Solar Panels - lightweight

[Abdul Ahad]

Can someone recommend me a source where I can buy thin, light-weight
solar panels in various sizes? The vast majority of 'consumer' solar
battery chargers and panels are far too heavy for the output they
produce.

I am not looking for scientific miracles, I just want some lightweight
panels for various projects.

Thanks
AA
http://uk.geocities.com/aa_spaceagent/

 

[N. Thornton]

Can someone recommend me a source where I can buy thin, light-weight
solar panels in various sizes? The vast majority of 'consumer' solar
battery chargers and panels are far too heavy for the output they
produce.

Not really. There are flexible panels used as roof tiles, but if glass
is way too heavy, these probably wont be light enough either.

Another poss option is to go with light concentration. Aluminium,
silvered mylar, fresnel lenses etc will get you a lot more power out
of a limited amount of glass. Just beware of burning the cells.

Depending on your app, short term storage can sometimes decrease the
peak power output needed.


Regards, NT

 

[Active8]

On 14 Oct 2003 16:52:37 -0700, N. Thornton, said...

Not really. There are flexible panels used as roof tiles, but if glass
is way too heavy, these probably wont be light enough either.

Another poss option is to go with light concentration. Aluminium,
silvered mylar, fresnel lenses etc will get you a lot more power out
of a limited amount of glass. Just beware of burning the cells.

Depending on your app, short term storage can sometimes decrease the
peak power output needed.


Regards, NT

funny you mentioned mylar. i was looking around for aluminized mylar.
hell, just a roll of tape was $64. then i came across a site about some
space project. duh!!! how many space blankets do i have for
emergencies?! that's what they used.

not as stiff as i'd like for the app, but once i iron out the folds, i
can stick it to a thicker flexible sheet.

brs,
mike

 

[Active8]

On 14 Oct 2003 08:28:53 -0700, Abdul Ahad, said...

Can someone recommend me a source where I can buy thin, light-weight
solar panels in various sizes? The vast majority of 'consumer' solar
battery chargers and panels are far too heavy for the output they
produce.

I am not looking for scientific miracles, I just want some lightweight
panels for various projects.

Thanks
AA
http://uk.geocities.com/aa_spaceagent/

there are companies that sell portable panels for charging laptops. i
guess i falls under beach accesories

i've seen surplus packs from desert storm in american survival mag, too.

mike

 

[Jeff]

Get a flexible solar cell - they are however very expensive.

 

[Leeper]

Unfortunately, with many space blankets, after exposure to a summer or
two, the aluminum coating starts falling off.

 

[Active8]

Unfortunately, with many space blankets, after exposure to a summer or
two, the aluminum coating starts falling off.

is it the summer or the mechanical stress, though? UV does deteriorate
certain materials, but i can see the stuff separating from use, also.

brs,
mike

 

[Ban]

On 14 Oct 2003 16:52:37 -0700, N. Thornton, said...
That is your opinion only.
These panels come with a glass top and an aluminum frame strong enough to
withstand also bad atmospheric conditions such as hail and storm. They are
not "consumer" grade either but have a 20yrs. guarantee and are (mainly)
used in professional installations AFAIK.
You can buy uncovered cells with bonded aluminum foil as conductors, but
these are very brittle and it is not easy to choose the right materials
processing them.

I would rather say Abdul, you should get some experience and do a google
search. This was the first link already
http://www.solar-electric.com/usf-32.html

ciao Ban