Got it figured out ? Solar Ventilation

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GreenPowerManiac
GreenPowerManiac Solar Expert Posts: 453 ✭✭✭
Was experimenting with my homemade Solar panels & ventilation. Before, they'd fog up a bit with air moisture. The unfortunate disadvantage of using wood frames, they can't be vacuum sealed. However, I experimented with one panel that was fogging up and drilled 10 - 1/4" holes in the bottom and top of panel (the wood 1" spacer between the plywood and plexiglass) . Screened them off for bugs and put a piece of form fitted "J" channel (screwed down) and used it as ridge vent to keep water out. I must say the fogging thing is in the past. We've had a few rainy days and a couple days of heavy frost and it didn't faze it one bit. The past few weeks have proven worthy of my efforts. The cells produce heat and it's quickly dissipated.
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  • cards385
    cards385 Registered Users Posts: 21
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    Re: Got it figured out ? Solar Ventilation

    I will have to do the same thing. My homemade panels get condensation in them overnight and stays in most of the day. Its my first panel, I will ventilate the next one, this week I hope.
  • GreenPowerManiac
    GreenPowerManiac Solar Expert Posts: 453 ✭✭✭
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    Re: Got it figured out ? Solar Ventilation

    Make sure the panels are on at least a 45 degree angle so any condensation drains on the inside of the glass towards a drilled hole and not onto a cell.
    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.