My homemade solar panel experience

[drwright07]

I am a DIYer. My enjoyment is in the building of the particular project. I could share a ton of detail but in hopes this helps someone, here is the short story. I built 3 solar panels using the 3 x 6 cells x 18 per panel. All three of my panels perform as they should, producing 18 volts / 3.6 amps. I throughly enjoyed making them and seeing them actually work. In my mind the money spent is worth the enjoyment of the project. Now for the hard part: Would I build my own panels to power my home? Sorry, but no. My first panel suffered severe corrosion due to condensation, very disappointing. I added drain holes on the next two panels but still the same problem. I conclude the only way to make a homemade panel last is to solve the problem of condensation. I have searched the internet and my conclusion is, air leaks find a way to enter the air space in the panel and result in moisture damage. Can this problem be solved? Yes, I am sure of it. But it will likely require expensive materials and equipment, not practical for a cost savy DIYer. Homemade solar panels are a fun project but it you are serious about solar, consider using long lasting factory panels with a warranty.

[Jason]

Hi Drwright, I appreciate you joining Solar Panel Talk and sharing your story.

Where are you from and do you have photos to show?

[drwright07]

Thanks Jason. I live in Coldspring, TX located 50 miles north of Houston.
I am attaching an image of one of my recently made panels. The acrylic is just laying on it to keep dust out. I am going to use a glass panel. I fitted a valve at the bottom. I am going to seal the panel as best I can and use the valve to vacuum out the air. Maybe this idea will work or at least help. With the valve in place and using a low cost vacuum device from Harbor Freight, I can pull a vaccuum as needed.

Also I have attached an image of my homemade wind generator.

I hope the images come across, I have never sent images before on a forum. I am more of a reader than a participant.

Thanks for all the good input from everyone!