Solceller
When choosing solar cells for a DIY solar panel project, the price of your cells is probably the main consideration. You'll obviously you still need batteries plus an inverter regardless whether you're going DIY or off-the-shelf. If you have been investigating the concept, you should understand that the price per cell varies a good deal. The secret is, there are plenty cells provided by different technologies and for that reason costs. These differences can impact the look and construction of your panel. New technology panels may not be the best solution to get a DIY project, simply because of the cost per cell v's effectiveness. Much depends on your application. If you are looking for additional turn on your farm, then the sized your panels is less important when compared to a town house, where the weight and size with the panels on your own roof can be a serious problem. If you find that older technology cells certainly are a viable cost alternative, go for it.
Solceller
Recommendations how the best way to compare value of solar panels would be to compare the dollar/watt ratio. So, simply how much would you pay for solar cells? Well, over a quick internet search we located probably the most popular kind of cells (0.5V, 80x150mm) choosing $290 for 100 cells ie $1.45/Watt. With those, you can have built THREE, 60W panels, having a combined total production of 36V or 180W. We have even seen "off-spec" blemished cells opting for $0.60 per/Watt. While these will not perform to top specifications, they can be worthwhile considering. Be sure you really understand the downsides and possess good technical instructions and talk with the supplier before using such cells.
Another alternative is using scrap solar panels. Scrap cells are the type broken during manufacturing, and so are often sold for inexpensive prices. You can save serious dollars with scrap cells, but be ready for a lot more work and frustration in constructing your panels. You will need to solder or use conductive epoxy for connections and fiddle, but, it is possible to build really cheap panels.
Buying second-hand cells can be a blessing or perhaps a problem. Solar panels provide an effective lifetime of about 20-25 years and their efficiency falls over their working life. Which means that a cell which has been in operation for Four or five years is about 25% though its usable lifespan. Before you consider secondhand cells, be certain that the dollar/watt and lifespan can be worth the outlay.
If you aren't into DIY, then look for a whole panel. We found 60W panels "on special" for $180 (2.95/Watt). Sometimes they are sold with minimum orders in excess of one unit, so take care when placing any order. Have fun with your solar project.
Solceller
Recommendations how the best way to compare value of solar panels would be to compare the dollar/watt ratio. So, simply how much would you pay for solar cells? Well, over a quick internet search we located probably the most popular kind of cells (0.5V, 80x150mm) choosing $290 for 100 cells ie $1.45/Watt. With those, you can have built THREE, 60W panels, having a combined total production of 36V or 180W. We have even seen "off-spec" blemished cells opting for $0.60 per/Watt. While these will not perform to top specifications, they can be worthwhile considering. Be sure you really understand the downsides and possess good technical instructions and talk with the supplier before using such cells.
Another alternative is using scrap solar panels. Scrap cells are the type broken during manufacturing, and so are often sold for inexpensive prices. You can save serious dollars with scrap cells, but be ready for a lot more work and frustration in constructing your panels. You will need to solder or use conductive epoxy for connections and fiddle, but, it is possible to build really cheap panels.
Buying second-hand cells can be a blessing or perhaps a problem. Solar panels provide an effective lifetime of about 20-25 years and their efficiency falls over their working life. Which means that a cell which has been in operation for Four or five years is about 25% though its usable lifespan. Before you consider secondhand cells, be certain that the dollar/watt and lifespan can be worth the outlay.
If you aren't into DIY, then look for a whole panel. We found 60W panels "on special" for $180 (2.95/Watt). Sometimes they are sold with minimum orders in excess of one unit, so take care when placing any order. Have fun with your solar project.
