DC voltage at this level is deadly - worse than AC. DC current contracts the muscles (eg hand) so they hang on. With AC there's more chance of letting go. However, both are pretty nasty, and anything over 50V either way should be avoided.
Being hit with 600V DC would be devastating.
Are DIY Solar Panels Worth it?
Collapse
This is a sticky topic.
X
X
-
Leave a comment:
-
300 - 600V DC is dangerous stuff. I wouldn't expect to see too many DIY at this scale.Leave a comment:
-
large grid tie inverters need 300-600VDC. Or to move power over longer distance, higher voltage is usedLeave a comment:
-
400V array - that's quite a setup for DIY!!! There wouldn't be too many of those on a domestic roof. Surely this isn't DC before the inverter? Why would anyone want 400V DCLeave a comment:
-
The problem really kicks into high gear, when you are stringing several panels into a 400v or so, array. Then the DIY insulation goes bad near a corner, or a bad solder joint gets flaky. The high voltage creates an arc, and it's all downhill from there.Leave a comment:
-
Correctly done DIY won't - any more than commercial panels. The connections can be problematic in any electrical installation if not done correctly.
Unfortunately not all DIY is well done and by definition there is far less quality control than with commercial equipment.
RussLeave a comment:
-
Catch fire? I've not heard of any DIY panels burning down the house?Leave a comment:
-
The simple answer - No. Economically, I found that it's cheaper to buy good panels. This thread and others will give you good information. It's time consuming, and I found it difficult to get the all the air from under the cells when applying the sealant. Mine worked fine, but I could have purchased the same panel at a lower cost, and with a guarantee. I regard solar as a very expensive source of electricity, unless subsidised by tax payers (of which I'm one).
However, successfully making panels is a fun achievement, but it's best to regard it as an expensive hobby, rather than a cost saving exercise. Whether you build panels yourself, or buy them, it's still very expensive electricity in real terms. It's great if there's no alternative power source.Leave a comment:
-
Leave a comment:
-
The biggest thing is that they can't be grid connected, and if/when they catch on fire your house is not insured if they aren't UL listed!Leave a comment:
-
Diy
I started building my own panels and trust me it is not that fun but can be done. First off the cells are super easy to break. You need a super stead hand for the soldering plus a good soldering gun. You need allot of time. (not a few minute job) Last of after you get the cells together you need to make them water tight and protect them from outdoor elements. My recommendation is if you want to try this buy yourself a small kit first to test it out. don't do the mistake i did and order a huge bulk lot of cells. I'm gonna pay extra and order the built ones.Leave a comment:
-
Now that I've built my own panel, and fully costed it, I know I can buy them cheaper. I'm happy with my result, and it's working as expected. The only problem I can see is that the resin didn't exclude all the air on a couple of cells. After pouring the resin I tried to squeeze out an air bubble and the cell cracked - hell if a job replacing it with the resin on it. I may find these cells with air under them fail early.
It's a lot of work, and not cost effective. However, my panel is of to a remote part of Cambodia where women are now giving birth in the dark. It least it can give some light when needed.Leave a comment:
-
Leave a comment:
-
Do it yourself can be very overwhelming for a whole system and not reliable.Leave a comment:
Leave a comment: