How to build a solar panel part 7
by admin on Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 | 25 Comments
In this video I will be showing you how to use the vapor barrier EVA.
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@Poppycockify I just ended up using glass for the back, because they all get mounted on solar stands when they are done. I wish I had thought of using them in a skylight setting, that is a great idea. I wish I could answer the slate tile question, but I have no knowledge of tiles what so ever. Thank you for the questions, Lonny
Hi, this video series is great. I notice youu don’t put a backing pane on your panels. Is this because you use them in a skylight type setting? What would you recommend as a back method for hanging panels on slate tiled rooves?
thanks for taking the time to put this series together – very informative.
100%
thanks for sharing your knowledge Too Cool!
@hhittini I am not real sure on that question. The sheets do feel soft before you heat them up, but I do not know how well they would do as an shock absorber. Thanks for the question, Lonny
@supergokue1 I heard that manufactures use EVA as a shock absorber
but they use something similar to liquids (NOT EVA sheets)
does EVA sheets do the same job??
Thank you
@hhittini Not a strange question at all, Some people have a moisture problem with their diy panels. There are many different ways to make a barrier to protect the cells. The main reason why I used EVA in this video is because at the time I could not find any videos on how to use it. So I thought I would make it to help anyone out who wanted to use EVA for a barrier. Thats for the question, Lonny
this question might be strange
but why should we use it??
@supergokue1 Thanks so much! I was able to find it there instantly. =0)
@lancerooke The only place I have been able to find it is ebay. You should be able to find it under eva solar or eva film. Goog luck with your project, Lonny
Where can I get a 26 x 32 piece of that EVA stuff?
@eddyogi So far I have not had a problem with the cells getting to hot. I still get right around 20.5 volts with the completed panel hooked up to a meter.
Have you had problems with the cells overheating under the sun? I tried using an 8mm thick plexiglas, sun exposed side of cells actually on the plexiglas, then encapsulated with EVA on the back of the cells. It worked great the first few minutes under the sun, but after a few minutes, the cells started feeling really hot to touch, almost unbearable, and the voltage and amps started dropping significantly. The surface of the plexiglas didn’t feel hot until a few hours later.
@DurkaDurka83 Sorry about that. Yes, I did solder the wire to the bussed wire. The red to the positive and the black to the negitive. Thanks
Great series of videos – thanks! You skimmed over the wiring portion so it wasn’t clear (to me at least) what steps were taken. Did you just solder the wires directly to the “bussed” connections?
@xiaoyangkao2 It is 1/16 inch thick, very thin stuff. Thanks
How thick is your plexiglass?
@jeremycandoit I have noticed that there was a very small drop in power when they are covered up by the eva, but it was very small. Thanks
What would be wrong with using the kind of shrink wrap that you use for insulating your house windows in the winter? Could they stand up to the heat that may be generated by the sun on the panels? Seems like that would be easy if it could be used. A hair dryer is all you need for that.
Also does the EVA reduce the effectiveness of the sun’s ability to generate electricity? Great video series by the way 
@DubsChops My favorite is the clear epoxy resin. It is easy to use and very strong. Thanks, Lonny
I have a question, if this is your least favorite method for a vapor barrier what is your favorite method? I am looking to do this soon and want to do it the best way the first time.
@MrHorsetail I did find 1 person selling it on ebay in the U.S. Look under solar cell panel eva film. I have not noticed any problem yet of the eva cracking or breaking cells. I will tell you that it was my least favorite way to make a vapor barrier. But I thought I would show every thing that I could think of for the cells. I hope that helps and good luck with all of your projects. Thanks again, Lonny
@supergokue1 Yes I looked on ebay and couldn’t find it. I would love to find something to replace plexiglass. Plain glass isn’t an option for me. It seems like the EVA stuff might not allow for expansion and contraction and make the cell break though.
@Stime64 It took me about 30 minutes or so for the front. The little leftover flaps on the back took about 5 minutes or so.
@MrHorsetail I could only find the eva on ebay. I really wish it was sold in stores.