What Backing? plywood, lexan, plexiglass?

[omegaboost]

Now ive seen quite a few tutorials online on how to build solar panels and I just wanted to know, which backing would be preferred?

I've seen people use plywood as a platform while others use a see through such as lexan or plexiglass(i think).

Also, even for the front, I've been told that plexiglass is the most used since its more resistant to shattering than glass.

Can anyone shim in?

[nechaus]

iv used melamine, ply, i didnt like ply because it warped alot,

next thing i will be trying is fiber glass .

[nechaus]

use anything really, depends on what you want the panel for and how tough you need to make it, how skillfull are you.

if its your very first panel, maybe start off with a small one, 500 mm by 500mm or something then make a big one.


good to start small and see what process you want to do and what works best..


I wish i had more tools.. im making a new shed with new tools, all solar and battery operated

[russ]

Hi Omega,

Nechaus is quite correct - it is not a good application for normal plywood. Possibly on a weather proof type.

A small starter panel is far better than a larger one. Your first on most likely won't be perfect and possibly will be a bit of a mess until you get practice. Small means a less costly experience and you save your funds for when you become more skilled in the whole procedure.

Weather proofing the unit is the hard part - many posts written on the topic.

RUss

[Pylonman]

I picked up a 4' x 8' sheet FRP Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic. It's a paneling used for washrooms, showers, etc. About 1/8" thick and 50 dollars a sheet. Bumpy on one side and smooth on the other. You need to cut it with a metal blade in a jigsaw or use a 120 tooth table saw blade (Melamine blade works good to). Don't breath the dust. It does add more weight to the solar panel, but it can be screwed or Gorilla glued to the frame. For me, one sheet did almost 4 panels.