choosing cells and output voltage

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  • Jdubb
    Junior Member
    • Apr 2013
    • 3

    #1

    choosing cells and output voltage

    I only have enough room for (30) of the 3x6 cells which is only good for 15 volts. I have been told I must try to fit 36 cells to reach 18 volts. My goal is to keep a 12 volt battery (maybe 8Ah) charged for a 30 watt load. I am trying to understand why 18 volts? Does the voltage drop down to 14-15 when placed across the battery? The frame I built was made out of an old piece of tempered glass from a stereo cabinet door. the dimensions were dictated by that piece at 17 x 38 usable surface area. I planned on using a charge controller but not sure whether MMPT or PWM. First thing is to figure how many and what kind of cells to buy.
  • Naptown
    Solar Fanatic
    • Feb 2011
    • 6880

    #2
    If you can trim the cells to make 36 fit it might work
    One thing about cells. no matter what the size they produce about .5V at Imp so smaller cells will bring the voltage up but at the cost of amperage or watts.
    NABCEP certified Technical Sales Professional

    [URL="http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showthread.php?5334-Solar-Off-Grid-Battery-Design"]http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showth...Battery-Design[/URL]

    [URL]http://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop-calculator.html[/URL] (Voltage drop Calculator among others)

    [URL="http://www.gaisma.com"]www.gaisma.com[/URL]

    Comment

    • Jdubb
      Junior Member
      • Apr 2013
      • 3

      #3
      Trim the cells? Sorry but I've never actually seen one. Please explain which would be better, trimming the cells or just hiding the edge behind the frame a little. I measured and with 36 cells just about 1/4 inch of the outside edges will be behind the frame or hidden from sunlight

      Comment

      • Naptown
        Solar Fanatic
        • Feb 2011
        • 6880

        #4
        cutting down the cells to fit the area is much better than hiding behind the frame. You will create hot spots and lose much more power by covering the cells
        NABCEP certified Technical Sales Professional

        [URL="http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showthread.php?5334-Solar-Off-Grid-Battery-Design"]http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showth...Battery-Design[/URL]

        [URL]http://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop-calculator.html[/URL] (Voltage drop Calculator among others)

        [URL="http://www.gaisma.com"]www.gaisma.com[/URL]

        Comment

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