Alternative Energy Forums

Hello Everyone

I want to make a Solar photovoltaic Panel. Main item is the PV Cell, for cost and because is the energy transducer. Hence I focus first on this issue; finding PV Cells. Retail prices are high. Any tips on how to proceed my search of PV Cells?

Big TKS

Hey TKS,


I can show you how to build a solar panel for as little as $200. I'm no expert, but that sounds pretty cheap to me.

Guppy

You can visit Here for details on the PV cells, and cost etc.

(Oct 15 2009 09:11 AM)Guest Wrote:  Hello Everyone

I want to make a Solar photovoltaic Panel. Main item is the PV Cell, for cost and because is the energy transducer. Hence I focus first on this issue; finding PV Cells. Retail prices are high. Any tips on how to proceed my search of PV Cells?

Big TKS

Hey there Big TKS

Finding cheap PV cells isn't that easy. I tried making my own solar panels and didn't do too well at first. You could try buying older used cells. Try ebay for someone selling them.

The main issue I found with older cells is really blotchy one that wouldn't clean up that well. They just won't absorb enough energy. If you're interested, you can read about my own issues with making some panels. I won't re-post it here... it's too long. My used cells did work in the end, but the energy output wasn't what I was hoping for.

Let me know if you find a good resource. I'm always on the lookout for suppliers and know how on a budget.

Oh, have you looked into wind or water turbines. That's another good way to generate power.... just a thought.

David.

I have had quite a bid of success obtaining used PV cells and whole solar panels from installers. When an installer replaces an existing panel array they do not reuse the existing panels. And they have to pay to discard the old panels (I have all kinds of issues with them being discarded). So they are usually, very receptive to people taking them off their hands.

If you obtain used cells and panels from the installers, make sure to test each cell individually. to insure the output of the cells. You can also reuse a lot more than just the cells. These can be an excellent source for aluminum frames and glass for your projects. Just take your time and disassemble them carefully.

Another way to obtain cells for less than the going market prices is to buy broken or chipped cells in lots from ebay. A cell doesn't have to be very broken or chipped to be out of spec for using in commercial panels, but they will work great for your DIY projects.

Also if you can get by with not using full sized panels then you can always cut the chipped and broken PV cells into smaller sized panels. A 3 X 6 .5V 3.6Ah cell cut to 3 X 3 is still .5V 1.8 Ah cell. But before you cut the cell down, test it's output. If it is close to or at original spec then I would you it as is. IMO, there is no need to waste 1/2 a cell just because it's not pretty.

You'll save about 40 percent of the space needed for mounting, allowing you to add more panels to get your total output to your batteries back to your original estimates.

eBay sellers have to pay the eBay diffusioin fees and Paypal's commission.
This necessary makes the cells more expansive.

I think you should buy them directly from the manufacturer.
I suggest you to contact EnergieVair at (EnergieVair DOT com).
They'll be able to help you.

Kindly.

"Energie_Vair" I have searched your website and can find NO solar cells for sale there. What I did find was broken links and missing pic links, a site that is in 2 diffrent languages. You may be the most reputable company in the world but your site is raising a lot of red flags for me.

I have contacted most of the solar cell manufacturers in the world in the past year or so, looking to buy direct from them. But most will only sell in a very large quantity that is well above my buying power.

You do have several products that I would be very interested in, as I am building a business that caters to boat owners. Many of the smaller wind turbines combined with solar panels look promising, for what I am doing with houseboats and sail boats.

But, I can not find your company as a manufacturer of solar cells in any directory I know to look in.