Web Site: www.parallax.com Office: (916) 624-8333 Forums: forums.parallax.com Fax: (916) 624-8003 Sales: sales parallax.com Sales: (888) 512-1024 Technical: support parallax.com Tech Support: (888) 997-8267 34 Watt Solar Panel Kit ( 33000) Parallaxs 34 Watt Solar Panel Kit is a do-it-yourself system that can produce up to a maximum of 34 watts of electrical energy. This solar panel is designed to be not only a fun and interesting project to build, but when fully assembled, is rugged enough for permanent power production (including rooftop installations), and can be used in many portable applications as well. Features Key Specifications (12) 125 mm (~5), 2.85 watt, ~18.5% Maximum Power output: 6.3 VDC 5.4 efficiency monocrystalline solar cells amps (approx. 34 watts max.) UV stabilized polycarbonate base and cover Dimensions: 23.8 x 15.8 x .375 in (60.45 x panels provide outdoor durability 40.12 x 0.95 cm) assembled Custom-milled base panel simplifies assembly and protects the solar cells Application Ideas Daisy-chain multiple units for higher Portable power for remote monitoring & voltage/current/power control systems Online video demonstrates solar cell Fixed power station for energy production handling and soldering techniques Mobile robotics and solar charging stations Budget 8 to 12 hours for assembly Kit Overview Q: Is this just another solar demonstration kit A: No, not really. There are many solar power kits that demonstrate how electrical energy is generated by direct sunlight. These kits typically produce small amounts of voltage and/or current, and are used to run small motors, indicator lamps or LEDs. Some of these kits even include meters which allow you to observe how voltage and current change under various light and/or load conditions. This product is different. Not only is it a true kityou assemble it from a pile of raw partsbut when youre done, it produces a substantial amount of electrical power. In fact, the energy produced per square foot is comparable to many commercially available solar panels. After you permanently seal the panel, it can withstand the outside environment as well. Q: Is this 34 Watt Solar Panel Kit a toy A: No, you will be making a real solar panel that can be sealed and used outside in a permanent installation (such as on a rooftop), or in mobile applications like camping, robotics, battery charging, etc. Assembling the kit is a process that demonstrates how the cells are properly handled and interconnected to produce usable electric power. Going through the assembly process will yield multiple benefits. You will gain an appreciation for how modern-day solar panel systems are assembled. learn-by-doing how to properly handle and solder the delicate cells and their wiring interconnections. know that when youre done, the solar panel can produce real, useable power. have a great sense of accomplishment. gain first-hand knowledge of how solar electric panels work. have a source of electrical energy for possibly years* to come. permanently seal the panel if you like, and use it outside year-round. save by doing the assembly work yourself. have the option to add additional panels at anytime, thereby producing more power. * Parallax cannot guarantee that the Sun will continue to shine during the useful life of this product. Copyright Parallax Inc. 30 Watt Solar Panel Kit ( 33000) v1.0 9/13/2012 Page 1 of 20 Assembly Process Caution Warning Danger Solar cells are FRAGILE. They are only about eight-thousandths of an inch (0.22 mm) thick. Treat them like ultra-ultra-ultra-thin potato chips (but dont eat them ) They WILL BREAK EASILY if not handled with EXTREME care. Do not open the package of cells until you are ready for Section B. WATCH THE VIDEOS demonstrating safe cell handling and soldering techniques before beginning. Search 33000 at www.parallax.com, and then find the video link on the 33000 product page. (You may also download the latest version of this documentation as a full-color PDF from the same page.) Now that the Warning is out of the way, if you do happen to break a cell, there is an extra one included in this kit (the 13th cell). And if you happen to break more than one, repair is relatively easy provided the cell is not shattered into many little pieces. More on this later (only if you need it ). If all else fails, you can order individual replacement cells from Parallax (Part 750-00034). Before you Begin Step 1 Check the box contents and gather your tools Carefully unpack the contents of the 34 Watt Solar Panel Kit, shown in Figure 1. Do not open the package containing the cells until instructed to do so in Section B. Check your kit contents against the Bill of Materials below. If anything is missing, contact the Parallax Sales Team (see top of Page 1.) Watch the demonstration YouTube video linked to the 33000 product page at www.parallax.com. Figure 1 Qty Description Part 1 Polycarbonate Base Panel (milled) 720-28315 1 Polycarbonate Cover Panel 720-28305 2 1 13-pack of Solar Cells, 125 mm , 2.85 watt 750-00037 1 Flux pen 800-00015 25 ft Tabbing wire, tinned 700-00130 4 ft Flat adhesive copper wire, double-bus 700-00135 1 Polycarbonate cement (tube) 700-00105 2 Disposable gloves X00-00030 2 6 x 6 Plywood workbenches (included in Solar Cell packaging) X40-33000 Gather the Additional items Required: 30 to 40 watt soldering X-acto or utility knife Steady, slow-moving hands iron (RadioShack 640- Masking or blue painters tape Sharpie or felt tip pen 2071 works well) Measuring tape or ruler Nerves of steeland lots of Solder Hot glue gun patience Volt-ohm meter (VOM) Hot glue stick Several heavy books Pair of scissors Safety glasses: wear them Flat, clean work surface Copyright Parallax Inc. 34 Watt Solar Panel Kit ( 33000) v1.1 9/13/2012 Page 2 of 20