When building a solar panel, your first task is to find a good source of solar cells.
Solar cell can be very expensive depending on their grade.
Grade-"A" cells are the most expensive because they have absolutely no defects and give you the best results.
In some areas these cells cost about $8 plus for each individual cell.
That is quite expensive considering Grade "B" cells work just as well as their grade "A" counterparts, but contain some small defects that in the overall scheme of things does not matter.
They are much cheaper and you will have a hard time telling the difference in quality.
There is no doubt that Grade "B" cells are very hard to find and when found can carry a "you said what price".
Here is a secret for you.
Check out eBay! Here you will find a host of people selling these cells and quite recently the price had dropped to under $1/watt.
This means, you could buy enough cells for a power source for $70 vs.
$400 for the grade "A" cells.
Grade "B" cells are quality cells that have been tested highly recommended for solar power building projects.
They have a great appearance and the key is they produced exactly the amount of power they were designed to yield.
Go to eBay and check out the values you can find.
Another money-saving idea and don't forget "the more you buy the cheaper it gets".
There is little doubt that buying the 108 packs is cheaper.