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As far as solar panels go, I have built 3 so far and will be building a few more. The one that I built uses the newer type solar cell which puts out almost 1.3 times the amount of energy verses the original type solar cell. The pic shows the first panel I built using the newer cells and to the left of the panel shows the older type cells which are more fragile then the newer type.
The total output of the panel is between 55-60 watts at 17.5 open volts dc. I built the panel using cells bought from a solar company out of Texas and made the glass and frame and store bought aluminum. The total costs for me was $65.00. Now I'm working on a small regulator with room to spare for additional panels.
All the regulator parts will be bought from radio shack. Remember, if you build your own, it will be cheaper, but more labor intensive. I think the next panel I build since I have enough cells will be a 200 watt panel which will use up all my cells, after that I can look at buying more cells to get in the 500 to 600 watt supply.
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