Solar Cells Are Getting Pretty Reasonable These Days

GreenPowerManiac
GreenPowerManiac Solar Expert Posts: 453 ✭✭✭
This years project is to add 8 more Home-made Solar Panels to compliment my existing system. That would bring me to a grand total of 25 panels. The issue with the design originally was that I greatly over sized the battery banks to which the panels and wind turbines could barely maintain the proper voltage and give it a good charging. I've noticed that the cells (Polycrystaline) made by Schott 4x4 are falling to under $2.00 per watt. From an auction posting on the Bay, LifestylePhoto has them by the 100 for $185.00 with tabs. I can vouch for this seller even though the not-so-great rating with applause since I've ordered from them before. They do sell what they describe. And of course my panels are around 7 months old without a hitch, still producing good even with the cold temps.

http://cgi.ebay.com/100-4x4-Schott-Solar-Cell-200-Watts_W0QQitemZ260539028816QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ca9561550

BB.,

From this link, what's the maximum output of these cells ?

Is it 2 watts or are they using it as an average ?

Where do they get 4amps out of one cell ? If that was true I'd be getting 2448 amps from my array and it'd blow itself clear to the moon. I don't care for green cheese, either.
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Comments

  • James
    James Solar Expert Posts: 250 ✭✭
    Re: Solar Cells Are Getting Pretty Reasonable These Days

    I believe 4 amps per cell x 36 cells in a typ. panel is still 4 amps...
    voltage increases in series wired cells...
    .5 volts per cell x 36=18 volts aprox. panel @ 4 amps
    please correct me if i amp wrong, thanks
  • Dapdan
    Dapdan Solar Expert Posts: 330 ✭✭
    Re: Solar Cells Are Getting Pretty Reasonable These Days

    why would one buy cells at $1.85/w when you can get a complete panel made in the USA selling at $1.74/w. Would you being doing this for the fun of it?

    Cheers...
    Damani
  • GreenPowerManiac
    GreenPowerManiac Solar Expert Posts: 453 ✭✭✭
    Re: Solar Cells Are Getting Pretty Reasonable These Days

    Show us where to get a solar panel for just 1.74 per watt.

    I build my own for about $100 per panel @ 72 watts and enjoy making them.
    Nature's Design & Green Energy on FaceBook : Stop by and "Like" us anytime.. Many up-to-date articles about Renewables every day.
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    Lots of DIY Renewable Energy Projects on ETSY : Solar Panel builds, Wind Turbine builds, Rain Barrel build,etc.  
  • icarus
    icarus Solar Expert Posts: 5,436 ✭✭✭✭
    Re: Solar Cells Are Getting Pretty Reasonable These Days

    I don't want to offend our site sponsor, but there is a legit retailer in Florida that has been selling them for under $1/watt in the last month. They are currently (1/16/10) priced at $1.74/watt. Do a google search with what I have given you, you should be able to find them.
  • GreenPowerManiac
    GreenPowerManiac Solar Expert Posts: 453 ✭✭✭
    Re: Solar Cells Are Getting Pretty Reasonable These Days

    Don't concern yourself, Icarus. He knows....

    Just bought the Schott Solar cells (4x4) from the earlier auction at .95 cents per watt or $1.90 per cell out-the-door. Made an offer expecting a rejection and got what I wanted. Business must be pretty bad. Oh well, good for those who wish to build their own, I guess. I'm trying to keep my expenses to a minimum to build the 8 panels. So far I've got it down to just over 100 bucks and that includes 95% of the supplies. Already got the small change hardware (nuts & bolts & screws).

    Trying not to use too many things "On Hand" like the Earth4*nergy scam. Their listing is funny for components needed. About 5 of the 10 components say "On Hand" and tell you about the expensive stuff making it 98 bucks flat. "Find this on eBay", "Buy only cracked cells", Yadda yadda yadda.

    I guess you can tell I've bought the kit way back when. Before it was deemed a "SCAM", the laugh is on me.....
    Nature's Design & Green Energy on FaceBook : Stop by and "Like" us anytime.. Many up-to-date articles about Renewables every day.
    WWW.GreenAnything.Net    Ad free website.
    Lots of DIY Renewable Energy Projects on ETSY : Solar Panel builds, Wind Turbine builds, Rain Barrel build,etc.