100W Solar panel || DIY or Buy

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  • čas přidán 21. 07. 2018
  • Best price in 2-layer prototype & volume PCBs: jlcpcb.com
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    You can get a commercial 100W solar panel here (affiliate link): rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-532...
    You can get individual solar cells here (affiliate link): rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-532...
    In this episode of DIY or Buy I will show you how I created a 100W solar panel by myself. Along the way you will learn how to wire up solar cells and how they are usually wired up in a commercial solar panel. At the end we will then evaluate whether the DIY version is cheaper to produce.
    Thanks to JLCPCB for sponsoring this video
    Visit jlcpcb.com to get professional PCBs for low prices
    Music:
    2011 Lookalike by Bartlebeats
    Killing Time, Kevin MacLeod
    (incompetech.com)
  • Věda a technologie

Komentáře • 1,2K

  • @xrtgameryt8008
    @xrtgameryt8008 Před 10 měsíci +125

    This panel can put out close to 100 watts czcams.com/users/postUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.

  • @iffracem
    @iffracem Před 6 lety +871

    "and try not to lose your mind while doing so"..... the eternal problem of the DYI guy.
    Great video, thanks

    • @MRA_3
      @MRA_3 Před 6 lety +5

      Antisocial Engineering words to live by mate,words to live by

    • @moki2093
      @moki2093 Před 6 lety +12

      CZcams is so drunk that it says this comment was 4 days ago

    • @zamundaaa776
      @zamundaaa776 Před 6 lety +7

      Moki no I think it's the patreon thing where ppl can get videos before everyone else

    • @moki2093
      @moki2093 Před 6 lety

      TheJoJmaster ah right I forgot

    • @moki2093
      @moki2093 Před 6 lety

      Zamundaaa thanks sry i forgot

  • @rs5570
    @rs5570 Před 3 lety +315

    “I happened to have some solar cells just lying around.” Guess that saved you a few steps.

    • @lovestein92
      @lovestein92 Před 3 lety +4

      lmfao

    • @kaceyjohnson184
      @kaceyjohnson184 Před 3 lety

      🤣

    • @HerrLehmann0xcc
      @HerrLehmann0xcc Před 3 lety +5

      @Mario true, and if you want to promote some sh** malware always make sure to create a second channel with which you can immediately respond positively to your own promotion.
      Date of creation does not matter as much, since people will not check if it says "Joined Mar 7, 2021" in the about section.
      Oh, I see they already did. Never mind then.

    • @TripleBarrel06
      @TripleBarrel06 Před 3 lety +1

      @Mario Yeah I've seen this exact scam around the site recently. There is always a second poster who says that exact same phrase immediately after the scam phrase.

    • @maxfuerstenberg5893
      @maxfuerstenberg5893 Před 3 lety +3

      @@TripleBarrel06 yeah I've also seen (twice now) some "crypto trading advisor" comment chain that literally has around 30 fake replies having a whole conversation, it's pretty crazy. Seems like an obvious scam to me, but considering how many people fall for broken English scam emails I'd imagine these comments are pretty effective.

  • @manojbr439
    @manojbr439 Před 6 lety +680

    It is sad to accept that BUY versions is leading DIY versions by 3 points.
    But, we should not forget that DIY versions helps us to learn and gives us experience about the subject,which is priceless.

    • @noisycarlos
      @noisycarlos Před 6 lety +51

      Manoj BR agree. It makes sense, as commercial products benefit from volume, economies of scale and usually cheaper labor. But there's no equal to the satisfaction of making a custom item :-)

    • @TheS1l3ntOne
      @TheS1l3ntOne Před 5 lety +2

      I agree.

    • @ChallengeTheNarrative
      @ChallengeTheNarrative Před 5 lety +5

      Nope. That's the benefit of mass production... sadly

    • @srykextraodinairecreation9962
      @srykextraodinairecreation9962 Před 4 lety +5

      Agree. Everything about learning not just about earning.

    • @JamilKhan-hk1wl
      @JamilKhan-hk1wl Před 4 lety

      @Joey Barreras if you do it practically, you will never forget it

  • @scottmichael3745
    @scottmichael3745 Před 5 lety +41

    I appreciate your honesty, integrity, building skills, and the straight forward way you presented it! Nicely done bro!

  • @janaebert3059
    @janaebert3059 Před 6 lety +521

    7:44 great use for nutella!

  • @omniflightcraft4227
    @omniflightcraft4227 Před 4 lety +12

    Your videos are incredible! The information, organization, and editing are really great.

  • @TheZwevegemsb
    @TheZwevegemsb Před 4 lety +118

    thanks for the advice, I was almost planning to make my own solar panel roof..

  • @embeddedbastler6406
    @embeddedbastler6406 Před 6 lety +760

    Tesla Model S DIY or buy???

    • @jackwyz22
      @jackwyz22 Před 6 lety +102

      Virgo AVR nuclear power plant diy or buy?

    • @CrazyNerdInventor
      @CrazyNerdInventor Před 6 lety +16

      Jack Wang who the fuck can buy a Nuclear power plant?!?!?

    • @jackwyz22
      @jackwyz22 Před 5 lety +31

      Crazy Nerd Inventor there is actually some "toys" with radioactive isotopes made back in the days. But of course I'm only being sarcastic so that joke flew over your head ;)

    • @ichspiellp3685
      @ichspiellp3685 Před 5 lety +17

      DIY nuclear bombs or buy?

