awesome vid, love the bit, "somebody out there just cringed right" i swear you said that like a seccond after i was like ahh, thats painfull to watch. great instructional vid, im thinking i might make one of these for out in the shed. this combined with that emergency lighting system, awesome combo.
Sorry for the delayed response. 6 of these panels and a good battery would run my desktop (and internet router!) for about 10 minutes a day. (In summer, with good sunlight)
very basic electronics, yet this is exactly what people need to see to understand what surrounds them and how it works. Your're better then most of my electronics teachers :-)
If you conected 2 batteries in series that would make a 24 volt battery and you could then use a 24 volt solar panel. Of course you would need a 24 volt light bulb.
BTW mike, thanks for the Northern Tool link, i didnt know they sold the panels and controllers. Pretty competetive too. I picked up the 30 amp digital read-out controller that tells you the amp/volt levels.
I have the solar force 7 amp controller. I found it at harbor freight tools. I also have two of the 15 watt panels. The blue monocrystalline panels put out more juice per sunlight than the type there and I have. both kinds.
Really? I was wondering when I bought this one. No matter, I just upgraded to two 200W panels, a proper 1500W inverter, and charge controller. Gotta love Ebay. Plan on powering a 12V RV water pump, and LED ropelight for backup.
One more thing for retoric about panels. I found out that the monocrystaline panels can last between 25 to 40 years with no loss of amps over time where as the silicon amorphous type the black ones 10years and loss of power over time.
did a bit of research recently and found that the monocrystaline panels, while durable , are adversely affected during the summer months and will put out LESS power. The amorphous actually do better on the hotter days and will see a RISE in output. Also, the amorphous is newer technology and maybe that is why we don't know if they last 25-40 like the crystaline panels (?), which have been used in space for over 40 years. I have one of each at this point. I will continue buying both.
Interesting, because I was given my information over the phone with a solar panel company. So, the amorphous has only been around a short time huh. Like I stated I was told under low light conditions the monocrystalline panels do better. I was never told anything under high temp conditions.
about the low light conditions, you were correct. The monocrystaline is a tad better in those light conditions. As for the durability, really we don't know 100% for sure yet but monocrystaline does have a good record. We won't know how the amorphous compares completely for a while, in that dept. I think that overall for folks that live in temperate climes, crystaline would be superior. Those who live in very hot regions *might* want to consider the amorph. I got so confused that i got both LOL
BTW, what kind of batteries you using?, i was looking at this Sears Marine battery online and its $199.00 and it looks VERY heavy duty 880 CCA and it's got 4 terminals.........2 different kinds. Pretty flexible.
The ropelight is self-explanatory, but I'd be interested in hearing more about the water pump application and set up if you get time. Also, any information about your experiences living without refrig/freezer would be appreciated. Thanks.
Thanks. Watch the movie "I Am Legend" when he bathes the dog. City water systems can contain water but have no pressure. Diaphragm pumps are self priming, say 7A DC. May make a video eventually. Also I have lived without a fridge, you get used to it. Look up food storage - i.e. stuff like: watch?v=srVe1BcUPCw
Thanks for sharing your project. I am curious what you intend to run using that system?
Every modern convenience that I've considered as "useful" if the power goes out (besides lights) seems to take too much juice for a small (read as affordable) system.
Heater, hot plate, crock pot, refrigerator, freezer are all good examples.
A fan would be nice I guess or being able to recharge AA Batteries, but I'm not concerned with running computers, TVs, stereos, etc.
The plan was for DC LED Ropelight and/or a small DC Diaphram Pump for drinking water. Light, Water. I have solar flashlights already, or I would consider using it for charging NiMH batteries. After living in a cabin in the Sierra for a year, if you have Heat, Water, Light, and Food, you are in great shape. Anything else is extravagance.
