Implementation for Factor e Farm=<br />
<br />
[[Solar Panels at Factor e Farm]]<br />
<br />
=Links=<br />
*[http://www.sungroper.asn.au/project/solar-panel.html Solar Panel Construction]<br><br />
*[http://pyronet.50megs.com/RePower/Homemade%20Solar%20Panels.htm Homemade Solar Panels - Pyronet]<br><br />
*[http://www.mdpub.com/SolarPanel/index.html Homemade Solar Panels - MDPub]<br><br />
*[http://www.goodideacreative.com/solarpanel.html Homemade Solar Panels - Good Idea Creative Services]<br><br />
*[http://www.virtualsecrets.com/build-a-solar-panel.html Homemade Solar Panels - VirtualSecrets]<br><br />
*[http://www.siliconsolar.com/practical-photovoltaics-p-16423.html Book on PVs]<br><br />
*[http://www.greenlivings.biz/home-made-renewable-energy/home-solar-energy/diy-home-solar-panels/learn-how-to-build-solar-panels-from-scratch Homemade Solar Panels - Green Livings]<br></div>Solarpvhttps://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=Solar_Cells&diff=120740Solar Cells2014-06-23T01:25:02Z<p>Solarpv: /* List of Solar Cell Manufacturers and Price */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Category=Solar Power}}<br />
Also see the [[Solar Panels at Factor e Farm]]<br />
<br />
=Solar Cells=<br />
<br />
These are the solar cells that we have from [http://www.ersol.de/en/products/solarcells/multicrystallinecells/solarcelle6bluepower/ Ersol]<br />
[[Image:solar cell.jpg]]<br />
[[Image:solar cell back.jpg]]<br />
[[Image:bluepower.gif]]<br />
==Soldering Contacts==<br />
<br />
Recommendations for processing:<br />
<br />
* maximum of 24 cells per bypass diode<br />
* solder joint<br />
**tin-coated copper strips<br />
**2.3 mm x 0.15 mm<br />
<br />
Bypass diodes - [http://www.udel.edu/igert/pvcdrom/index.html]<br />
<br />
Diode, 8 amp, $2.25 - [http://store.solar-electric.com/8ampbypdiod.html]<br />
<br />
==Air Mass Calculation==<br />
<br />
In winter, the sun at high noon travels through an air mass of 2.2. See calculator at<br />
<br />
http://www.udel.edu/igert/pvcdrom/SUNLIGHT/AIRMASS.HTM<br />
<br />
This means that the solar irradiance available to the solar cells is about 0.8 kW per square meter, compared to 1 kW per square meter in summer.<br />
<br />
=Soldering=<br />
#SN60 40/60 and SN 63 is widely available in the plumbing section at your local/global enterprise hardware store. SN refers to tin, thus 60%, and the rest is lead.<br><br />
Technique is such that a low power iron or variable power iron is required. High power is generally for plumbing applications. High power will cause the solder to ball up and be of little use. The guide below is the most detailed description we have of how to solder the leads or "tabs" to the cells. If anyone has more info on this topic let us know please! <br />
#WORKING QUESTIONS: <br />
#1. alternatives to lead? lead free solder that still works for this application? given the lifetime of the panels and amount of PB necessarily a huge factor?<br />
#2. Width of solder? many sizes available, usually .31 and .75 are widely available. No guides<br />
<br />
=Encapsulation=<br />
#Information on encapsulation from Ebay - [http://cgi.ebay.com/Solar-Panels-Cells-How-To-Guide-Ver-1-5-EVA-Update_W0QQitemZ350035285233QQihZ022QQcategoryZ41981QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem]<br />
'''Comment''': item appears to be unavailable; 2 negative feedbacks on item not being delivered<br />
#YouTube video on encapsulation - [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYeynLy6pj8&mode=related&search]<br />
#Instructables reference - [http://www.instructables.com/id/SIBMZ38FDO29L3U/]<br />
<br />
=Soldering Leads to Solar Cells=<br />
To solder your solar cells, you must use a tow temperature solder iron (if you have a variable temperature iron, set it for 280' C) Use only good quality resin or rosin core SN60, 60/40 or SN63 solder and follow these steps:<br />
1 Wear eye protection safety goggles or safety eyeglasses<br />
2.Set cell on a cardboard surface.<br />
3.Carefully scrape the metal bar on top of the cell with a hoboy knife or razor blade. Be very careful not to scrape too hard as you can easily break the cell The oar should be shiny where you have scraped.<br />
