Update #14: Solar Panel Backing Board Prototype
Here are some pictures of the solar panel backing board that I've mentioned in the past. I just got the laser cut pieces back today, though it definitely needs a bit more work...
The backing board is a 1/4" thick piece of bamboo ply board that the solar panel can mount to, and serves two purposes: it adds a nice hard board to better protect the solar panel, and it adds more mounting options. The board has fourteen 1"-wide slits and four 1/4" holes, so that it could be strapped, tied, or bolted onto just about anything you can think of.
For the prototype, I epoxied the panel on there because the solar panels I have are early models that don't have the mounting holes, but in the final thing, the panels will be bolted on using binding posts.
Using bolts instead of epoxy to attach the panel to the board have a number of advantages. The main benefit is that the solar panel can easily be taken off the board, if the board isn't required. Or, in the unlikely event that the solar panel breaks, the board can be bolted onto a different panel and thus be reused. The bolts attaching the solar panel to the board will also have a little bit of play so that the board and panel can shrink or expand at different rates without stressing each other. Along a similar vein, if the board is dropped, the board will likely hit the ground before the panel (since it's bigger), and the shock may be absorbed before it transfers to the panel, which may help protect the solar panel.
The backing board also comes with a notched stick that allows the solar panel to be lifted up in 4 different angles. The stick also has a 1/4" hole at the bottom, so that a stick weighed down with some stones can help keep everything in place if used outside in windy conditions.
There are some tweaks that need to be made, but I think this could be a really nice addition to the kit for some folks, especially those of you who want the additional impact resistance and mounting options for outdoor use. I'm also considering a Lexan cover that can be bolted on, so that the solar panel is sandwiched between a thick bamboo board and a layer of highly impact resistant polycarbonate. Need less to say, the board will be completely waterproof (I'm considering using a bamboo ply that is supposedly dishwasher safe).
Anyway, as always, feedback is welcomed...
Note: Because this board did not exist when the Kickstarter campaign launched, the rewards were not priced to include this component. Since margins are already very thin, I likely will not be able to include this board in many of the reward levels. I can probably include it for the $250 and $500 levels, but it will likely be an additional option for the other levels (for the $115 level, it will count towards the one extra item).
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This project successfully raised its funding goal on October 18, 2011.
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A personalized laser-cut and engraved bamboo plaque with your name on it.
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A solar power pack kit! See the specs in the main description. This is the real deal, at a special price, for 5 early supporters! (Add $15 for international shipping.)
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A Solar Hacker Edition of the kit, which has everything except the bamboo enclosure. Normally, a 5W panel and 6Ah battery alone would cost more than this, but you'll get the charge controller circuit plus booster circuit too! With 10W (2A @ 5V) of output, you'll have plenty of power to do cool stuff with!
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A solar power pack kit! See the specs in the main description. You'll get a kit from the first production run, and at a lower price than retail. (Add $15 for international shipping.)
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A solar power pack kit! Plus ONE of: extra 5W solar panel, spare 6Ah LiPo battery, or AC adapter. This second batch will ship after the first batch, in mid-to-late November.
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A Deluxe Edition solar power pack kit! Comes with additional 5W solar panel, a replacement battery, and an AC adapter for when the sun don't shine. (Add $10 for int'l shipping.)
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A Limited Edition solar power pack kit. The bamboo enclosure will have a special engraving with unique serial numbers (only 10 will be made). Additionally, the kit will come with a colored faceplate instead of the clear acrylic faceplate in the standard model. The LE kit will also come with an extra 5W solar panel, replacement battery, and AC adapter.
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A Limited Edition solar power pack kit, plus all the extras as described above for the $250 level. PLUS a Deluxe Edition kit (see $140 level) to give to your favorite person. PLUS, a prototype unit that will be shipped shortly after this Kickstarter campaign reaches its goal (even if it's before the end date). The prototype enclosure will be numbered, and have your name engraved on it (just in case, you know, you lose it at a bar...).
Project By
Connected as Ryo Chijiiwa (403 friends)
Ryo has a degree in Computer Science from the University of Chicago. In 2009, after spending several years working in Silicon Valley at companies like Yahoo! and Google, he left the corporate world to go live in the woods, where he eventually learned to live mostly off the grid. Shortly before starting BootstrapSolar, he spent 2 months in Japan as a disaster relief volunteer. In addition to being a programmer and mountain man, he is a Maker, Burner, and marksman.
Walter - Yes. I'm already working on version 2 of the board ;-)
Ryo
I'd like a backing board, and I'm not sure if I've been charged for [int] shipping? Please advise.
SBW
I guess I'll wait for the countersunk one?
SBW