    • @primecyber1
      @primecyber1 Před 5 lety +2

      that's on the rick rebuilds youtube channel

  • @MichalKottman
    @MichalKottman Před 6 lety +5

    I love the "DIY or buy" series. Sometimes DIY solution is not the most "value for money".

  • @capistor1
    @capistor1 Před 6 lety +1

    this episode was finally something close to the level of a beginner like me. love when you simplify it like this/ choose easy project. We need more!

  • @MuslimahBuilder
    @MuslimahBuilder Před 4 lety +2

    Your penmanship is immaculate!!!

  • @vincentrobinette1507
    @vincentrobinette1507 Před 5 lety +93

    One more thing you could have done with your version: Put a reverse bypass diode on each cell, so if a cell becomes shaded, you only lose that 1 cell, plus the forward voltage drop if the bypass diode. I would recommend low voltage Schottky diodes, because of their lower voltage drop. With only 2 diodes, if one cell is shaded, you lose two entire columns of cells, which is half the panel! The fact that you made your own, you could put those diodes in parallel with each cell, producing a better panel for less than ideal conditions, than the commercial panel. I would have used tempered glass, rather than acrylic, for the glazing.(that's what the commercial panel uses)
    One other recommendation: Mount the solar panels on stand offs, so there is a gap between the backs of the panels and the roof. As the cells get hotter, the output voltage goes down. Semiconductors are negative temperature coefficient, so their voltage drops as temperature goes up. The cooler you can run the panels, the more voltage they will produce, with no reduction in amperage. That will allow them to produce more wattage.

    • @AutoLinkThisToGmail
      @AutoLinkThisToGmail Před 5 lety +3

      The problem is the expense of the diodes albeit ~5-15 for 36 cells in this case, they are also approx 3/8in(0.8cm) cylinders, making for awkward lumps near each cell when you encapsulate in resin or vacuum seal with polyacetate films

    • @vincentrobinette1507
      @vincentrobinette1507 Před 5 lety +4

      @@AutoLinkThisToGmail You're right on two counts. 1, the diodes need to be rated for at least the short circuit current rating of the solar cells. They also have to be able to withstand that current at high ambient temperatures, often exceeding 50 degrees centigrade.(122 degrees Fahrenheit) As far as bullet epoxy rectifiers go, it would actually be better to use direct substrate rectifiers, similar to what you see if you take apart a high power bridge rectifier, so you don't have the bulk of the epoxy package, and the terminals of the diode are flat, and also serve as a heat sink. Besides, if you're building a framed, glazed panel, the little 'bumps' on the back side shouldn't be a problem, as long as they are lower than the terminal block. I'm guessing, that in bulk, such rectifiers could be had for pretty low cost, compared to the increase in performance in panels that are installed in less than ideal places.

    • @christopherleubner6633
      @christopherleubner6633 Před 4 lety +3

      You can get smd schottky diodes made for switching power supplies very cheaply. They are good for up to 5 amps constant current, two in series gives about a 0.7v drop. Would make excellent bypass diodes. The voltage drop you want is higher than 0.5v.

    • @vincentrobinette1507
      @vincentrobinette1507 Před 4 lety +1

      @@christopherleubner6633 actually, you would want to put them in parallel with each other, and put them in reverse of the polarity produced by the cell. The diodes would be completely out of play, no matter how high the solar cell voltage is. Their purpose, is to limit the reverse voltage on a shaded solar cell, so the less voltage drop, the better. You would put one parallelled pair of diodes on each cell. In fact, you could put one diode across each of the pair of cell interconnectors on each photovoltaic cell, to help with current sharing. The antiparallel shunt diodes need to be reverse biased, by the output of a solar cell.

    • @robh467
      @robh467 Před 4 lety +3

      Now replace with high quality glass. Suspend the whole thing and put a natural cooling system taking at least fifteen degrees off the electrical components.
      Invert system. Use eight mirrors.
      Record results. Replicate three times. Power your home for less than a thousand dollars.
      Rewire components in parallel, which was recently in the news.
      Replace copper with silver and upgrade materials used. Five hundred more dollars, it was just in the news a few weeks ago. Now you should be able to power your neighbors home too.

  • @GaudyMarko
    @GaudyMarko Před 6 lety +28

    awww, I was cheering for DIY

    • @Hellsong89
      @Hellsong89 Před 5 lety +2

      His design is pretty bad, so DIY wins, specially if you can recycle materials. Epoxy was not needed, clear UV protected lacker would suffice, plexyglass is expensive and would better be replaced with normal glass, that you can recycle from old windows. Aluminum frame could also found from trash, but could well be replaced by sheet metal bent in U form and so on.

  • @rholt2
    @rholt2 Před 4 lety

    I appreciate this test so much! thank you. so many times a lot of people (including myself) jump into a DIY project and don't realize that the cost of the individual parts exceed the price of the "already-made" product. not to mention quality of construction and, as you mentioned, labor costs!
    thanks again.
    Russ from Ocala, Florida, USA

  • @Electronzap
    @Electronzap Před 6 lety +2

    Glad you did this! Been looking into it for a while, and I concluded pretty much exactly what you shown. I only see DIY solar being practical these days for something like covering an outdoor table that's just sitting there anyways, or something else with panels, and then encapsulating it. Even then, like you said, it is time intensive, so if you are fully employed, you might as well just buy something unless you really have a strong DIY spirit.

  • @TheIceLeopard
    @TheIceLeopard Před 6 lety +9

    Even though BUY won, I STILL LOVED THIS VIDEO! I love solar cells and panels.
    Suggestion for next video: How about DIY Solar cell, aka homemade?

