The power/solar/batteries/generator thread

[martinjony]

Well,The size of the battery bank required will depend on the storage capacity required, the maximum flow rate at maximum load and the minimum temperature at which the batteries will be used. The storage capacity of a battery, the amount of electrical energy, it can contain, is usually expressed in amperes hours.Series wiring refers to connecting batteries to increase volts but not amperes.

[tunielooney]

This is the thread for all things power related. In time I can show you how to build your own solar panels. How to hook up and use a solar powered system, Why you need to have a bunch of rechargeable batteries and why unless you are at your final location that a generator may not be your best friend. Just putting this out there now for the people here to think about.

Thanks buddy. But is it affordable to build solar panels? How much will I spend if I build one?

[jerrymrc]

Thanks buddy. But is it affordable to build solar panels? How much will I spend if I build one?

I will have to look at curent pricing but I was building 2 35W panels for $110.

[thecatsfan]

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.

[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.

[funkfool]

After reading a bit of the ferfal stuff.. I am going to prioritize getting a solar/crank radio and cell charger...
What do you guys use or suggest (Obviously one that won't break the bank...)
Like this or these...

[ChunkyMonkey]

The red cross radio etc is a piece of crap. You won't get much signal etc. Check out Grundig FR200 to include short wave.

[jerrymrc]

After reading a bit of the ferfal stuff.. I am going to prioritize getting a solar/crank radio and cell charger...
What do you guys use or suggest (Obviously one that won't break the bank...)
Like this or these...

The first one is the Kato KA009r in the second link. The Kato SW radios have a better SW section than the FR200. My FR200 was a backup that is now in Japan with member splogan and they were very happy to have it after the Tsunami. Anything is better than nothing.