Connecting solar strings together

[MikePower]

So I am trying to figure how to connect my strings if cells together. Do I have to use the larger cage tabbing wire like in the pic below.

Or can I use the smaller tabbing wire and connect them together like below.

What is the good or bad effect of using the larger wire or smaller wire?

[LacyPowers]

hey mike, ever figure this out? it would seem to me that the larger tabbing would conserve more than the smaller tabbing. i'm not definite on that though.

[Mike90250]

The first sketch is more correct. It places more copper (fat ribbon wires ?) in the circuit, and you can then connect respectable gauge wire to them, for your longer runs.

[Jason]

Hey Mike, hows your project coming along?

[n3qik]

I would like to know how many cells you are using. Most are .5 volt, so a panel is one serial string of cells.

[MarineLiner]

Hello 1 2 3

Hey Mike, hows your project coming along?

[jeremy_jackson]

here is how I built my panels from .5 volt cells:

[jeremy_jackson]

Must ammend drawing

Sorry, I did not clearly show tabbing correctly, this drawing corrects my mistake...

[Aussie Bob]

jeremy

How's the performance of your home made panel? Do you have it in use yet?

One of these days I'll build a PV panel, but for now all that tedious soldering and such would drive me bonkers.

[jeremy_jackson]

AB,

Not reallt sure about the output - right now I have 4 panels (around 50w). The look nothing like a commercial panel. I use plexi-glass and 1x2's to contsruct.

[jeremy_jackson]

here is a picture of my DIY Panels

[MarineLiner]

I currently have 4 panels

Hello,
About a year ago I started buying cells off of ebay to use in building solar panels. I also purchased a SCC3 solar charge controller, marine battery and 375w inverter.
I currently have 4 panels, for a total of about 50 watts, running my hydroponic air pumps. I have interfaced some electronics that monitor the current and volts of the setup and report it to Pachube.
Here is the link:

http://www.pachube.com/feeds/2127

The panels are in the shade most of the day but kick out about 15 watts later in the afternoon.
The panels are sitting on the ground and are leaning against my hydroponic containers. I want to add some type of tracking so I can increase output.
Thanks for reading....
Jeremy Jackson

Jul.6,2006: Newbie from Indiana - Solar Panel Forum
http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showth...=2220#post2220