Preparing a few solar cells for powering anything offline. 6 times 6V, 0.35A, Ø 8cm, according to seller. Let us see the next weeks what they finally can deliver here in southern, sunny Spain, in optimal (California) conditions.

Upper three are in parallel, as well as the lower three. The separation is by purpose, a modular approach. Originally intended for a serial connection. If individual cells get covered or otherwise malfunction (in serial connection) the power production is severely affected. The modular approach is to avoid this, in serial connections.

Here the two strings of each 6V could be connected in serial to get 12V. I will think of a way to build in plugs that facilitate both options. – Maybe as a switch?

The two different shapes are again by purpose. The three as a triangle makes the covering most dense. The three in row offers an alternative usage of a small sun spot in a window, or equal. I am not sure yet if I will fix them as a 9’er triangle blok, or let them be able to separate.

It is by the way interesting to puzzle around on how to get the shortest / smartest wiring on these (least wire, fastest wiring). – What would your suggestion be?…

I have a 38Ah spare car battery that I will drain a little (in a yet unknown way), and then use as load. A ‘INA219’current sensor is ready to make the measurements. I have been waiting for a long time to try out the INA219 in a project that makes sense. The time has come, I guess.

I still need to fix the software. That is mostly a question of when I have the time for that. Just making measurements should be easy done in software. I have a LORA setup ready, except for the fact that this still runs on the old servers of The Things Network. Maybe I am forced to move to their new platform now. Again a time consuming process as hindering.

Okey. Let’s start small, one step at a time. Next time slot is connecting the solar cells with the battery and the INA219. – Could be the upcoming weekend.

Stay tuned…

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