DIY Solar Power System: Questions & Answers

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the construction and optimization of a DIY solar power system. Participants share their setups, ask questions about performance discrepancies, and seek advice on connecting different solar panels and batteries. The scope includes technical explanations, troubleshooting, and conceptual clarifications related to solar energy systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their solar panel setup, including a polycrystalline panel and a monocrystalline panel connected in parallel, and questions the discrepancy between voltage readings from a shunt and a multimeter.
  • Another participant suggests that connecting solar panels with different voltages in parallel is problematic, as it can lead to one panel feeding into another, potentially causing inefficiencies.
  • Concerns are raised about the necessity and impact of diodes in the system, with some participants noting that diodes can introduce a voltage drop.
  • Questions arise regarding the performance of solar cells connected with copper tape compared to soldered connections, with uncertainty expressed about the impact of the connection method on efficiency.
  • Participants discuss the challenges of using DC to DC converters to manage voltage and current for small devices, highlighting concerns about the converters' amperage ratings.
  • There is a mention of the risks associated with connecting batteries of different amp-hour ratings in parallel, including potential overheating and failure modes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriateness of connecting solar panels with different voltages in parallel, with some asserting it is unsafe while others question the extent of the impact. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal configuration and the effectiveness of various components in the system.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of detailed schematics and specific configurations of the solar panels and batteries, which may affect the understanding of the issues raised. The discussion also reflects varying levels of experience among participants in building solar power systems.

  • #31
@Averagesupernova Thank you, I will try out that experiment later.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Averagesupernova
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
I came here to help with answers but see that there were quite a few and this was a while back. I'm curious, how did it turn out? Hopefully you learned a lot.
 

Similar threads

Misc. An improvement on my previous low-tech way to rotate solar panels
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Electronics My home solar energy generation and control system
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Electronics Rule of thumb for derating Solar Energy off-grid energy systems
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Solar panel conundrum -- Not enough power?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Electrical Designing an off grid power plant
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
Could you use Solar to power a DC to AC Inverter? (Description below)
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Switching between parallel and series connections (solar)
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
5K
Engineering Shunt Resistor, Grain Boundaries & Solar Cell Circuit
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Electrical Solar panel thickness to avoid breaking DIY
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
How Do Solar Panels Perform Under Different Loads and Light Intensities?
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
4K