Small Solar Power Ideas

[pwright]

The HF kit is pretty nice for what it is. Yeah, they are cheezy amorphous silicon panels that only put out 45 watts total but the kit comes with the little charge controller, two CFLs that run off 12V on like 25' cables, the controller has two cigarette lighter outlets and a USB outlet for charging stuff like cellphones. It is a pretty handy little kit for not much money.

For another $100 you could put together a better system off of Amazon.

 

[Xfaxman]

I have a remote horse barn that has no electricity. I am thinking about installing a small solar electric system to supply me with a bit of power. My goal is to run a 120VAC fence charger, and about 10 CFL lights as needed (not often, but occasional for up to 30 minutes). I have a 1000W inverter that I can use. I am thinking of a small solar array and at least one deep cycle battery. Anyone have any input on what solar charger I need to keep up with demand?

How much fence do you need to electrify?

I vote for the solar power fence charger and a separate solar system for lights.

 

[weedpharma]

Beware of ratings of any panels you buy. The way the rating is calculated is not a true life result.

I purchased a 180w panel that had a short circuit current of just over 9A. The peak open circuit voltage 20V. This is then used to give 180W. Unfortunately you will probably be using a 12V system so the max voltage will only be about 14V. With the peak current, this is a lot less than 180W rating. Just remember this when calculating your recharge rate. Don't divide 180W by 12V to get your amps!

I bought mine with this in mind.

Weedpharma

 

[HUCKthe1]

I have 2 small panels that came with a fountain pump that I have repurposed for lighting my front porch. I bought a larger 12 volt battery (deep cycle about the size of motorcycle battery) and wired 4 LED's under my porch. I could have bought better lights for more light but they do light up my deck enough to see in the dark and run all night for free. I have had this installed for about a year with no issues. I have another one setup for trickle charging my welder/generator battery.


I agree I would stay with 12 volt. Inverters uses too much of your power.