PowerFilm¶

Overview¶

PowerFilm solar modules are lightweight and flexible and easy to use

This makes them a great option for assembling solar panels.

These are especially suitable for student/education environments

These panels are super durable and don't break.

This is great for environments where many hands and movement is expected.

Big Idea

The PowerFilm modules deliver 3.6v 50mA each.

Voltage good, 50mA too little -- we want more than that.

So we're wiring two of them in parallel to double it to 100mA.

Get Parts

Need 2 PowerFilm solar modules in addition to wire.

Wire Type	Length	Wire Example
Thin	2 x 20cm	30 AWG solid core wire wrapping wire
Thick	2 x 4cm	20 AWG solid core hook up wire

Lay out all the parts just like shown

The panels have a +/- orientation, so orientation is important.

The layout above directly leads into panel assembly and attachment.

Set up Solder Points

We want to set up the solder points on the PowerFilm.

Create a connection point by:

Now do these points:

Solder Wires

Assemble tracker, flash, and check blinks before starting

You want to know that the tracker works before testing solar.

See Jetpack Tracker page for more details.

Solder to Tracker

Rotate Panels

Since we're using a stiff wire to attach to the tracker, you can just rotate the panels and they'll stay in place.

Make sure when you hang the tracker that you adjust the panels to face directly upward

Test

This should work now.

If you saw blinks when you flashed the tracker during assembly, you should see them now here also if you have enough light.

PowerFilm fully assembled: 4.5 grams

Jetpack + PowerFilm fully assembled: 11.0 grams.

Total cost per panel: $14.76 (two MPT3.6-75 PowerFilm modules)

Module	Product Page	Purchase Link
MPT3.6-75	PowerFilm MPT3.6-75	California PC MPT3.6-75