  • @FargothPL
    @FargothPL Před 2 lety +8

    In my opinion, the cheapest and best for this project is to use old window panes (sometimes you can get them for free) and transparent silicone (I used the one for gluing aquariums). The cells can be hermetically sealed with 2 panes of glass (by sticking cells to the rear window with a small amount of silicone), or the cells can be filled with neutral liquid silicone. You can also combine both solutions and the panel will be almost bulletproof. The glass is rigid and UV resistant. Silicone allows the cells to work, so they will not crack due to heat.

    • @douglasheld
      @douglasheld Před 7 měsíci

      I think with ordinary glass there might be a power loss though.

    • @FargothPL
      @FargothPL Před 7 měsíci

      ​@@douglasheld Glass transmits about 80-90%, while Plexiglass transmits 92%. It is impact-resistant (so perfect for hail), but it is less resistant to temperature, softer and bends quite easily under weight. These solar cells are very delicate and the last thing you want is a flexible structure.
      If you want to use plexiglass, you need to make the structure stiff or use cells made using technology that is more resistant to stress and bending.

  • @sayantanmaiti2513
    @sayantanmaiti2513 Před 6 lety

    This is just awesome... What's greater than to build a commercial thing by yourself at home? This is why Mr Scott is unique

  • @farhan7393
    @farhan7393 Před 5 lety

    I loved it how honest you were.

  • @themanthelegend7048
    @themanthelegend7048 Před 4 lety +7

    You should look up aluminum brazing/welding rods. You can aluminum weld with a hand torch.

  • @ElectronPower
    @ElectronPower Před 6 lety +26

    Nice video! Here are a few more tips: did the resin leave any gaps between plexiglass and the cells? If yes, you could try pouring a thin layer of resin onto plexiglass and then place the cells on top of it, to avoid any air gaps. The problem with air gaps is that when the temperature changes, water can condense on the surface of plexiglass and reduce the output and in the end even mold can develope in those spaces which is really pain in the ass (it permanently affects the output). Also, you can clean the flux and fingerprints with acetone in a spray bottle, thus further improving the output. And one more thing: plexiglass will degrade under UV light over time and decrease the output. It's also not very scratch resistant which can be a problem when cleaning the panel. (use glass or tempered glass instead)

    • @vincentrobinette1507
      @vincentrobinette1507 Před 5 lety +2

      That's what the commercial panels use, and for exactly those reasons.(tempered glass)

    • @bashkillszombies
      @bashkillszombies Před 2 lety

      Also more tips: Don't eat yellow snow, nor pat burning dogs.

  • @tornadokat
    @tornadokat Před 6 lety

    I just ran across a set of these cells on AliExpress earlier today and the cheap price caught my eye plus I wondered how you hook them all up. Then I found your video tonight. Now I see how you connect them together and the work plus other costs to consider. Thanks a lot!

  • @brunacastrofernandes1869

    Scott makes my day happier

  • @rohandabir1588
    @rohandabir1588 Před 6 lety +29

    Nice video as always make a video on inverter

  • @Petex90
    @Petex90 Před 6 lety +36

    Regular plexi glass will turn yellow-brownish in a year. Even "UV-resistant" plexi will suffer this in some degree. I think that the glass would be the best way to go

    • @MaxC_1
      @MaxC_1 Před 3 lety

      PLEXIGLAS and some other brands make UV resistant versions for years now that give you no yellowing guarantee, at best might notice some slight tint after years but personally knowing that I could get my money back if the glass yellows makes it worth it to me

  • @aatkarelse8218
    @aatkarelse8218 Před 5 lety

    The only bastard crasy enough to still do a full diy panel even tough you know it will compare poor against commercial panel, i call that dedication !

  • @napoleon_bonaparte2462
    @napoleon_bonaparte2462 Před 5 lety +2

    I have DIY'd this too. I did not use resin, and I instead lay the cells out on painted plywood, and sealed the outside edge of the plexiglass over the top with strong adhesive, and topped it off with a C-frame. Takes 8 hours to solder indeed, it's actually meditative. My tips:
    - Use a thick frame like Great Scott did, thinner ones are not sturdy enough and the space behind the panel is handy for concealing wires, drilling holes and mounting.
    - If you're not using resin, make sure to keep any live wires away from the frame.
    - It's much much easier if you don't have to cut the plexiglass to size, it can be brittle and difficult to work with.
    - Sealing the cells from the elements is crucial and probably worth spending good money on resin to achieve it.
    It might be a good idea to use a backboard and a C frame, then fill the inside of the frame with epoxy as a seal. That way you use far less resin and mirror adhesive. Haven't tested this idea though, just a thought.

  • @Brutaltronics
    @Brutaltronics Před 6 lety +7

    thank you Kanye, very cool

  • @iwantitpaintedblack
    @iwantitpaintedblack Před 6 lety +20

    Nice video, but i think its important to mention how fragile these cells are, aand that you can buy cracked cells for dirt cheap like kilo price , and if the chunks are big enough, cread a panel out of that, and that you can use glass instead of plexi and resin to cut costs dramatically, like a sandwich of wood and glass, which will make DIY worth it

    • @zachburke8906
      @zachburke8906 Před 6 lety +4

      This completely.
      You can get cells for nothing, glass for cheap and wood on the bottom and make them a lot cheaper.

    • @iwantitpaintedblack
      @iwantitpaintedblack Před 6 lety +2

      Or you hunt for used old modules, which are less efficient but save you time if you dont have much free time, sometimes you can get like 100 watt panel for 50 or 60 euros

    • @jpjay1584
      @jpjay1584 Před 6 lety

      you NEED the resin. without it you have an air layer between the glass and the cells. that eats up to 40% energy output. also it seals everything.