4.Now draw the tip of your iron and some solder across the bar where you have scraped it and the solder should adhere. Now, carefully attach a flexible 28 ga (small) lead to the sokler contact (youII have to reheat it).<br />
5.Note: if the solder just balls up:<br><br />
a.Your soldering iron tip rs too hot<br><br />
OR<br><br />
b.You didn't scrape the bar properly<br />
6. After you have made your connection to the top, let it cool and then flip the cell over 7 You should not scrape the bottom as the solder will adhere without any special treatments. Just remember these facts<br />
a.On cells that have a dark gray background youH see squared off 'silver" areas to solder to.<br />
b.On all silver colored cell backs, solder to the "dull" looking areas only.<br />
<br />
=Practical Guides=<br />
<br />
http://www.sungroper.asn.au/project/solar-panel.html <br />
<br />
and <br />
<br />
http://www.goodideacreative.com/solarpanel.html<br />
<br />
are the best guides so far.<br />
<br />
=List of Solar Cell Manufacturers and Price=<br />
<br />
A list of international solar cell manufacturers <br />
<br />
http://www.enfsolar.com/directory/cell<br />
<br />
A list of solar cells showing specifications and price <br />
<br />
http://www.enfsolar.com/pv/cell<br />
<br />
=Further Information=<br />
<br />
From Richard Schulte:<br />
<br />
Most of the guides I have seen have all said the exact same thing about soldering the cells together. The process seems to be simple and more time consuming than anything. When it comes to encapsulating, however, there is a large amount of variance, though more people use plexiglass than I had thought would. Several guides have suggested the same sealant:<br><br />
http://pyronet.50megs.com/RePower/Homemade%20Solar%20Panels.htm<br><br />
<br />
Edit: I've been informed that fiberglass resin is a polyester resin and will not hold the moisture out very well. The best thing to use, which I'm switching to is a aluminum epoxy type sealer called ALUTHANE which can be found Here. <http://www.epoxyproducts.com/e_nonepoxy.html>"<br><br />
<br />
We need to make sure you have the right kind of soldering iron as well. It must be fixed at low temperature or have a variable temp, or else the kind of solder we are using will ball up. One site, http://www.mdpub.com/SolarPanel/index.html, suggested mounting them on pegboard, and using silicone caulk to attach them.<br><br><br />
<br />
=Materials and Implementation for Factor e Farm=<br />
<br />
[[Solar Panels at Factor e Farm]]<br />
<br />
=Links=<br />
*[http://www.sungroper.asn.au/project/solar-panel.html Solar Panel Construction]<br><br />
*[http://pyronet.50megs.com/RePower/Homemade%20Solar%20Panels.htm Homemade Solar Panels - Pyronet]<br><br />
*[http://www.mdpub.com/SolarPanel/index.html Homemade Solar Panels - MDPub]<br><br />
*[http://www.goodideacreative.com/solarpanel.html Homemade Solar Panels - Good Idea Creative Services]<br><br />
*[http://www.virtualsecrets.com/build-a-solar-panel.html Homemade Solar Panels - VirtualSecrets]<br><br />
*[http://www.siliconsolar.com/practical-photovoltaics-p-16423.html Book on PVs]<br><br />
*[http://www.greenlivings.biz/home-made-renewable-energy/home-solar-energy/diy-home-solar-panels/learn-how-to-build-solar-panels-from-scratch Homemade Solar Panels - Green Livings]<br></div>Solarpvhttps://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=Solar_Cells&diff=120739Solar Cells2014-06-23T01:23:34Z<p>Solarpv: /* Practical Guides */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Category=Solar Power}}<br />
Also see the [[Solar Panels at Factor e Farm]]<br />
<br />
=Solar Cells=<br />
<br />
These are the solar cells that we have from [http://www.ersol.de/en/products/solarcells/multicrystallinecells/solarcelle6bluepower/ Ersol]<br />
[[Image:solar cell.jpg]]<br />
[[Image:solar cell back.jpg]]<br />
[[Image:bluepower.gif]]<br />
==Soldering Contacts==<br />
<br />
Recommendations for processing:<br />
<br />
* maximum of 24 cells per bypass diode<br />
* solder joint<br />
**tin-coated copper strips<br />
**2.3 mm x 0.15 mm<br />
<br />
