Really simple-speak help needed. Solar newbie and a bonehead to boot: What I want to do is charge laptops, run a radio, etc. when the poop hits the fan...what exactly to I need to order to do this?
1648403
In my opinion I would work backwards first. AC Energy Needs: What do you need to power? How many watts? Yousay laptops, radio, and possible fan (just kidding). None of those are big energy hogs. So you could probably get by with a system that outputs a continuous 100 watts. On the safe side lets say 150 watts of continuous AC power. OK, so you need an inverter (converts DC power to AC power) that output at least 150 watts of continuous power. There are lots of good inverters in this range. I suggest one that has a built in fan, high conversion efficiency, and an alarm for low power supply voltage. DC Energy Source: Solar panels output DC energy; however, their out put varies with time of day, cloudiness, and much more. You need a continuous power source. In steps the battery, a power reservoir or buffer. We are not talking car batteries here, as they will not handle the deep discharges and recharges that you could subject them to. Deep cycle batteries are what you want. If you read Northern Arizona Wind & Sun's battery FAQ (http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm) you will fidn they recommend AGM batteries, such as these: UPG UB12350 Group U1 - AGM Battery - Sealed Lead Acid - 12 Volt - 35 Ah Capacity - I2 Terminal. Charging the battery: In steps the Solar Panel. Simply put you use the solar panel to charge the battery. You will also need to put something in between the battery and the solar panel(s), such a charge controller (avoids over charging) or diode (prevents charge from batteries leaking back through to the panels). Of course, you also need the best direct sunlight you can get. Mostly, that is what you need.
1247763
I hope you have a solar panel rigjt. Good! Is the battery part of the fan? Parts that work are one solar panel connected. Two battery connected . Three fan (load) connected. Once battery receives charge. The fan will work. The panel may over charge the battery. Be careful. I use a regulator. Worry free! Hope this helps.
748142
This is primarily a 12vdc device. You would need to set up batteries with an inverter to run your AC operated devices, and you will most likley need two or three panels to keep up with the demand.The batteries would need to be enough to run your heat lights all night I am guessing. Knowing (calculating) what your power demand is will be key to proper setup. That will tell you the number and capacity of batteries/inverter you will need and the charging demand you will need taking into account cloudy overcast skies (winter weather, etc..) when a solar panel is not as efficient.
2242774
You need a charge controller pretty much for any solar panel over 10 watts. I like the ones that have a digital voltage meter and built in float mode. Lots of choices for controllers in the $20 range Panel has held up well so far on my sailboat.
322509
put it on a table. and you may want to invest in laptop cooling fans decks for around 30.00 at big stores. using battery alot will decrease the life of the battery and they are very expensive too. we borke down on the road years ago stranded on hwy in georgia my husband a extreme heart patient...i had my new big money hp laptop and powered it up on battery and got help online faster than my husband could call wrecker service!
1855639
Hey Edwars O. Not sure. What type/sort of system are you putting together? 6V 12V? What are you needing to run, and for how long? What are your energy needs? I can't answer your question my friend without more info. I personally use the 400 watt system with another 100 watt panel. I match my batt bank so every 100 watt of solar for 100Ah of storage. Yes, it is over kill for just myself! I'm still in the learning processes if you will. The panels that come with this kit have zero issues with charging the batteries on cloudy days. I'm very happy with this basic system so far!!
2181666
You can just hook it up +&-. Or you can get a charge controller that will desulfinate the battery, not overcharge and not discharge at night. There is lots of 'em available... Me, I like the Battery Tender 021-1162 Solar Panel Charger Controller
1103656
There is just a solar panel. And you would have to mount it to some post and may need some additional wire to connect it to solar charge controller.
1316172
Buy a Solar charge controller 10 watts to the battery after you hook it up via the instructions that come with it. Cost for controller was eleven bucks. No chance of overcharging your battery. The thing ,35 watt panel, charges my battery in about 6hrs.
2182001
I sold mine last year....they are easy to use...Just plug any 12 V item into the "cigarette type" female connector on it to CHARGE a battery....If you are charging a cellphone, laptop, USB type items (non 12 V), then use the USB import on the battery for them.....depending on what you use the solar charger for....you can charge small USB items while the solar charger is facing the sun......If you need the Manuel for it, just get it on line...good luck!
270172
No, buy a solar charger, and fine a true or pure sine wave power inverter that suits your needs
63410
Tisa, it would really help if you do some research before you set up the panel/battery/controller. When I started I had so many questions and so many things came up that I wasn't sure about, even with a small system. There are books like "the solar electric home" by Joel Davidson (an oldie but goodie) and you can also go to websites like Alt-E and backwoods solar for video and reading resources. Good Luck, John
1774838
Hi Patricia, Thank you for your inquiry! This unit was designed to have devices plugged directly into the AC receptacles on the front of the unit. When not in use, this unit should either be consistently plugged into a wall outlet and/or have the solar panel attached to the unit to charge it. In the event of an outage, the unit has a built-in automatic transfer switch that allows you to switch from AC charging to solar charging. I hope that this information helps! Please let us know if you have any additional questions. Best regards, Earthtech Products
868735
These solar panels are the best. They are a little heavy though. My experience with these panels to have a very good experience is to plug them into a 30 Amp Solar Controller into the input side. On the Output Side of the Battery Charger going outside the controller plug in this device first, Lanzar VCAP5000 Vector 50 Farad, 16 Volt Hybrid Capacitor on the input side of the capacitor. On the output of the capacitor, is the side to charge the battery cells. The logic for this is that the capacitor hybrid cell is storage for the solar cells because the prediction of cloud positions are random and hard to predict on any given day. Thanks, Dr. Sheldon Cooper.
460173
I just entered the same boat your in. My cobra 2500watt inverter shuts down on a "low voltage warning at 11 volts ! thats terrible. I am researching what specific inverter is needed for a solar charge system like you and I have. The problem im seeing is that all inverters I have researched are factory built with this bull crap :low voltage auto shut down".Another problem is that none of the jack azzes who sell these solar charge set ups want to answer any of my questions.have you figured out what type of inverter to use for a solar charging system?
422721
That depends on what you are going to do with it. Are you going to build a 'solar generator' on a cart, put them on a pole, a house, or an RV? In some cases you will need mounting brackets. In some, you will need longer cables. You might also want a better charge controller, though it isn't required. If you want to run a 120v ac load, you will need an inverter with a high enough wattage to run your load. Bear in mind that extra current is required when starting a motor, like a pump or refrigerator. In all cases, you will need batteries. Google is your friend.
567128
Without seeing the schematic for the hook up, it is hard to advise you. There should be a charge input, that would go to the solar panel. There should be a load, that should be the device you are running, and there should be a battery connection, which is of course the battery. Make sure you observe the correct polarities on all of them. They should me marked + and -. If you are not sure, use a volt-ohm-meter to check.