cell to cell clearance

[jac_burns]

Every assembly guide i have seen has gap between cells. Is there a "standard". Is there a minimum. Is the purpose for expansion? Is there an electrical connectivity issue if they touch?
thanks
jac

[fredster]

From my small amount of PV knowledge that I have been researching, I am seeing that 1/8" to 1/4" seems to be standard spacing between cells, I am being told that it is for thermal expansion.

[inetdog]

From my small amount of PV knowledge that I have been researching, I am seeing that 1/8" to 1/4" seems to be standard spacing between cells, I am being told that it is for thermal expansion.

I wonder whether there might also be a problem with a conductive layer of electrolyte spilled or condensed on the surface of the battery creating a discharge path if two batteries with very different potential (opposite ends of an out-and-back string) were to be touching cases?
Also consider what would be required to raise one battery out of the string for replacement or maintenance. Clearance there would be very handy.

[Naptown]

I wonder whether there might also be a problem with a conductive layer of electrolyte spilled or condensed on the surface of the battery creating a discharge path if two batteries with very different potential (opposite ends of an out-and-back string) were to be touching cases?
Also consider what would be required to raise one battery out of the string for replacement or maintenance. Clearance there would be very handy.

I think the OP's talking about cells in a panel

[inetdog]

I think the OP's talking about cells in a panel

Next time I will read the forum header.

[Solaron]

Cell to Cell Clearance

SolaRon here,

I can say that with my method of building solar panels, i space my solar cells anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 half an inch apart and have had good results. This mostly aids me in the construction phase of the panel because if i break a cell, i can cut the gap and solder a new cell into place (it's saved me a few times!). I create panels that are not exactly the smallest because of this larger gap, however, i can perform maint if needed, expand the solar panel, and like mentioned above, easily swap out a damaged cell in the contruction phase. All aspects of my solar panels are designed for easy maint if required.

Every assembly guide i have seen has gap between cells. Is there a "standard". Is there a minimum. Is the purpose for expansion? Is there an electrical connectivity issue if they touch?
thanks
jac

[Naptown]

Next time I will read the forum header.

No problem it happens. (I am guilty of this also)