    • @manudehanoi
      @manudehanoi Před 6 lety +2

      there is plenty of air between the glass and the sun, I dont see how a couple more mm will change anything @jp jay

    • @jpjay1584
      @jpjay1584 Před 6 lety +9

      ok, so let me explain.
      what you say it right. there is plenty of air between the cells and the sun.
      B U T: when light travels from one media into an other it will be refracted, reflected. (means: not 100% will pass) depending on the material it can be just 70-80% (even with glass or air, depending on angle)
      so if light goes from AIR to GLASS it will loose some %. THEN it will also go from GLASS to AIR (the one we speak of) and then it will go "into" the Solar Cell.
      so in total the light path is: AIR-GLASS-AIR- CELLS.
      that last AIR should be replaced by a liquid (or resin) to make it more transparent.
      if it happens one time you will get 80% of light in the cells. if you let it pass 2x through an AIR layer it will be 80% of the original 80% and that is only 64%
      windows will reflect the sun almost like a mirror if it comes in a flat angle.
      and that light is the one which can not go through.

  • @aidanwansbrough7495
    @aidanwansbrough7495 Před 6 lety +1

    That's awesome - I was just a little disappointed to see it was not as cost effective. Great work! :)

  • @MurrayMints
    @MurrayMints Před 6 lety

    Thank you for this video, you have just answered a question that I have been genuinely wondering about for ages. Keep up the great videos and I will see you later.

  • @LoganJarrell
    @LoganJarrell Před 2 lety +3

    I'd be insanely curious to see you revisit this one. I suspect that there may be a way to either source cheaper materials, or save some bucks by buying more cells, or maybe getting different, higher (or maybe even lower) efficiency cells. I wonder about encapsulation with resin vs vacuum sealed plastic sheeting. I wonder about acrylic vs glass (and then tempered vs regular).
    I even wonder about what the absolute Frankenstein solar panel would look like or do. I'm talking "what do I have laying around the shop?" copper wires from old chargers instead of nickel strips, glass salvaged from some old monitor or something. Frame made out of literally anything. All in the name of curiosity/science haha.

  • @DigitalYojimbo
    @DigitalYojimbo Před 6 lety +103

    Isn't the plexiglass going to get cloudy because of uv ?

    • @Wilson84KS
      @Wilson84KS Před 6 lety +32

      Yes and then the cells are lost because of the resin, but probably they will crack before because they aren't flexible while the plexiglass is and deform by heat and cold.

    • @Blox117
      @Blox117 Před 5 lety +2

      no because it has a uv protectant in it

    • @w8stral
      @w8stral Před 5 lety +10

      Yes, it will, but slower depending on how much UV expensive iinhibitors are put in said plastic. @@Blox117

    • @shanewhite352
      @shanewhite352 Před 3 lety +6

      he did it it in worst way possible on purpose, there are more cost effective ways, lamination is cost effective and looks professional and not messy, perfectly waterproof as well, he added costly things on purpose ;)

    • @MaxC_1
      @MaxC_1 Před 3 lety +1

      @@shanewhite352 well plexiglass works fine and imo a better choice due to crack resistance. You can find plexiglass for rather cheap with UV protection that won't show yellowing for years. The thing that'd fail here first is the epoxy as it yellows rather quick even with UV resistance.
      As for methods, could have used some kapton tape (a 3-5$ roll should be enough) to hold the Cells together and insulate the back and then use a thin aluminium sheet (should be around 10$ or less for that size) to hold it together for thermal transfer. There's a ton of ways to go about it for much cheaper. Also VHB tape is cheap af and works well
      Only issue I see is the method and work is rather pointless as you can find monocrystalline 100W panels with like 20% efficiency for any day around 50-60$ from Asia, NEW. So these panels aren't exactly saving you much money especially none in terms of labor. Also 150W panels are like 70$ so there's that

  • @athngeo
    @athngeo Před 6 lety

    Thank you Scott! A Complete analysis as always!

  • @PlatinumDragonProductions999

    I love the DIY or buy series! Super helpful! :-D

  • @simonstergaard
    @simonstergaard Před 6 lety +9

    Normal plexiglas have UV blocker added, which might lower your yield.
    You can buy plexiglass without UV blocker, but you will have to make some calls...

    • @Samuel-km5yf
      @Samuel-km5yf Před 6 lety +1

      Simon Østergaard - Good point. I suppose it depends on how broad the UV blocker is. UV does not contribute to electrical power and results in unwanted temperature rise. So, you actually want to block UV. The problem would be if the UV blocker additive also block part of the visible spectrum which would indeed lower the PV efficiency. A test would be simple enough - measure the power output of a bare cell and then cover with plexiglass and remeasure. Another concern is discoloration of the plexiglass and/or resin after prolonged UV exposure.

  • @dejayrezme8617
    @dejayrezme8617 Před 5 lety +3

    I'd be curious if you could combine solar water heating with solar photovoltaics. Only sensible if you have limited space of course, but heating water with the wasted part of the sunlight and cooling the cells with water might be a more efficient way to heat during e.g. the winter.
    Probably just not worth it if you have enough space.

  • @teenflon
    @teenflon Před 3 lety

    I love the diy or buy format :)

  • @TS-jj1wi
    @TS-jj1wi Před 4 lety +1

    I enjoy learning from you, great tech video !

  • @Cheese_1337
    @Cheese_1337 Před 6 lety +8

    STAy creative... and i will see you nEXT TIme..

