Solar: Cheapest $/Watt

[Elwar]

Ok, I'm in the market for some solar cells and trying to track down the cheapest cost per Watt of power.

Best I've found so far are these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/108-3x6-5v3-6a-...in_0?hash=item1c0b1195e8&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

That's 108 cells at 1.75 Watts per cell at a cost of $219.95 for $1.16 per Watt.

I know that buying more will bring the price down but at the moment I'd like to start with something around $200-$300 (plus materials).

Has anyone seen any better deals?

For now I plan on using the power for some outdoor LED lighting.

 

[zdenek795]

The chipest way to generate electricity is to build generator from scratch.

YouTube - Green-Trust.Org & Woodhenge.Org building wind turbines

 

[Mini-Me]

The chipest way to generate electricity is to build generator from scratch.

YouTube - Green-Trust.Org & Woodhenge.Org building wind turbines

It depends on if you're factoring in the opportunity cost of your labor, though.

In reference to the OP: Your deal is the best I've seen so far, but the DIY nature of it is obviously a factor there...

 

[roho76]

Ok, I'm in the market for some solar cells and trying to track down the cheapest cost per Watt of power.

Best I've found so far are these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/108-3x6-5v3-6a-...in_0?hash=item1c0b1195e8&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

That's 108 cells at 1.75 Watts per cell at a cost of $219.95 for $1.16 per Watt.

I know that buying more will bring the price down but at the moment I'd like to start with something around $200-$300 (plus materials).

Has anyone seen any better deals?

For now I plan on using the power for some outdoor LED lighting.

Hey Elwar. I think this is the best deal there is. I just ordered these for the Green Smilee Club the other day. I modified the plans from instructables with the wood frame. I am using plexiglass front and a plastic back as well as aluminum angle to make the sides this is for weight because I work with kids. I have made up a 3D model using SketchUp that I could share if you like.

I also think incorporating a wind turbine is best and they're pretty cheap to make but harder than soldering some wires together and encasing them in plastic.

I'll let you know how the cells look when they get here. Because I plan on building many of these and if they are a good source they will get my business.

 

[Objectivist]

http://www.wholesalesolar.com/

I have a Chinese supplier if I can find the page.

 

[Elwar]

The chipest way to generate electricity is to build generator from scratch.

YouTube - Green-Trust.Org & Woodhenge.Org building wind turbines[/url]

I have tall sea pine trees on either side of my property that blocks the wind, which for the most part is a good thing living right on the Gulf coast.
I have good sun though, being in Florida. I checked the rating and I get 5.45 ideal hours per day.

 

[Matt Collins]

search www.slashdot.org for some good posts about solar power.

 

[Firegirl]

How about a whole solar kit? Been keeping my eye on this one for awhile and I'm dying to buy it. Looks like it comes with everything you need to get started, except some batteries of course. I think it will be a great starter kit for me.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

 

[Objectivist]

I have tall sea pine trees on either side of my property that blocks the wind, which for the most part is a good thing living right on the Gulf coast.
I have good sun though, being in Florida. I checked the rating and I get 5.45 ideal hours per day.

At that amount you should have made enough energy to cover the manufacturing of the panels in 3-4 years. Then you have the investment into the cost of purchasing the panels or materials.