20-WATT SOLAR PANEL
makezine.com/12/primer
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MATERIALS
[A] ½" watertight
compression wire connector
[B] Copper 18AWG
hookup wire
[C] Ring tongue
terminals ( 2)
[D] 20-watt DIY Solar
Panel Kit part #DIY20W,
about $49. Available at
siliconsolar.com.
[E] ¼" stainless steel split
lock washers ( 24)
[F] 1½"×¼" stainless steel
pan head bolts ( 12)
[G] ¼" stainless steel flat
washers ( 24)
[H] ¼"- 20 stainless steel
finished hex nuts ( 12)
160 Make: Volume 12
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[I] ¼" acrylic cut to the
following sizes: 2 sheets
18"× 24", 2 pieces 1"× 16",
2 pieces 1"× 24", 2 pieces
1"× 10" You can buy custom-cut acrylic at a local glass
company, or you can
order McMaster-Carr part
#8589K83, which you’ll
have to cut to size.
[J] Ribbon wire for
connecting solar cells,
Silicon Solar part #04-1010
[K] 60/40 rosin-core
solder, .05" diameter
RadioShack part #64-006
[L] Devcon Duco Cement
McMaster-Carr part
#7447A16, or similar clear
plastic cement
[M] GE Silicone II sealant
or similar clear silicone
sealant
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Q
P
[N] RTV silicone adhesive
found at auto parts stores
[O] Rosin soldering flux
2oz non-spill paste
RadioShack part #64-022
[P] Chassis-mount dual
female binding post
RadioShack part #274-718
[Q] Project enclosure
5"× 2½"× 2" RadioShack
part #270-1803
TOOLS
[R] Soldering iron or gun
Gun is preferred.
[S] Voltage/amp meter
[T] Soldering helping
hands
[U] Wire cutters
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[NOT SHOWN]
Power drill with ¼"
and ¾" bits
Jigsaw (optional) only if
cutting your own acrylic
Acrylic cutting knife
(optional) also used when
soldering the cells
Flathead screwdriver
One-handed bar clamps
