D.I.Y Solar Panels

Submitted: Monday, Dec 13, 2010 at 16:00

ThreadID: 83041 Views:4790 Replies:3 FollowUps:8

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Solar Power

This article covers every aspect of solar and its design and installation in RVs (camper trailers, caravans and motor homes). It shows how much power solar panels really produce,

PradoMad

Make your own Solar Panels, too good to be true?
There is a 4 min video clip.
JS.

http://www.mysolarplans.com/solarplans.php

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Reply By: Member - Redbakk (WA) - Monday, Dec 13, 2010 at 17:10

Monday, Dec 13, 2010 at 17:10

Try google'ing all the info provided, ie solar cells etc and so far not coming up to good.....needs more thorough investigation before I would buy. ( IF I would buy)

Do diligence required first.

But just looking at ebay, there are individual cells,tabbed, for $199.00 for 112x3x6.

Just google " how to build a solar panel and there is a lot of FREE info out there....save your money.

AnswerID: 438776

Reply By: Ayita5 - Monday, Dec 13, 2010 at 18:52

Monday, Dec 13, 2010 at 18:52

Hubby is experimenting with doing this at the moment, building our own panel. If it works we'll be making more for our big trip next year.
He didn't pay for any info though, just googled 'how to...' and got info for free. Bought the individual cells from ebay I think.
Let me know if you want any info from him. I'll follow this thread with interest. :)

AnswerID: 438789

Follow Up By: PradoMad - Monday, Dec 13, 2010 at 19:00

Monday, Dec 13, 2010 at 19:00

I didn't pay anything, just thought that it was an interesting subject and it looks doable!
I would love some info.
JS

FollowupID: 710576

Follow Up By: Ayita5 - Monday, Dec 13, 2010 at 19:09

Monday, Dec 13, 2010 at 19:09

Sure, I'll ask him where he's at with it. (It's just a side project, with the bigger part of his time spent renovating our caravan). We'll send you a message with what he's done (if anything yet!) and if it's working. :)

FollowupID: 710578

Follow Up By: PradoMad - Monday, Dec 13, 2010 at 19:31

Monday, Dec 13, 2010 at 19:31

thank you, much appreciated.
JS.

FollowupID: 710579

Follow Up By: Member - Gadget - Tuesday, Dec 14, 2010 at 12:13

Tuesday, Dec 14, 2010 at 12:13

I have had a look at doing this, just need the time. I have seen a nunber of clips on Youtube.

I would be interested in your comments on how you go with it. Thanks

FollowupID: 710661

Follow Up By: Mandrake's Solar Power- Tuesday, Dec 14, 2010 at 19:27

Tuesday, Dec 14, 2010 at 19:27

I'd be really interested in the cost-saving if any ...

Cheers

Steve

FollowupID: 710699

Follow Up By: Ayita5 - Tuesday, Dec 14, 2010 at 21:43

Tuesday, Dec 14, 2010 at 21:43

No worries all. Hubby works away during the week but will be home on weekend and I'll ask him then and share what news there is so far. When it's done, I'll post a thread for those interested on if it worked, cost & time involved, etc, since there's a few of you interested out there. :)

FollowupID: 710714

Reply By: Ayita5 - Saturday, Dec 18, 2010 at 19:59

Saturday, Dec 18, 2010 at 19:59

Hi all who are interested.

So far hubby has bought some solar cells and soldered them together. Apparently a fair few learning curves along the way, more than I can mention briefly here. (eg, how hot to have (or not have as the case may be) the soldering iron, what sort of cells to buy, what other things you need and whether it ends up being a cost saving, etc, etc)

Anyway, so he reckons he'll start a new thread on here (or blog maybe) when he's done a bit more, with everything he's learnt along the way and whatever info he's got to share.

So we'll keep you posted!

Safe & happy Christmas everyone.

AnswerID: 439271

Follow Up By: PradoMad - Sunday, Dec 19, 2010 at 10:15

Sunday, Dec 19, 2010 at 10:15

thanks for that, I did some more research and came to the conclusion that, considering time and possible stuff ups, it might be wiser to buy a good quality one.
JS.

FollowupID: 711187

Follow Up By: Ayita5 - Sunday, Dec 19, 2010 at 13:10

Sunday, Dec 19, 2010 at 13:10

Sounds like a smart conclusion. :)
Unless you're very time rich and money poor, it probably isn't worth the hassle. (Doesn't stop my hubby from wanting to give it a go though, lol). I think the cost saving is not going to be very dramatic - and nothing at all if you count your own time as an expense.

Maybe Santa will bring you one ;)

FollowupID: 711214