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Author Topic: Finally : cheap DIY selfmade solar cell with common materials !  (Read 207053 times)

nueview

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Re: Finally : cheap selfmade solar cell with common materials !
« Reply #105 on: April 22, 2009, 11:35:27 PM »

as most elements are dipoles or at least have a dipole moment building your cell on an electret or a capacitive plate insulated from the rest of the cell with a potential exerted so that it influences the junction may yeild better results out of ordinary solar cells since i am not sure about polarity it may be quite interesting to get an answer first and then attempt to build also light passing through a polarizing filter will intensify the radiation patern so i have read but cannot confirm.

ResinRat2

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Re: Finally : cheap selfmade solar cell with common materials !
« Reply #106 on: April 24, 2009, 01:14:37 AM »
I think the reason my cell did not work is because it does require the electrolyte to transfer the electrons. So I would need the iodine solution.

In the spirit of research I have gone back to Stefan's idea of using the aluminum foil, but I want to incorporate a different electrolyte and also use the colloidal minerals I have available. My previous experiment involved baking silver colloid on aluminum, and this gave a brownish-colored coating on the surface of the metal. Looking at the groupings of the Chemicals on the Periodic Table I show a likely candidate of Chlorine as a substitute for the Iodine. Added to the water as Bleach or Sodium Hypochlorite, it could perform the function as the carrier of the electron to the Carbon paper or Carbon rod. A bit of coloring could be added if the brownish tinge of the silver colloid won't be able to filter the sunlight properly to draw the electron.

These are just a couple of ideas I will begin investigating.

Thanks for your interest.

Dave (RR2)
« Last Edit: April 24, 2009, 03:07:42 AM by ResinRat2 »

mdmiller

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Re: Finally : cheap selfmade solar cell with common materials !
« Reply #107 on: April 24, 2009, 03:57:48 AM »
I've been trying to identify a solid electrolyte for use in photovoltaics, and have noted a lot of experimenting with polysaccharides as solid or gel-based photovoltaic electrolytes.  An example material would be starch.  Another that makes sense is methyl cellulose. 

The polysaccharide is salt-doped to provide ion transfer.  Methyl cellulose (MC) is a polysaccharide (commonly known as wall paper paste).  I believe MC can also be used to separate plates in a battery.

An even better one is Carboxy methyl cellulose.  Ah yes, the primary ingredient in KY jelly -- which lends a whole new dimension to a passionate romantic evening.     -Duane

hartiberlin

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Re: Finally : cheap selfmade solar cell with common materials !
« Reply #108 on: May 13, 2009, 06:31:43 AM »
Here is a new Youtube channel that shows how to make a
solar cell out of donuts and tea !
No joke ! ;)

http://www.youtube.com/user/caudex43

« Last Edit: May 14, 2009, 01:52:59 AM by hartiberlin »

infringer

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Re: Finally : cheap selfmade solar cell with common materials !
« Reply #109 on: May 25, 2009, 06:02:05 AM »
Wow I am amazed I have seen the doughnut thing before but yes a home made cell seems fairly possible to do and the ideas given have been excellent anyone trying please share some photos.

I would like to share a picture with all of you of my latest creation cost was under 300 dollars total and it puts out a beautiful amount of energy! Took several days of soldering and finalization but it is now in service.


ResinRat2

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Re: Finally : cheap selfmade solar cell with common materials !
« Reply #110 on: May 25, 2009, 02:51:30 PM »
Hi Infringer,
I like the way you used an old standard-type of window pane setup.

Thanks very much for the pic and your efforts; keep us updated on the details.

So far I have not had much luck getting my ideas to work at all.

infringer

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Re: Finally : cheap selfmade solar cell with common materials !
« Reply #111 on: May 25, 2009, 06:35:09 PM »
Yes it was the cheapest possible method I tell you I did use plexi glass for the cover though and weather stripping gasket between the plexi and the wood then around the outsides and the screws I used silicone which I also used to fix the solar cells to the glass on the back side...

I will tell you the cheapest solution is to use old windows from yard sales or other sources you can pick up a crap ton for a very cheap price.

At peak the panel is supposed to put out 126 watts but I say 100 watts is more of a fair estimate but it keeps a 100 peak watt inverter 75 watt going continous during slightly cloudy times ...

I purchased the cells from fred480v the best solar source on ebay imho all are 3x6" cells rated at 1.75watts each and are polycrystaline cells...

