Sealing a Homemade Solar Panel

what about a couple wraps of that clear window cling that they use for sealing windows in winter?

it' won't survive strong hits or anything... but it'd be waterproof and if damaged I think a 10$ box is enough for a dozen windows or so... so even doubled up you could rewrap it if needed...

File: kat.jpg (45KB, 640x727px) Image search: [Google]

45KB, 640x727px

heh i tried to do this cheap a year or so ago

i made individual cells into single panels with plexiglass & pva film using a vacuum pump & heat gun, they turned out alright but were too much work

i said fuck it and picked up a few 250W panels off craigslist for $100/ea

>>1039175
>manufacturer reject cells
How to acquire? Do want.

Regarding your query, silicone. A bead inside the frame, more glass on the back.

>>1039188
Never seen that stuff before but it snows once every other year here so that's probably why. I want it to be able to at least withstand laying on top of uneven terrain or a 12 inch drop. That does give me an idea though. I could glue some plastic bags/wrap/etc to the gaps in between cells so they're at least individually sealed.

>>1039198
eBay, search for damaged solar cells. They mostly just have cracks or small chips. Some are broken in half or missing decent chunks. I got mine and the tabbing from ML Solar, which I think is a manufacturer. There's a couple guides floating around online detailing how to wire one up.

>>1039175
3M 5200 is the spooge of the gods and makes silicone look a job by comparison. At any hardware store. Make a glass sammich.

Update: tested it during a clear sky just after solar noon today and got a peak of 48.25W.

>>1039175
cheap epoxy?

File: 4L_9Xac5bRd.jpg (60KB, 800x470px) Image search: [Google]

60KB, 800x470px

My father told me that there's a way to take apart those solar panels attached to street lights and power lines and use them for your own home, is this true?

File: bla dog.jpg (30KB, 356x357px) Image search: [Google]

30KB, 356x357px

>>1039508
I'm sure a crowbar, pair of boltcutters, and a fake license plate would get you 95% of the way there.

Solar panels work just like a battery so as long as you have enough of them and sunlight you can power anything you want.

Update 2: Ended up sealing individuals cells to the glass with RTV silicone sealant then put two coats of spray polyurethane over the whole thing to fill any cracks and insulate the back of the cells. Still looking for a cheap sheet of plastic to use as a back. Going to check local sign shops to see if they'll give/sell me a misprinted sign or blank sheet of plastic for cheap.