I have two soldering irons (a cold heat gizmo and a regular one). What I'm really interested in is everything but the soldering iron. I'm assuming I shouldn't use teh cold heat on this, but maybe not. I know they're awful for computer chips or anything with a brain or that's particularly sensitive...but I don't know about panels.

Do you have a kit minus the iron, or should I get the iron because there's something special about it?

-Dee (kit = happy. This is how I learn. Little kits...)
Dee Dreslough | Homepage | 08.21.05 - 11:49 pm | #

It's included in the kit, I can't break it out. Sorry. The upgrade kit does not include the soldering iron, instructions, etc, that the first kit includes.
Steve Spence | Homepage | 08.22.05 - 7:28 am | #

Haven't put the kit together yet. I noticed that it didn't include some suggestions on how to build a frame for the panel. Also this is my first built of a solar panel and I am unsure of how to connect a load to it.
Randall Garnett | 08.30.05 - 7:42 am | #

I'll find out why the frame info wasn't sent, and get it to you. You can hook the output of the panel directly to the battery at this low output. For larger arrays, you should connect a charge controller in line between the pv array and the battery. Loads connect to the battery, with fuses.
Steve Spence | Homepage | 09.02.05 - 4:25 pm | #

I have a question... I am very interested in this and getting my home as "off Grid" as possible. But I am very new to this idea of building my own system. Can you possibly tell me more or let me see a picture of something/anything that might help me understand what I getting myself into? I would love to purchase both kits but I don't want to be left on my own after I get them and find out I can't do it. Thank you. Please answer via my email.
Josie | 09.30.06 - 8:39 am | #

It's pretty easy. Basic soldering skills are necessary. If you haven't soldered electronics before, find someone who has, or forego the kit and buy a finished panel.
Steve Spence | Homepage | 10.02.06 - 11:28 am | #

I would like to make pv modules using a manual method, i.e. with expensive automated laminators. Can you advise me on a design for such a device or machine?
Thanks in advance.
chadi
chadi | 11.11.06 - 5:28 pm | #

Hello..is this still active..i need advice on what to buy from your pages. we are about to have a 40% electric increase and Im very open to options
Michael | 11.24.06 - 10:18 pm | #

Does this setup provide enough energy to reallypower an RV?
fred schnakenberg | 11.28.06 - 9:05 am | #

Enough of them would. These are modules. You add as many as you need to meet your electrical needs.
Steve Spence | Homepage | 11.28.06 - 9:26 am | #

Sir,

I need some details and information on the following:
1. Solar Panel Kit
2. Build your own emergency generator.
3. Waste vegetable oil conversion kit
Handel Williams | 11.30.06 - 2:22 pm | #

I need solar panels to run a bilge pump directly (no batteries) --no sun, no pump! But I don't want to burn out the pump motor (Rule 500: 12V 2A) with under- or over-voltage. Please advise if some kind of controller or regulator is needed, or if ok asis
John Nelson | 03.13.08 - 5:49 pm | #