I managed to scoop 100 cells for 2 bux per cell which you will need because some will arrive broken and you will break a couple yourself to be expected there is a total of 72 cells in total and I was very pleased with the outcome and how I was able to solder them so tightly ... 1 roll of tabbing and a couple rolls of .022 dia silver bearing solder.

To get the tightest I used cardboard cut it out to the size slightly smaller then the window cutout to leave room for connections of each string. All connections were hot glued to stave off any weathering that may occur and also keep the connections solid.

It is painstaking but the end result is excellent if you take your time to do it right.

There is condensation that builds up during the first week or two of operation but from there it seems it drys up. I am seriously considering scaling up here soon I want a wind turbine as well but I was sidelined on that project due to some things that did just not come through I had to put the wind turbine on the back burner but I have thought of taking the easy route of using a motor as a generator because there is less involved with it then making your own generator while I have nearly all the supplies the supplier of my barrels has not followed up with his promise and currently am considering using an hwat design instead.

Thats all for now gotta run.

adeternal

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Re: Finally : cheap selfmade solar cell with common materials !
« Reply #112 on: June 23, 2009, 08:05:18 PM »
Hi all.

I'm new to this forum, (and basically to science) and am excited with what I am reading and the innovation and forward thinking everyone is having.
I'm particularly interested in solutions which are implementable by average Joe or Joanne, for useful purposes and not for profit.
To this end I noticed that TiO2 is one of the main components of WhiteOut or Liquid Paper. Perhaps this can be useful in the application.
Also:  potatoes contain polysaccharide (referred to by Duane on April 24) I'm not sure of any "homebrew" was of extracting them for our uses.

Keep up the fire peoples.

infringer

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Re: Finally : cheap selfmade solar cell with common materials !
« Reply #113 on: August 03, 2009, 04:00:01 AM »
To save everyone the trouble never use hot glue for your solar panel it will melt and run down the cells this was my first big panel but it still puts out well without issue been going strong for months now been through lots of wind and rain and works like a champ this winter will be a bigger test with the snow and such but...

What ever you do DO NOT USE HOT GLUE FOR SOLAR PANELS ANYWHERE!

use all weather clear silicone for all of your application it will take longer a couple days of dry time and such but it is well worth the wait! And I swear by this stuff cause I have seen it still holding up after many years of weathering in many applications.

One better but a lot harder to use is epoxy!

enjoy

-infringer-

onthecuttingedge2005

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Re: Finally : cheap selfmade solar cell with common materials !
« Reply #114 on: August 03, 2009, 04:54:45 AM »
Here is my Solar Cell Concept.

Jerry ;)

triffid

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Re: Finally : cheap selfmade solar cell with common materials !
« Reply #115 on: August 03, 2009, 06:17:48 AM »
It would be great if "white out" could be used.I don't know about the potatoes but I remember somewhere in my chemistry training that someone used a blender to chop them up.Triffid

onthecuttingedge2005

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Re: Finally : cheap selfmade solar cell with common materials !
« Reply #116 on: August 03, 2009, 09:35:09 PM »
I know everyone trying to use the Titanium Oxide White is using it because it is cheap but you will get a hell of a lot more efficiency from Germanium Oxide in fact Germanium is the most efficient at converting solar energy at these current times, it is just expensive in pure form.

also when you make your printed pathways please use masking tape to make professional looking print pathways, it looks so much nicer when the tape is peeled off, leaving a nice sharp print edge and all.

there are better things but they are currently out of reach for the moment.

Jerry ;)

Leno

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Re: Finally : cheap selfmade solar cell with common materials !
« Reply #117 on: August 04, 2009, 05:05:08 AM »
Konarka......We're Coming!

www.konarka.com

onthecuttingedge2005

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Re: Finally : cheap selfmade solar cell with common materials !
« Reply #118 on: August 04, 2009, 06:56:17 AM »

hartiberlin

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Re: Finally : cheap selfmade solar cell with common materials !
« Reply #119 on: August 04, 2009, 08:24:13 AM »
Konarka......We're Coming!

www.konarka.com


When exactly ?
When will we be able to buy cheap cells finally ?

I can live with it,
if the cells only work for 2 or 3 years, but they mustbe cheap like
1 Euro for 5 to 10  Watts or simular...
As you cells are only out of plastic and ink
this should be possible very soon...