Knowing how to do proper tabbing of solar cells is very important. It is a process wherein two solar cell pieces are joined together by using a flat wire. Improper tabbing could lead to inefficient solar panels. Aside from that, not knowing how to do it could also make you waste a lot of money because the cells would be destroyed. Some of the common problems include leaving discoloration on the cell, causing cracks or the cells simply would not stick. Before you even end up wasting the materials that you have and throwing your money away, it is best to gear yourself up with the right techniques so you can successfully tab cells.

The first thing that you have to carefully think about is the type of solar cell that you would like to use for your panels. It is recommended to do some simple computations so that you can evaluate which cell would provide you sufficient energy. For example, the 4 by 4 inch or 3 by 6 inch cells can already generate an estimated 2 watts each. Be careful about the solar cells that are measured in milliamps. Base your computation on watts or else you might end up with a panel that could only power up a small calculator. The cells should produce 0.55 volts and 3.98 amps. To be able to get the watts, just multiply the value of the volts and amps.

When you have bought the right cells, you can then start tabbing. Prepare all the materials first. Soldering iron and solder will make sure that the wire is permanently attached. For the flux, it is best to use the pen type because it is more convenient. The tabbing wire has to be flat and highly conductive. It would also be much easier to have a piece of ceramic tire or glass that has enough surface area for tabbing.

Carefully lay the solar cells on the glass or ceramic tile. Put ample amount of flux within the white lines which you will find on the front face of the cell. This is the part where the negative power from the horizontal finer lines is collected.

For the tabbing wire, make sure that its length is twice the side of the cell. This will allow you to string the solar cells together. Each cell has to have 2 tabbing wires. Lay the wire flat and then apply a thin coat of solder on the underside of it. It is best to apply the solder on the wire instead of putting it on the cell so that cracks and discoloration will be avoided. Attach the wire on to the cell. Leave it for a few seconds to a minute to ensure that the solder has hardened. Using a toothpick is a good way of testing if the wire was attached properly.

When you have done that crucial step, all it takes is a careful stringing of solar cells together. Make sure that you take your time in doing the process to avoid causing any damage. Keep your hands light when touching the cells and attaching the wire.