DIY Solar Panel Kit 160W – 36 Mono Cells 6x6

The MR WATT 160W DIY solar panel kit contains 36 grade-A monocrystalline 6"x6" (156x156 mm) solar cells plus the accessories to connect them. This is the full cell used in commercial PV modules: 36 of them in series give a 160 W, 12V nominal panel, the highest power you can get at 12V from a single string. We designed this kit in-house.

More power per cell, more current to handle

Each 156 mm cell delivers about 4.4 W at over 8 A. The panel voltage stays that of a normal 12V panel, but the current is almost double that of a panel built with 125 mm cells. In practice:

• Controller: choose one rated at least 15 A, ideally 20 A; a 10 A PWM would run at its limit.
• Cables: between panel and controller use a suitable cross-section, at least 4 mm² over runs of a few metres, so you don't lose power as heat.
• Soldering: large cells are proportionally thinner and more delicate to handle; lift them flat and support them across their whole surface.

K36ML3-AH technical specifications

How big your panel will be

• 4 rows of 9 cells: a cell area of about 63x143 cm, the classic format of 150-160 W panels.
• 6 rows of 6 cells: a square of about 95x95 cm.

Sizes assume 3 mm between cells, frame excluded. You need a 60-80 W soldering iron with a flat tip, a smooth heat-insulating surface and an encapsulation method (EVA, clear silicone resin such as QSIL 216, or double glass), not included. Guides and videos are in the Learning Zone on mrwatt.eu and on our YouTube channel MRWattDIY.

What you can do with it every day

In Southern Europe 160 W produce on average about 0.6 kWh per day over the year, almost 0.7 kWh on summer days. On a campervan that covers the 12V compressor fridge, lights and device charging during a summer trip; in a vegetable garden it can run a small 12V pump for drip irrigation plus evening lighting.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is in the kit?

36 grade-A monocrystalline 156x156 mm solar cells, a few spare cells to make up for breakages during soldering or shipping, tab wire and bus wire, flux and a Schottky diode. The soldering iron, encapsulation materials, frame, junction box and charge controller are not included.

What panel do I get by connecting the 36 cells in series?

A 160 W, 12V nominal panel with about 19 V at maximum power, 22-23 V open-circuit and about 8-8.5 A of current.

Which charge controller do I need?

A controller is always required: connecting the panel straight to the battery overcharges it, with a risk of electrolysis and explosion. At over 8 A choose a PWM or MPPT rated at least 15 A, ideally 20 A, to keep a margin on cold, bright days when the current rises.

Is it suitable if I have never soldered a cell?

It can be done, but the 156 mm cell forgives fewer mistakes. If it's your first panel, practise a few joints on the spare cells first; alternatively the 100 W kit with 125 mm cells is easier to manage.

Can I reach 24V with the same cells?

Yes, with 72 cells in series: you can buy two kits or our 320 W kit with 72 cells of the same size.