|
|
|
 |
DiscoverCircuits.com, has
26,000+ electronic circuits or schematics
cross-referenced into 500+ categories. As a
vital resource for engineers, hobbyists, inventors &
consultants, the site's collection of information will
help you find quick solutions to electronic design
problems. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DiscoverCircuits.com
-- Hobby Corner
Last Updated on:
03/19/2008 06:54:11 AM |
|
|
|
|
Solar Panels Using Broken Cells |
As
illustrated below, one way to salvage a large number of broken solar
cells is to wire them in parallel, not in the more conventional series
connection. Broken cells of various sizes and shapes are grouped
together into panels of about one quarter to one full square foot in
area. Those panels are then wired in series with other similar panels.
The result is a low voltage, high current electrical power source.
A commercial or custom DC to DC converter can then be used to boost the
voltage, so the panel can charge a 12v or 24v battery.
A typical 10% efficient solar cell will produce about 0.07 watts per
square inch. An active area of about 140 square inches will produce
about 10 watts of power. With some careful shopping, you can
sometimes buy a batch of broken solar cells at about $0.5 per watt. A 40
watt panel could therefore be made using about $20 worth of cells. |
 |
 |
|
|