Bypass diodes - [http://www.udel.edu/igert/pvcdrom/index.html]<br />
<br />
Diode, 8 amp, $2.25 - [http://store.solar-electric.com/8ampbypdiod.html]<br />
<br />
==Air Mass Calculation==<br />
<br />
In winter, the sun at high noon travels through an air mass of 2.2. See calculator at<br />
<br />
http://www.udel.edu/igert/pvcdrom/SUNLIGHT/AIRMASS.HTM<br />
<br />
This means that the solar irradiance available to the solar cells is about 0.8 kW per square meter, compared to 1 kW per square meter in summer.<br />
<br />
=Soldering=<br />
#SN60 40/60 and SN 63 is widely available in the plumbing section at your local/global enterprise hardware store. SN refers to tin, thus 60%, and the rest is lead.<br><br />
Technique is such that a low power iron or variable power iron is required. High power is generally for plumbing applications. High power will cause the solder to ball up and be of little use. The guide below is the most detailed description we have of how to solder the leads or "tabs" to the cells. If anyone has more info on this topic let us know please! <br />
#WORKING QUESTIONS: <br />
#1. alternatives to lead? lead free solder that still works for this application? given the lifetime of the panels and amount of PB necessarily a huge factor?<br />
#2. Width of solder? many sizes available, usually .31 and .75 are widely available. No guides<br />
<br />
=Encapsulation=<br />
#Information on encapsulation from Ebay - [http://cgi.ebay.com/Solar-Panels-Cells-How-To-Guide-Ver-1-5-EVA-Update_W0QQitemZ350035285233QQihZ022QQcategoryZ41981QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem]<br />
'''Comment''': item appears to be unavailable; 2 negative feedbacks on item not being delivered<br />
#YouTube video on encapsulation - [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYeynLy6pj8&mode=related&search]<br />
#Instructables reference - [http://www.instructables.com/id/SIBMZ38FDO29L3U/]<br />
<br />
=Soldering Leads to Solar Cells=<br />
To solder your solar cells, you must use a tow temperature solder iron (if you have a variable temperature iron, set it for 280' C) Use only good quality resin or rosin core SN60, 60/40 or SN63 solder and follow these steps:<br />
1 Wear eye protection safety goggles or safety eyeglasses<br />
2.Set cell on a cardboard surface.<br />
3.Carefully scrape the metal bar on top of the cell with a hoboy knife or razor blade. Be very careful not to scrape too hard as you can easily break the cell The oar should be shiny where you have scraped.<br />
4.Now draw the tip of your iron and some solder across the bar where you have scraped it and the solder should adhere. Now, carefully attach a flexible 28 ga (small) lead to the sokler contact (youII have to reheat it).<br />
5.Note: if the solder just balls up:<br><br />
a.Your soldering iron tip rs too hot<br><br />
OR<br><br />
b.You didn't scrape the bar properly<br />
6. After you have made your connection to the top, let it cool and then flip the cell over 7 You should not scrape the bottom as the solder will adhere without any special treatments. Just remember these facts<br />
a.On cells that have a dark gray background youH see squared off 'silver" areas to solder to.<br />
b.On all silver colored cell backs, solder to the "dull" looking areas only.<br />
<br />
=Practical Guides=<br />
<br />
http://www.sungroper.asn.au/project/solar-panel.html <br />
<br />
and <br />
<br />
http://www.goodideacreative.com/solarpanel.html<br />
<br />
are the best guides so far.<br />
<br />
=List of Solar Cell Manufacturers and Price=<br />
<br />
A list of international solar cell manufacturers http://www.enfsolar.com/directory/cell<br />
<br />
A list of solar cells showing specifications and price http://www.enfsolar.com/pv/cell<br />
<br />
<br />
=Further Information=<br />
<br />
From Richard Schulte:<br />
<br />
Most of the guides I have seen have all said the exact same thing about soldering the cells together. The process seems to be simple and more time consuming than anything. When it comes to encapsulating, however, there is a large amount of variance, though more people use plexiglass than I had thought would. Several guides have suggested the same sealant:<br><br />
