Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: z.s.tar.gz on January 05, 2010, 04:50:32 PM

Title: Where to get good solar panels cheap
Post by: z.s.tar.gz on January 05, 2010, 04:50:32 PM

I've already looked at the SoR parts list, but I was wondering if there's any place you guys recommend personally.
I'm currently looking at solarbotics.

Title: Re: Where to get good solar panels cheap
Post by: Soeren on January 05, 2010, 04:57:28 PM

Hi,

You can by off-cuts for cheap (in some places) and assemble your own fairly cheap and with the exact parameters you want.

Title: Re: Where to get good solar panels cheap
Post by: z.s.tar.gz on January 05, 2010, 05:00:41 PM

Cut offs? Please elaborate as this may be right up my alley.

Title: Re: Where to get good solar panels cheap
Post by: Soeren on January 05, 2010, 11:05:04 PM

Hi,

Well, not much to elaborate over. When large panels are made/assembled, there's often a bit of "scrap", from fitting and from the *ooops slippery* incidents. These can be used by assembling equal size bits (or parallelling smaller sizes - just remember that the weakest cell, current-vise controls the max current).
A few smart companies sell all the chips and it's good for many hobby purposes (don't have a link handy, I just see them every now and then).

eBay is another possible source of course:
40 Barely Broken 3X6 Solar Cells Photovoltaic Panel (http://cgi.ebay.com/40-Barely-Broken-3X6-Solar-Cells-Photovoltaic-Panel_W0QQitemZ230419271420QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item35a60f0efc)
US $38.50 + US $6.50 shipping (I would get a set myself, but he only ships within the US and Canada).

Title: Re: Where to get good solar panels cheap
Post by: Joker94 on January 06, 2010, 12:07:37 AM

thats amazing, unfautinatly i am also out of the shipping area. :(

Title: Re: Where to get good solar panels cheap
Post by: z.s.tar.gz on January 06, 2010, 03:49:58 PM

I've found some really cheap relatively good ones here (http://www.plastecs.com/). The web site is really crappy and you have to call/email them to order, but I think this is a good option.
As far as ebay, I'll check it out right now.

I'm liking that 40 pack you linked to, if I use two of them series I can get ~8V@450mA. Pretty good.
I'll keep looking...

I went with Plastecs (the crappy website one) and I must say their actual service is great. Custom made solar panels on the cheap.