  • @KD-mx1qt
    @KD-mx1qt Před 5 lety +35

    In my physics class, my group managed to increase the light intensity and efficiency significantly by adding aluminium foil as a funnel into the solar panel, it got quite hot quickly but aside from that, I have no idea why this isn't done commercially. Does anyone know?

    • @welcometocattown2036
      @welcometocattown2036 Před 5 lety +33

      There is a good reason that parabolic reflectors are not used in that method, and it is the heat. Heat destroys photocells. I've personally always wondered why we don't just collect all of that heat from panels, and use it in practical ways.
      Perhaps a water or oil filled coil heat pipe attached to the back of the panels?
      1. liquid cooling on your panels
      2. possible way to run your hot water
      3. most of that heat is even there in the winter
      Other than that, there are a few companies that make adapters for panels, that are literally a Fresnel lens, which refracts and concentrates light. This doesn't increase the actual efficiency of the panel, but concentrates more light onto each points, increasing the reaction.
      The reason people don't use them more, is that whole heat issue.

    • @bashkillszombies
      @bashkillszombies Před 2 lety +7

      K D - Your physics class fail. Matte white painted cardboard is more reflective than alfoil, even mylar. Only custom reflective material for hydroponics comes close to matte white from a rattle can. You fail because you didn't google any tests of reflective surfaces! :P

    • @josholin31
      @josholin31 Před 2 lety +4

      @@bashkillszombies guess we are resurrecting this comment. (guess we both got recommended this old video)
      I wouldn't really call it a fail since as the other person stated, it's already going to hurt the cell so adding more reflectiveness isn't going to help in the long term.
      Also, although more reflective. Matte white directs the light in random directions. Therefore not as focused on an intended target. It's great for certain uses, like the back of a light fixture because it doesn't just reflect the light better but spreads it out as well. But not so great for applications that require precision.
      That's why they used 100,000's of mirrors at BrightSource in the Mojave desert and not matte white. Maybe it would help in finding the location from space. But not directing the light toward a central location.
      Think of looking through a windsheld vs. one that has 10,000's of cracks. The light is still hitting the outside of the glass, but the light is being redirected in a way you can't make out what's on the other side. Some photons might not even be hitting your eyes. And the ones that do are in various positions.
      But yeah. You are right about it reflecting more. Just not the best for the application... if solar cells didn't degrade under heat that is.

    • @Eduardo_Espinoza
      @Eduardo_Espinoza Před 2 lety

      I was thinking of doing the same thing but with mirrors 🤔

    • @ossiehalvorson7702
      @ossiehalvorson7702 Před 2 lety

      @@bashkillszombies "custom reflective materials."
      Nah, doesn't need to be custom by any means. BoPET would be the more cost efficient material, like what they make emergency blankets from, and it's readily available. I've seen those blankets go in Walmart for

  • @atharvaabhyankar9516
    @atharvaabhyankar9516 Před 6 lety

    Thnx scott!!!! I waited my whole life to learn what that resin which covers the cells is called

  • @N0Xa880iUL
    @N0Xa880iUL Před 6 lety

    Amazing project....Tbh the power output of the DIY one surprised me. Hatsoff to your dedication and awesome creativity.

  • @BESTTikTokMusicallyIndonesia

    stay creative but the winner is BUY, Nice :v

    • @biackshibe
      @biackshibe Před 4 lety +1

      what the fuck is your channel

  • @Samuel-km5yf
    @Samuel-km5yf Před 6 lety +4

    Fun project! A few concerns/ideas I have - Will the plastic panel and/or resin discolor (i.e. turn yellow or foggy) with prolonged UV exposure? Is there a significant CTE mismatch between the resin and silicon cells which will cause cracking after exposure to temperature changes? Reworking a cracked cell will be very difficult. Finally, it may be better to mount your panels slightly above the roof instead of laying flush. The space will allow airflow under the panel to keep it cooler and therefore more efficient.

    • @Eduardo_Espinoza
      @Eduardo_Espinoza Před 2 lety +1

      Is CTE repeated hits to the panel?

    • @Samuel-km5yf
      @Samuel-km5yf Před 2 lety +1

      @@Eduardo_Espinoza - Hi! Not sure what you mean by “repeated hits”. I think you are asking if CTE mismatch is a cumulative or compounding effect. If so, yes. Thermal expansion mismatch is a degradative effect. The more cycles and/or the greater mismatch, the lower mean time to failure.

    • @Eduardo_Espinoza
      @Eduardo_Espinoza Před 2 lety

      @@Samuel-km5yf These CTE stands for compounding effect? I don't know what CTE is & I think I googled the wrong one.

    • @Samuel-km5yf
      @Samuel-km5yf Před 2 lety +1

      @@Eduardo_Espinoza - Oh, I understand now. CTE stands for Coefficient of Thermal Expansion. When two different materials are in close contact, and if those materials have significantly different CTEs, then they will expand and contract at different rates when the temperature changes. This can cause warping, delamination and/or stress fractures.

    • @Eduardo_Espinoza
      @Eduardo_Espinoza Před 2 lety

      @@Samuel-km5yf Thank you very much! Well said!

  • @AMSabuncu
    @AMSabuncu Před 6 lety

    The best handwriting anywhere.

  • @lazygamer8789
    @lazygamer8789 Před 5 lety

    Dude thanks for the test i just bought a Victron mppt just like your. Why is this channel not getting 1 mil subs !!

