The power/solar/batteries/generator thread

[offgrid]

Just commenting on what I have seen, but there are numerous sellers on eBay offering 12 volt solar panels for less tnat $3 per watt - shipping included.

I know with eBay it is hard to know the quality, but that isn't a huge investment.

I am a network engineer, but I was an electronics technician many years ago. I have no doubt that I have the electromechanical assembly skills to build a panel, but I am not sure it is worth the effort for me to learn how. Of course there is always the benefit of knowing how to fix it as well.

Intersting to know this information. I definitely want to either build or buy some solar panels soon for my RV, and then maybe some for limited power at the house. And as luck would have it, I have access to lots of UPSs as they are retired. Even larger ones - like 3KVa units.

Thanks for the great info.

With the falling prices of panels, would probably not build now.

Would suggest looking at nominal 24 voltage or higher panel. The higher voltage panels are generally available in higher wattage, less panels, less wiring.

There are several charge controllers available that have very efficient DC to DC converters built into them, allowing higher voltage panels to charge lower voltage battery banks. For example wiring the panels at a nominal 48-72 volts and charging a 12 volt battery bank. This type of charge controller has maximum power point tracking, MPPT. MPPT does not use the battery as a voltage regulator. I've been using a Outback MX60 charge controller for 6yrs on our offgrid system. It's not uncommon for me to see a 10-15% gain over the panels rated output, especially in the winter.

Sharp panels are a good value. Sanyo's are the best available.

[Irving]

Here is a website that offers solar light bulbs. Interesting idea.

http://www.nokero.com/

[thecatsfan]

With the falling prices of panels, would probably not build now.

Would suggest looking at nominal 24 voltage or higher panel. The higher voltage panels are generally available in higher wattage, less panels, less wiring.

There are several charge controllers available that have very efficient DC to DC converters built into them, allowing higher voltage panels to charge lower voltage battery banks. For example wiring the panels at a nominal 48-72 volts and charging a 12 volt battery bank. This type of charge controller has maximum power point tracking, MPPT. MPPT does not use the battery as a voltage regulator. I've been using a Outback MX60 charge controller for 6yrs on our offgrid system. It's not uncommon for me to see a 10-15% gain over the panels rated output, especially in the winter.

Sharp panels are a good value. Sanyo's are the best available.

Sounds like great advice. Definitely will keep that in mind.