http://pyronet.50megs.com/RePower/Homemade%20Solar%20Panels.htm<br><br />
<br />
Edit: I've been informed that fiberglass resin is a polyester resin and will not hold the moisture out very well. The best thing to use, which I'm switching to is a aluminum epoxy type sealer called ALUTHANE which can be found Here. <http://www.epoxyproducts.com/e_nonepoxy.html>"<br><br />
<br />
We need to make sure you have the right kind of soldering iron as well. It must be fixed at low temperature or have a variable temp, or else the kind of solder we are using will ball up. One site, http://www.mdpub.com/SolarPanel/index.html, suggested mounting them on pegboard, and using silicone caulk to attach them.<br><br><br />
<br />
=Materials and Implementation for Factor e Farm=<br />
<br />
[[Solar Panels at Factor e Farm]]<br />
<br />
=Links=<br />
*[http://www.sungroper.asn.au/project/solar-panel.html Solar Panel Construction]<br><br />
*[http://pyronet.50megs.com/RePower/Homemade%20Solar%20Panels.htm Homemade Solar Panels - Pyronet]<br><br />
*[http://www.mdpub.com/SolarPanel/index.html Homemade Solar Panels - MDPub]<br><br />
*[http://www.goodideacreative.com/solarpanel.html Homemade Solar Panels - Good Idea Creative Services]<br><br />
*[http://www.virtualsecrets.com/build-a-solar-panel.html Homemade Solar Panels - VirtualSecrets]<br><br />
*[http://www.siliconsolar.com/practical-photovoltaics-p-16423.html Book on PVs]<br><br />
*[http://www.greenlivings.biz/home-made-renewable-energy/home-solar-energy/diy-home-solar-panels/learn-how-to-build-solar-panels-from-scratch Homemade Solar Panels - Green Livings]<br></div>Solarpvhttps://wiki.opensourceecology.org/index.php?title=Solar_Cells&diff=120738Solar Cells2014-06-23T01:22:46Z<p>Solarpv: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Category=Solar Power}}<br />
Also see the [[Solar Panels at Factor e Farm]]<br />
<br />
=Solar Cells=<br />
<br />
These are the solar cells that we have from [http://www.ersol.de/en/products/solarcells/multicrystallinecells/solarcelle6bluepower/ Ersol]<br />
[[Image:solar cell.jpg]]<br />
[[Image:solar cell back.jpg]]<br />
[[Image:bluepower.gif]]<br />
==Soldering Contacts==<br />
<br />
Recommendations for processing:<br />
<br />
* maximum of 24 cells per bypass diode<br />
* solder joint<br />
**tin-coated copper strips<br />
**2.3 mm x 0.15 mm<br />
<br />
Bypass diodes - [http://www.udel.edu/igert/pvcdrom/index.html]<br />
<br />
Diode, 8 amp, $2.25 - [http://store.solar-electric.com/8ampbypdiod.html]<br />
<br />
==Air Mass Calculation==<br />
<br />
In winter, the sun at high noon travels through an air mass of 2.2. See calculator at<br />
<br />
http://www.udel.edu/igert/pvcdrom/SUNLIGHT/AIRMASS.HTM<br />
<br />
This means that the solar irradiance available to the solar cells is about 0.8 kW per square meter, compared to 1 kW per square meter in summer.<br />
<br />
=Soldering=<br />
#SN60 40/60 and SN 63 is widely available in the plumbing section at your local/global enterprise hardware store. SN refers to tin, thus 60%, and the rest is lead.<br><br />
Technique is such that a low power iron or variable power iron is required. High power is generally for plumbing applications. High power will cause the solder to ball up and be of little use. The guide below is the most detailed description we have of how to solder the leads or "tabs" to the cells. If anyone has more info on this topic let us know please! <br />
#WORKING QUESTIONS: <br />
#1. alternatives to lead? lead free solder that still works for this application? given the lifetime of the panels and amount of PB necessarily a huge factor?<br />
#2. Width of solder? many sizes available, usually .31 and .75 are widely available. No guides<br />
<br />
=Encapsulation=<br />
#Information on encapsulation from Ebay - [http://cgi.ebay.com/Solar-Panels-Cells-How-To-Guide-Ver-1-5-EVA-Update_W0QQitemZ350035285233QQihZ022QQcategoryZ41981QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem]<br />
'''Comment''': item appears to be unavailable; 2 negative feedbacks on item not being delivered<br />
#YouTube video on encapsulation - [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYeynLy6pj8&mode=related&search]<br />