  • @Ma1ne2
    @Ma1ne2 Před 5 lety +4

    I knew you are German! Your accent is so revealing 😂

  • @Yonatan24
    @Yonatan24 Před 6 lety +193

    What if you don't use the resin? That's -$40
    And glass instead of plexiglass? You could even get it for free.
    That's cost savings of almost $80!

    • @Yonatan24
      @Yonatan24 Před 6 lety +19

      ...And I see everyone commented this.
      I can say it would be worth it for me because I'd make it for way less :)

    • @MikaTheAboveAverageDog
      @MikaTheAboveAverageDog Před 6 lety +4

      plexi is far more durable than glass, especially when backed by 1cm of resin

    • @InfernosReaper
      @InfernosReaper Před 6 lety +67

      Plexiglass and resin both yellow over time when exposed to UV rays, which will begin to cut into the light transfer

    • @jort93z
      @jort93z Před 6 lety +26

      Plexi is more durable, but glass is harder, therefore more scratch resistant. I'd take scratch resistance over durability in this case, since you shouldn't be dropping the panel anyway.
      Also, it is more UV resistant.

    • @Wilson84KS
      @Wilson84KS Před 6 lety +31

      Thats why it is far away from creativity and the sense of solar cells, wasting hundrets of euros to save some cents on electricity costs and buying new toxic materials to save the enviroment. The resin wasn't just absolutely not necessary, it was an absolutely idiotic idea for that he even spent almost the same amount of money like on the cells. He glued together two things from that one is flexible and reacts on heat and cold while the other cracks very easy, also the plexiglass will lose it's transparency in some months and the materials like the money is wasted anyway. Also all the other parts can be found in almost every corner in Germany as waste, only the cells needed to be bought, aluminium is toxic and now needs to be reproduced because he bought new instead of reusing something that is called waste, but probably he got so much money from YT that he became to decadent to think further, just making a new video fast for fresh yt-money. I'm getting disappointed more and more with every new video.

  • @muzzaball
    @muzzaball Před 4 lety

    It was a good test - thanks for performing the experiment. 😊

  • @prasannabiswas503
    @prasannabiswas503 Před 5 lety +1

    Great job. God bless you and your family.🌻🌻🌻

  • @zcrib3
    @zcrib3 Před 5 lety +4

    Cost of work will always be the most expensive thing.

  • @niel546
    @niel546 Před 6 lety +98

    Why do you mount your solar panels directly to you roof?? I think it need some airflow under the panels for cooling

    • @InfernosReaper
      @InfernosReaper Před 6 lety +21

      It's how most people do it, but cooling would definitely help since overheating solar cells are very inefficient. Coating them completely in resin doesn't help matters either

    • @mt-bp9ei
      @mt-bp9ei Před 6 lety +1

      InfernosReaper, w.r.t. resin coating what would you suggest?

    • @whuzzzup
      @whuzzzup Před 6 lety +2

      He made a video about exactly this topic some weeks ago.

    • @rushanfernando5207
      @rushanfernando5207 Před 5 lety +3

      Amen to this. Needs ventilation or the lifetime and performance will both decrease. Check temprature coeficient in datasheet.

    • @vanhetgoor
      @vanhetgoor Před 5 lety +3

      Here in Holland nobody is glueing the solar panels to the roof. We all use a structure that aims the solar panels to the Sun. It gives a better rendement.

  • @Mason-hs9oz
    @Mason-hs9oz Před 2 lety

    Been needing a few custom pcb, thanks for the source!

  • @inkhole
    @inkhole Před 5 lety +1

    Thank you for taking the time to do this. Very interesting outcome. I've subscribed and thus will check out your other vids. Have you done a vid on a home solar set-up? Good job - Great Vid.

  • @hbarudi
    @hbarudi Před 5 lety +4

    I tried this myself, but the soldering didn't work well and from a kit of 45 cells, only about 36 survived which was expected by the designers of that kit.
    But this is becoming a very outdated technology as I am participating in the research for tandem thin film solar panels that can be commercially produced and sold for even lower prices and have about twice the efficiency of those panels. Also crystalline silicon requires high temperatures (1000C) to manufacture that silicon wafer that is then having atoms added to make it a p or n semiconductor. But thin film, the whole panel is produced like a single cell in an in factory device that is a vacuum chamber so the metal atoms can at lower temperatures (

    • @clochard4074
      @clochard4074 Před 5 lety +5

      Can you predict when we'll see the commercial release of this new film?

    • @supernova5434
      @supernova5434 Před 4 lety

      so i can build a dyson sphere?

  • @darkshadowsx5949
    @darkshadowsx5949 Před 6 lety +5

    why are the solar cells spaced so far apart? and the frame so thick?
    you could save money in material cost by making it more compact. less resin, aluminum framing, plexglass , adhesive, etc...
    it seems like you didn't even try to make it cost effective.

    • @NKBANGTEST
      @NKBANGTEST Před 4 lety

      Suppose you can cut half the cost to make it as cheap as professional product, you still need to spend 8 hours or 1 day for 100w. For 10kw system, you need to spend 100 days, no way you don't lose your mind and breath too much lead gas to be able to cure in the process.

  • @Jajaho2
    @Jajaho2 Před 6 lety +1

    Thank you once again for the nice video, makes my day!

  • @SUHABOUT
    @SUHABOUT Před 5 lety

    I love your hand writing....

  • @camilomason4560
    @camilomason4560 Před 6 lety +15

    Why does the solar panel (appear to) turn black when resin or flux contacts it?

    • @TheMadJagger
      @TheMadJagger Před 6 lety +7

      i guess this is because of some microstructure on surface getting wet

    • @ryugen
      @ryugen Před 6 lety +15

      Because resin refracts the light differently in comparison to air.

