Summer project completed after a delay.
I actually started working on it in January because there was quite a bit that could be done indoors at my desk in the middle of the night while Jan and the baby slept. The final assembly took place over a number of weekends a little at a time when weather and circumstances allowed. I finally finished last week. The final output was just a shade under 20 volts DC at 3.5 amps. For those keeping score, that is roughly 70 watts.
This solar panel has 36 cells and is 48" x 24". The cost was just under $10 per week that I worked on it and it was financed by my wifi work income.
The next step is to get a battery charger, battery and small inverter to complete the set.
On the next model I am going to try some other approaches which will cut the cost a bit more. The overall plan is to construct an array of 3 hinged panels that can be folded up and taken to outings and will run small appliances at a campsite.
This solar panel has 36 cells and is 48" x 24". The cost was just under $10 per week that I worked on it and it was financed by my wifi work income.
The next step is to get a battery charger, battery and small inverter to complete the set.
On the next model I am going to try some other approaches which will cut the cost a bit more. The overall plan is to construct an array of 3 hinged panels that can be folded up and taken to outings and will run small appliances at a campsite.