Hi,


So I have been contemplating this for some time. I recently ordered some solar cells, enough to make 27~ VDC @ about 80 watts. It will be three panels, 17" wide by 32" long.

I got the first arrival of cells, and they are monocrystaline. What surprised me is that they are actually slightly flexible, but I don't want to flex them too much. I was considering an extremely hard backing for them, but now I realize it might not need it.

Also I am trying to do this as cheaply as possible.

My questions are, what is a good, cheap backing?

It seems the most expensive part of the panel is the aluminum border. Is there any way around that?

As far as sealing the panels go, I realize there may be moisture trapped inside the panel, I do not know how to get rid of that. How hard is it to make a panel that I can take back apart, if something happens, so I do not have to scrap the entire thing?

I am also very wary of any glues in front of the cells. Because, glue exposed to sun becomes yellow. Also, some glues may appear clear, but they have UV blocking properties, that may inhibit the transmission of light into the individual cells. So it is probably good to have anything but glass in front of the cells.

However, how do I protect the individual cells? They are easily soiled and made dirty, so I want to protect them, but how?

Clear acrylic, or... what? Clear silicone?