#Instructables reference - [http://www.instructables.com/id/SIBMZ38FDO29L3U/]<br />
<br />
=Soldering Leads to Solar Cells=<br />
To solder your solar cells, you must use a tow temperature solder iron (if you have a variable temperature iron, set it for 280' C) Use only good quality resin or rosin core SN60, 60/40 or SN63 solder and follow these steps:<br />
1 Wear eye protection safety goggles or safety eyeglasses<br />
2.Set cell on a cardboard surface.<br />
3.Carefully scrape the metal bar on top of the cell with a hoboy knife or razor blade. Be very careful not to scrape too hard as you can easily break the cell The oar should be shiny where you have scraped.<br />
4.Now draw the tip of your iron and some solder across the bar where you have scraped it and the solder should adhere. Now, carefully attach a flexible 28 ga (small) lead to the sokler contact (youII have to reheat it).<br />
5.Note: if the solder just balls up:<br><br />
a.Your soldering iron tip rs too hot<br><br />
OR<br><br />
b.You didn't scrape the bar properly<br />
6. After you have made your connection to the top, let it cool and then flip the cell over 7 You should not scrape the bottom as the solder will adhere without any special treatments. Just remember these facts<br />
a.On cells that have a dark gray background youH see squared off 'silver" areas to solder to.<br />
b.On all silver colored cell backs, solder to the "dull" looking areas only.<br />
<br />
=Practical Guides=<br />
<br />
http://www.sungroper.asn.au/project/solar-panel.html <br />
<br />
and <br />
<br />
http://www.goodideacreative.com/solarpanel.html<br />
<br />
are the best guides so far.<br />
<br />
Other:<br />
#Homemade Solar Panels[http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2005/1/5/51211/79555]<br />
<br />
=List of Solar Cell Manufacturers and Price=<br />
<br />
A list of international solar cell manufacturers http://www.enfsolar.com/directory/cell<br />
<br />
A list of solar cells showing specifications and price http://www.enfsolar.com/pv/cell<br />
<br />
<br />
=Further Information=<br />
<br />
From Richard Schulte:<br />
<br />
Most of the guides I have seen have all said the exact same thing about soldering the cells together. The process seems to be simple and more time consuming than anything. When it comes to encapsulating, however, there is a large amount of variance, though more people use plexiglass than I had thought would. Several guides have suggested the same sealant:<br><br />
http://pyronet.50megs.com/RePower/Homemade%20Solar%20Panels.htm<br><br />
<br />
Edit: I've been informed that fiberglass resin is a polyester resin and will not hold the moisture out very well. The best thing to use, which I'm switching to is a aluminum epoxy type sealer called ALUTHANE which can be found Here. <http://www.epoxyproducts.com/e_nonepoxy.html>"<br><br />
<br />
We need to make sure you have the right kind of soldering iron as well. It must be fixed at low temperature or have a variable temp, or else the kind of solder we are using will ball up. One site, http://www.mdpub.com/SolarPanel/index.html, suggested mounting them on pegboard, and using silicone caulk to attach them.<br><br><br />
<br />
=Materials and Implementation for Factor e Farm=<br />
<br />
[[Solar Panels at Factor e Farm]]<br />
<br />
=Links=<br />
*[http://www.sungroper.asn.au/project/solar-panel.html Solar Panel Construction]<br><br />
*[http://pyronet.50megs.com/RePower/Homemade%20Solar%20Panels.htm Homemade Solar Panels - Pyronet]<br><br />
*[http://www.mdpub.com/SolarPanel/index.html Homemade Solar Panels - MDPub]<br><br />
*[http://www.goodideacreative.com/solarpanel.html Homemade Solar Panels - Good Idea Creative Services]<br><br />
*[http://www.virtualsecrets.com/build-a-solar-panel.html Homemade Solar Panels - VirtualSecrets]<br><br />
*[http://www.siliconsolar.com/practical-photovoltaics-p-16423.html Book on PVs]<br><br />
*[http://www.greenlivings.biz/home-made-renewable-energy/home-solar-energy/diy-home-solar-panels/learn-how-to-build-solar-panels-from-scratch Homemade Solar Panels - Green Livings]<br></div>Solarpv