Epoxy for encapsulating cells (great DIY thread with photos!)
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Thank you but I have that already . I just thought you might have a different place. I'll be buying some next week. -
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Where did you get your durafix at?
When I put the sylgard down it covered the fronf and the bvack . It doesn't hurt thr cells. I was useing PV 804 silicone for my seeilng around the edge.Leave a comment:
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Not knowing, I was afraid the cells may not be as efficient with the epoxy on the front side. Too, I was able to cut a row out and replace when my performance was not where it should have been. That was my fault for not testing properly though.
I guess I could try both sides but I would like all to match.Leave a comment:
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That is real good. I know about Durafix and I have alot of welding with a torch experience. I believe I'll be able to do it. When I put my cells down on the glass I never used tape I was wanting space for the sylgard to go. I wanted it to go on the front and back. Sylgard is UV protected , They really have two kinds one that takes awhile to dry and the other drys faster.Leave a comment:
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It is very good to see the steps and hear how your building steps work for you. Could you tell me what's the name and type of the epoxy? Is there anything you are using to help prevent the epoxy from "wicking" between the glass and PV cells?
Does your epoxy have a UV blocking chemical to keep it from darkening over time?
Good pictures and ideas sure get my questions going... ;>)
Thanks,
BillLeave a comment:
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I used scotch tape.Leave a comment:
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I don't know where my post went, so here it is again. I used 1/16" x 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" aluminum angle from Lowes. On my first two panels I used epoxy PUTTY (works best) to hold the frame together. Later I found a product called DURAFIX. This is a brazing rod to weld aluminum. Check out their youtube. I am not a welder and I did a great job the first time. I only wish I had done my other two frames with this. Anyone can do it. If you are afraid to try it, just buy the rod and let a friend do it for you. All it takes is a propane bottle used for lanterns from WALMART and the torch head that can be purchased there, as well. I promise you that you will impress yourself.
Not sure about my epoxy name. We use it in highway construction to encapulate the road surface and then apply a small gravel for friction (used on bridges,curves). I will search for the name. UV resistant, I would think so... since it is designed to work on roads.Leave a comment:
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I used 1/16" X 1-1/2" X 1-1/2" aluminum frames and used a 1/4" painted backing board. I used the wood framing to secure the plywood. I did this by drilling pilot holes in my aluminum frame and secured by screws. I still sealed the wood wood with silicone.
My glass size is 33" x 27".
On my first aluminum frames I used epoxy putty to hold the frame together. Later I found on the internet a brazing rod called DURAFLIX (http://durafix.com/index.html). Check out their youtube video. I'm not a welder and I did a great job the first time. This is the easiest way to build a frame. I only wish I had done this on my other 2 frames. If you don't want to try it, buy the rods and let a friend that can braze and let him show you how easy it is. Honestly...anyone can do it. Simply use a propane bottle that fits a lantern and buy the torch part from Duraflex or WALMART!
I will upload a pic of my welding soon.Leave a comment:
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Thank you everyone for commenting on my pictures. Scheek what kind of encapsulate do you use and did you have a aluminum frame? nice pictures.
i have two more panels that I'm putting together but there going to have to wait for right now .We have 4 " of snow and my panels are out in the garage right now. I might bring one in and finish it in the house.
The encapsulate that I use is Sylgard 184.Leave a comment:
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It is very good to see the steps and hear how your building steps work for you. Could you tell me what's the name and type of the epoxy? Is there anything you are using to help prevent the epoxy from "wicking" between the glass and PV cells?
Does your epoxy have a UV blocking chemical to keep it from darkening over time?
Good pictures and ideas sure get my questions going... ;>)
Thanks,
BillLeave a comment:
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Awesome!
Thanks DeltaFox for sharing the photo's with the forum, it's greatly appreciated.
Nice work on using the member photo album Sheek. thats great! I believe your the first one to use it.
this is a great thread...thanks again guys.Leave a comment:
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Right now the charge controler is charging 4 battery's and I have the inverter in the off posistion. I need to get out there but It's been real cold and windy.Leave a comment:
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Yes, I wait untill the sylgard dryes on the cells and then put the sealent down and then add the juncion box. I'll give you a link to where I have pictures of all the stuff I have been diong. Please go there and look at it.
http://s635.photobucket.com/albums/uu73/WayneBlake/
With all your hours of work and efficient ways of saving dollars, how do you use your amp hours?
BillLeave a comment:
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