Bit the bullet

[oztules]

Yikes......
Not sure if i can see it clearly... but the overhang should be from the blue side (front).
If you overhang from the back side (grey) then the connection will occur on the blue side..... and you definitely don't want that.

All interconnects must be on the rear sides (grey) otherwise height differentials will exist on the blue side where you interconnect, and these will break the cell when the vacuum comes on, ......... the height difference on the front where two tabs join will be small mountains against the EVA against the glass.

I'll explain that again/different.

The front tab should be about 7 inches (blue side)
The back tab about 5 1/2 inches long(grey side).

Is this how yours are, or did you go 7 inches on the grey, and 5 1/2 on the blue ...... this could be a real problem.....


................oztules

[bj]

  OK Oz, Yikes is a good word.  Get your point about connections under the glass.  Tried a few, (the test cells) and although they are flat,
your point is well made.
  Again, on the test cells, I tried to change it, and it's pretty easy.  Only time, and that's no big deal.
  Decision on those done is still in pondering stage,  rest will be interconnects on back.
  Glad you caught me at this stage.  Many many thanks.

[rossw]

  Glad you caught me at this stage.  Many many thanks.

An old quote, can't remember where from, but went:

"Thank goodness we're going so slowly..... for we may be going in the wrong direction!"

[tomw]

  Glad you caught me at this stage.  Many many thanks.

"Thank goodness we're going so slowly..... for we may be going in the wrong direction!"

Certainly done that! usually from going too fast, however.



Tom

[bj]

   Just an update.  Course direction change made, and at about the 950 cells tabbed mark.  Just ran out of
tabbing wire.    Learned lots, and would/likely will do some more.  Not until I have these in panels though.
   Bit of trivia:  just about 1/4 mile of tabbing, three worn out tips. 

[oztules]

Gee, time is coming to put these to good use. Near 1000 cells is a LOT of work, and oodles of time. well done from down here.

If you keep going you will have the worlds largest home built system me thinks...


Are you going to get new batteries for your camera... for the step by step, blow by blow making the oven, making the panels etc

We are all following your progress.

I had meant to do an article about this, but I figure you will do a better job of it, and can bring to the table your do's and don'ts.


Best with it


.............oztules

[tomw]

bj;

Do you see tabbing in your sleep?

I thought of doing some of those but with the attention span of a gold fish, shaky hands and poor fine vision, I figured I best not.

Appreciate the share.

Tom

[bj]

  Tom--in my  sleep, yes.  I don't do cells after the second pot of coffee, shakes are way tooooo bad, and I
wear 2X cheaters to do the cells.   
   Oztules--I knew it would be a long job, (you warned me)  Now on to testing.  I have done some spot checks
and found no problems, but time to get serious about it.
   Have been working on other parts when I could not bear to look at another cell, oven is not quite done yet,
and I need to get some new EVA. The stuff I have/had clouds when it's cooked.  It was free from a friend, so
I got what I paid for.
   Which brings me to a question, if I may.  Do you still have the link to the supplier in China?  I had it, but
lost it to the lightning strike.  Fred has it, but shipping is silly high.
   Finally camera is working, have some shots, trying to get into the habit.

[oztules]

It's a lot dearer than when I bought it... but you need over 100 meters, so haggle for a lot  lot less.

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/400691/200408635-317352087/Solar-EVA-Film-for-solar-cell-encapsulation-with-TUV-certification-1000mm-free-of-shipping.html

Plenty of other folks seel it too.
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-fm/574619166-Free-Shipping-Solar-Cells-Panel-EVA-film-sheet-Encapsulant-1M-x60M-NEW-wholesalers.html

this is the cheapest for free shipping 100 meters for less than $700

http://www.aliexpress.com/product-fm/438567916-Solar-EVA-Film-wholesalers.html



................oztules

[bj]

  Once again, many thanks Oz.  It has gone up, but, kind of need it no matter what.
  Bookmarked, and saved on two computers this time, just in case. 

[philb]

Bj-
I don't know if this stuff is even worth looking at, but Smooth-on.com has a new Solaris Silicon Encapsulation for made for solar panels. By the pictures, you pour it on.

This is where I buy smooth-on 300 to encapsulate the stators on my windmills.  I also used it on my last set of blades. I'll never go back to fiberglass resin again. No side effects on an aging body. Great product instructions and customer support is the best.

http://www.smooth-on.com/Solaris%3D-Silicon/c1381/index.html

[Wolvenar]

philb,
That stuff looks awfully expensive. It looks like maybe what my panels seem to be made of.
These seem to have a ceramic backing of some sort with a softish plastic like coating over the cells in the front ( not glass)
They are a pita to clean... and of course the birds love em.

[oztules]

Phil,
That looks fiendishly expensive.... I like the true EVA. It is tried and true.... and cheap as nuts. $24 for a 2mx1m panel for front and back EVA. It also means a glass front... easy to clean... in fact if you have 45 degree panels like I have... you don't need to clean.

I don't want to stop anyone playing with something I have not tried.... but gee I don't see any advantage.

I would like some to use to encapsulate electronic boards... thats where I see it as very useful.


.................oztules

[bj]

   Many thanks for the link Philb.  I do believe I will try that stuff for another (unrelated) problem
project I have.  And of course do some experimenting once I have some. 
   For the panels, I think I will stick with EVA/glass. (word play intended).  I figure it has been torture
tested on windshield glass long enough to be proven.

[philb]

For the money, EVA is the way to go. Just offering an alternative. that might be of use.

Also, as Oz pointed out, there are other uses for the product. Who knows what you guys might come up with.

BTW - My solar laminations are pressed on the front of the glass. I have tried to photograph them, but none have turned out good enough to see the EVA sheet separately. They are always dirty - even after a 2 inch rain. I envy you Oz.