    • @webchimp
      @webchimp Před 6 lety

      There is a fine matt textured surface which the flux wicks into

    • @sinephase
      @sinephase Před 6 lety +2

      it's like wetting a stone I'm assuming

    • @ikannunaplays
      @ikannunaplays Před 4 lety +1

      It does that when frightened.

  • @ahmadalisajadi2695
    @ahmadalisajadi2695 Před 6 lety +3

    arduino diy or buy

  • @PedroFaria
    @PedroFaria Před 6 lety

    Great tip on the odd shape panel, if needed!! That's the only thing I can think of that would compensate all the labor and fragility of the DIY version!
    Another great video!! Learned allot!! Congrats!!

  • @nolan738
    @nolan738 Před 6 lety +1

    Holy shit! I was just hoping you would make a video about this 2 days ago! And you did!!

  • @probablynotabigtoe9407
    @probablynotabigtoe9407 Před 5 lety +10

    U want it water proof and then you attach the positive and negative wire with conductive Duct Tape.... WTF

  • @TheMrFraps
    @TheMrFraps Před 6 lety +4

    isn´t the ressin quiet expensive?

    • @TheMadJagger
      @TheMadJagger Před 6 lety +1

      i guess it's like a third of total cost.

    • @whuzzzup
      @whuzzzup Před 6 lety

      It's not like he wrote the price for it in the video... 8:25

  • @scottxiong5844
    @scottxiong5844 Před 6 lety

    Thank you for doing this. I was thinking of DIYing my own solar panel :D.

  • @JustKyzuuh
    @JustKyzuuh Před 6 lety

    Love this series. Keep it up!

  • @KrazeeCain
    @KrazeeCain Před 5 lety +6

    You lost me at the 2-part epoxy. That shit is hella pricey and totally unnecessary.

    • @KrazeeCain
      @KrazeeCain Před 5 lety +1

      @Taylor lol the point is all you're doing is holding the solar cells in place. You could use a mechanically cheaper adhesive around the edges and then fasten a panel on to the back to weather proof the panel. IDK what material would be best but almost anything would be cheaper than epoxy.

    • @darkhalcyonx2805
      @darkhalcyonx2805 Před 5 lety +1

      +KrazeeCain simple silicone caulk, and hot glue from Walmart (used seperately of course).. cost you a dollar each. will hold and seal anything in the world for cheap, quick fix diy : ) between those, gorrilla glue, and some duct tape, you are unstoppable. lol

  • @Techchannel91
    @Techchannel91 Před 5 lety +3

    Diy or buy?

  • @chuseyourownadventure8941

    Great video as usual. Thanks for taking the time to make it. God bless.

  • @NunalSaPaa
    @NunalSaPaa Před 6 lety

    Wee, a new video! Thank you!

  • @jhoughjr1
    @jhoughjr1 Před 6 lety +8

    You pretty much never can DIY cheaper than buy due to economy of scale.

    • @keitho3133
      @keitho3133 Před 6 lety +2

      At least if you are paying retail prices for stuff. If you can pickup stuff wholesale or used it can be cheaper.

    • @roguevector5284
      @roguevector5284 Před 6 lety

      Usually I see diy as a customization to add quality features, while attempting to add things on to which it will be used for. For example I saw his video on oscillope for diy or buy or the price difference. I see the cheaper oscillope was not as bulky as the 400 dollar one.
      Also DIY I have done because I didn't want to get rid of all the computer components yet. I ultized the screen on a dead laptop to serve as a second monitor, that I didn't have to carry around in a case.

    • @ikickss
      @ikickss Před 6 lety +2

      I can think of two category of exceptions:
      - when you need quality and/or fill a niche(or custom). Example: bed, subwoofer. Ok, you need a set of ok-ish woodworking tools to start...
      - some items can be repaired much cheaply than buying new: laptop batteries, battery banks/packs.

  • @luisd.3226
    @luisd.3226 Před 6 lety +5

    Ich wusste es du kommst aus Deutschland! ( München?)

    • @camilomason4560
      @camilomason4560 Před 6 lety +2

      he doesn't reply to comments not in english

    • @luisd.3226
      @luisd.3226 Před 6 lety +1

      Camilo Mason GreatScott come from Germany?

    • @alext5310
      @alext5310 Před 6 lety +2

      Luis kommt er nicht aus Sachsen?

    • @derjoba
      @derjoba Před 6 lety +1

      He's from germany, check out his patreon site for more informations!

    • @moki2093
      @moki2093 Před 6 lety

      Waterfront_xD information*

  • @giorsims
    @giorsims Před 11 měsíci

    It is the learning moment of creation here that is priceles.. thank you for creating this video

  • @Spentelectrons
    @Spentelectrons Před 4 lety

    Cheers to the only respectable guy named Scott in 100 years or more

  • @ivanalaskevich4736
    @ivanalaskevich4736 Před 6 lety +6

    Why so big gaps?

    • @jeanalves1579
      @jeanalves1579 Před 6 lety

      Ivan Alaskevich I guess heat transferring

    • @marcaxe
      @marcaxe Před 6 lety

      So he doesn't have to bother cutting the plexiglas I presume, he's not short on space.

  • @hoffelinck1
    @hoffelinck1 Před 6 lety +109

    Is it just me, or can I hear a heavy breath after each sentence :p

  • @AISC95
    @AISC95 Před 6 lety

    Awesome build! Such a decent job :)

  • @PS_on_youtube
    @PS_on_youtube Před 6 lety +1

    Very nicely done!
    I considered doing a diy panel in the past, but (as you discovered) the costs of a diy panel are definitely more.
    ...plus you wouldn't want to use plexiglass, they make a special type of 'glass' for solar panels.

