The panels are small and run small 12 volt fans from computer towers. The fans are in several solar-heaters I made. I made the panels 5 years ago and they've been loyal employees. One needs to be repainted because it's been outside the whole time but the others are brought in when I no longer need heat.
I have them positioned so that as the Sun hits the heaters it also hits the PV panels and they start automatically. They are slightly hotter than 12 volts but the fans have handled it for years. Also the fans slow down when a cloud passes. No batteries.
I also have 5 large panels that are about 80 watts each. Those were really a ton of work.
Are homemade solar panels worth it?
I've been working with my hands for over 50 years. I work as a carpenter/craftsman. The projects I've done with PV cells have been as challenging as any I've ever tried. That being said the answer is yes.
Yes, I said yes. However, I did it to prove I could but now with the price of factory made panels so low and going lower a person would be nuts not to go that route and take the UL approved factory guarantee.
My homemade panels will far out-live me.
TB
I have them positioned so that as the Sun hits the heaters it also hits the PV panels and they start automatically. They are slightly hotter than 12 volts but the fans have handled it for years. Also the fans slow down when a cloud passes. No batteries.
I also have 5 large panels that are about 80 watts each. Those were really a ton of work.
Are homemade solar panels worth it?
I've been working with my hands for over 50 years. I work as a carpenter/craftsman. The projects I've done with PV cells have been as challenging as any I've ever tried. That being said the answer is yes.
Yes, I said yes. However, I did it to prove I could but now with the price of factory made panels so low and going lower a person would be nuts not to go that route and take the UL approved factory guarantee.
My homemade panels will far out-live me.
TB
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