What's Involved in Turning a Standard 60"x40" Solar Panel into a Smaller Panel?

[reg]

I started a thread in the Solar Generator/Micro sub-forum titled I'm Making a Portable Solar Generator & Need Recommendations for Solar Panels. I was trying to identify rigid solar panels that are smaller than standard residential panels. The reasons why I want a smaller panel are explained in the post. I've had no replies. Don't know whether what I'm looking for doesn't exist, or whether I asked the question in the wrong sub-forum.

Anyway, next question... Suppose I purchase a full size panel. What's involved if I want to make it smaller by removing some of the cells?

Thanks

 

[time2roll]

How about buy individual cells and build your own panel?

 

[reg]

How about buy individual cells and build your own panel?

Thanks, I didn't know that that's possible. Definitely worth investigating. Do you know if a DIY panel can achieve the kind of efficiency that a panel made by, say, LG or Panasonic can achieve, or at least close to it?

 

[Maast]

You could always go down to Harbor Freight, they've got several small ones.

Solar - Harbor Freight Tools

Get free, clean, quiet energy with solar panels from Harbor Freight. Rugged design. Ideal for charging smartphones, tablets and other small electronic devices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Supervstech]

I have several 15W commercial panels, about 16” square.
I seriously doubt disassembly is possible.

 

[Supervstech]

https://www.amazon.com/AOSHIKE-39x19mm-1-53x0-75inch-Polycrystalline-Silicon/dp/B01MRYYNNS/ref=asc_df_B01MRYYNNS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241984591432&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16147560871637721848&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009978&hvtargid=pla-396305765894&psc=1

 

[Supervstech]

Tiny House Huge Ideas: Small Space Success

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tinyhousehugeideas.com

 

[Supervstech]

I just googled small solar panels...

 

[Freep]

When I was looking for panels for my truck camper I was looking for a specific size first. Then got the highest wattage for that size. There are many different sizes.

 

[Bubba1]

I think 50w panels are about 2ft x 1.5 ft. That's small. If you kept it aimed it might be enough power.

 

[reg]

You could always go down to Harbor Freight, they've got several small ones.

Solar - Harbor Freight Tools

Get free, clean, quiet energy with solar panels from Harbor Freight. Rugged design. Ideal for charging smartphones, tablets and other small electronic devices.

www.harborfreight.com

Thanks, but I want to end up with a well-built, high efficiency panel that is just smaller than 60"x40".

 

[reg]

I have several 15W commercial panels, about 16” square.
I seriously doubt disassembly is possible.

Thanks, that's helpful to know.

 

[reg]

When I was looking for panels for my truck camper I was looking for a specific size first. Then got the highest wattage for that size. There are many different sizes.

Thanks, looks like I should start researching beyond the major name brands.

 

[Freep]

Putting two of these on a hinge with some legs to keep them angled might work. You could even attach a carrying handle.

https://www.amazon.com/Newpowa-Polycrystalline-Efficiency-Module-Marine/dp/B00L6LZRXM

 

[reg]

Putting two of these on a hinge with some legs to keep them angled might work. You could even attach a carrying handle.

https://www.amazon.com/Newpowa-Polycrystalline-Efficiency-Module-Marine/dp/B00L6LZRXM

According to the dimensions, the combined panel would be larger than a standard residential panel and give me significantly less output. It would be a more compact package for transport purposes.

 

[Freep]

I was just spitballing. I think you get the idea now.

 

[reg]

Thanks everyone for the comments. Very helpful. I clearly need to look at brands beyond LG/Panasonic, etc. and also look into @time2roll's idea of purchasing cells and putting a panel together.

I also know that Panasonic has a panel that's smaller than standard and that would probably work. It's available in Europe, but it's not on Panasonic's US site. I'll look into whether it's possible to get one.

 

[reg]

Does anyone know if it's possible to use a third party (e.g. Victron) controller/charger with a Jackery solar panel? I've seen lots of discussions about using a third party solar panel with a Jackery Power Station, but not about this question.

 

[Supervstech]

Yes, but an adapter needs to be made to accept the 8mm plug to a cc... or cut the end off.

 

[reg]

How about buy individual cells and build your own panel?

GreatScott! did just that. Interesting video. His conclusion is at 8:16