  • @corbonzo1
    @corbonzo1 Před 5 lety +5

    if you had done things a little better your DIY would have won.... first off plexi is a big no no. flex cracks cells and plexi breaks down fairly quick from UV. not to mention glass is waaay cheaper. youre suppose to use glass. you also used far more resin than needed. make sure your cells are as flat as possible, than use less resin and slowly tilt it all back and forth to even it out and to let the bubbles escape from under the cells. vwala, cheaper and usually higher producing panel with just as long shelf life as the mass produced ones

    • @ahaveland
      @ahaveland Před 5 lety +1

      I was cringing too - Plexiglas/Perspex is really not appropriate, it can also melt or catch fire if a shaded cell gets too hot, but this can only happen with long strings and bypass diode breakdown.
      Should also seal the edges of the cells with some masking tape to prevent resin getting on the cell surface. I made my panels using Sunpower cells - much less tabbing to worry about, but tedious cutting and shaping small pieces to connect them instead of using the expensive 'dogbone' connectors.

  • @YarMohsin
    @YarMohsin Před 5 lety +4

    Saved half money on Readymade panel and spent that money on building frame and glass, etc.
    Where is the saving dude?

    • @matteobaldini9837
      @matteobaldini9837 Před 5 lety

      Dude...have you seen the video? I mean until the very end?

    • @YarMohsin
      @YarMohsin Před 5 lety

      @@matteobaldini9837 obvsly

  • @salvygonzy3600
    @salvygonzy3600 Před 6 lety

    not bad ur so honest humble and straight to the point 👍🏽👍

  • @ivangutowski
    @ivangutowski Před 5 lety +1

    By far the largest improvement you can make, which has worked very well for me.
    Obtain old double glazing units, people have them in skips all the time or online when conservatories are being replaced. This provides tough, cut to size glass with aluminium surrounds that can be cut off using a Stanley knife and replaced with sealant. This will result in a cheaper and far more durable system.

  • @randomzocker8956
    @randomzocker8956 Před 5 lety +19

    NO NO NO
    With this layout of the solar cells try putting the hand over one...
    you will notice your output plummet near 0 if just 1 cell isn't producing!

    • @Toxicity1987
      @Toxicity1987 Před 4 lety

      Yes, but do you put your hand always on one cell? We need a high current or we would have a huge loss through the cables.

    • @w04h
      @w04h Před 4 lety +2

      6:50
      No it won’t that’s what those bypass diodes are for

  • @koloblicin
    @koloblicin Před 5 lety +15

    pff
    stupid DIY
    why use expensive resin and plexiglass when you can use CHEAP regular GLASS...
    dis one not so great scott!

  • @odthegreatest
    @odthegreatest Před 3 lety

    Beautifully analysed. Cheers.

  • @meserettesfaye116
    @meserettesfaye116 Před 5 lety

    I loved to see your videos, great job!

  • @LalanDesai
    @LalanDesai Před 6 lety +62

    *USB SOLDERING IRON DIY OR BUY*

  • @georggross1232
    @georggross1232 Před 6 lety +28

    You say 'stay creative'... How the hell can I be creative with things that are super-expensive and even exist cheaper? I gotta admit. On the one hand, we can be creative. On the other hand, our creativity is dying.

    • @jabkowy6107
      @jabkowy6107 Před 6 lety

      You gotta get money ez if you are creative

    • @oilybrakes
      @oilybrakes Před 6 lety +2

      Georg Gross Just become an engineer and buy all the stuff you need. :P
      Also, try buying on Ali Express from China. Everything is cheaper if bought where it's made.

    • @cekpi7
      @cekpi7 Před 6 lety +2

      Always go with cheaper, it's usually not as good as expensive stuff and will require some modifying or repairing :)

    • @davey2k12
      @davey2k12 Před 6 lety

      Cekpi7 that depends on you trial and error ......the company's might have the best design at the moment it's not the cheapest option

    • @DoomRater
      @DoomRater Před 6 lety +1

      R&D is lost money. Both the time invested and the raw materials put to use to create prototypes. Get used to it!

  • @gustavocardenas6489
    @gustavocardenas6489 Před 3 lety

    I love your videos! subscribed.

  • @leegar1537
    @leegar1537 Před 5 lety +1

    today I learned DIY at good buy, thanksssss

  • @nickfree46
    @nickfree46 Před 5 lety

    very interesting and informative experiment, gets my head and a possible solution to a tricky shaped project I'm working on. Subscribed as your obviously a knowledgeable individual. :)

  • @tk778866
    @tk778866 Před 4 lety

    It's all good bro,
    Thank you for your video, stay creative,
    Bless.

  • @daniele_go
    @daniele_go Před 4 lety

    Fully agree! DIY only for very STRANGE shapes!

  • @edwardhaughney9665
    @edwardhaughney9665 Před 5 lety

    Great presentation. Keep up the good work.

  • @luisrayomix
    @luisrayomix Před 5 lety +1

    Me alegras el dia con tus proyectos muy útiles y gracias por tu esfuerzo.

  • @somnathpatra6858
    @somnathpatra6858 Před 6 lety

    Well detailed and great as always

  • @jamesmacferson3485
    @jamesmacferson3485 Před 6 lety

    Thank you so much man, Amazing video!

  • @larryscarr1929
    @larryscarr1929 Před 5 lety

    What a good premise for a vid . New sub!!