I will have to send this video to my survival friends, they bought a solar panel, but couldn't figure out how to hook it up, it is to power their ipods and the dvd player for when they are going to be living in the wilderness. LOL, I'm sure that is going to be the least on their list of priorities. I like the soundtrack.
put it on a car to keep up the battery
death7metal7girl7 1 year ago
awesome vid, love the bit, "somebody out there just cringed right" i swear you said that like a seccond after i was like ahh, thats painfull to watch. great instructional vid, im thinking i might make one of these for out in the shed. this combined with that emergency lighting system, awesome combo.
porkdemon 2 years ago
Excellent! Is it possible you could tell me what sort of set up I would need to run a desktop computer?
honey2heaven 2 years ago
Sorry for the delayed response. 6 of these panels and a good battery would run my desktop (and internet router!) for about 10 minutes a day. (In summer, with good sunlight)
mike29571 2 years ago
Kind thanks for that. I'd need more than 10 mins so I'll have to look for something bigger - MUCH BIGGER
honey2heaven 2 years ago
Yeah it would be cheaper to buy a laptop, and go with a much smaller solar system.
You really don't want to run a Desktop computer on solar.
Also, there are "off-the-shelf" solar panel chargers for laptops, no assembly required.
Just google solar laptop charger.
mike29571 2 years ago
very basic electronics, yet this is exactly what people need to see to understand what surrounds them and how it works. Your're better then most of my electronics teachers :-)
CosmicGnarler 2 years ago
If you conected 2 batteries in series that would make a 24 volt battery and you could then use a 24 volt solar panel. Of course you would need a 24 volt light bulb.
DovZelikow 2 years ago
BTW mike, thanks for the Northern Tool link, i didnt know they sold the panels and controllers. Pretty competetive too. I picked up the 30 amp digital read-out controller that tells you the amp/volt levels.
MrSkaramanga 2 years ago
Question: can you charge a battery from a solar panel like that one, without the charge controller? and/or why is a chargel controller needed anyway?
MrSkaramanga 2 years ago
Without a charge controller, you may overcharge the battery, damaging it.
Also, the charge controller modifies the DC signal to a Pulse, making the buildup of reduced anode material more uniform.
In other words, more efficient charging, longer battery life.
mike29571 2 years ago
AH ok!, thanks. Do you know where I can get a charge controller from online?
Thank you for posting this vid and the info.
MrSkaramanga 2 years ago
Yes - click INFO on the right.
Thanks for watchin :)
mike29571 2 years ago
no but monocrystaline panels.
bg0821 2 years ago
I have the solar force 7 amp controller. I found it at harbor freight tools. I also have two of the 15 watt panels. The blue monocrystalline panels put out more juice per sunlight than the type there and I have. both kinds.
bg0821 2 years ago
Really? I was wondering when I bought this one. No matter, I just upgraded to two 200W panels, a proper 1500W inverter, and charge controller. Gotta love Ebay. Plan on powering a 12V RV water pump, and LED ropelight for backup.
mike29571 2 years ago
One more thing for retoric about panels. I found out that the monocrystaline panels can last between 25 to 40 years with no loss of amps over time where as the silicon amorphous type the black ones 10years and loss of power over time.
bg0821 2 years ago
Thanks for the heads up!
So buy Monocrystaline solar panels.
Interesting.
(thanks for the correction below lol)
mike29571 2 years ago
did a bit of research recently and found that the monocrystaline panels, while durable , are adversely affected during the summer months and will put out LESS power. The amorphous actually do better on the hotter days and will see a RISE in output. Also, the amorphous is newer technology and maybe that is why we don't know if they last 25-40 like the crystaline panels (?), which have been used in space for over 40 years. I have one of each at this point. I will continue buying both.
MrSkaramanga 2 years ago
Interesting, because I was given my information over the phone with a solar panel company. So, the amorphous has only been around a short time huh. Like I stated I was told under low light conditions the monocrystalline panels do better. I was never told anything under high temp conditions.
bg0821 2 years ago
about the low light conditions, you were correct. The monocrystaline is a tad better in those light conditions. As for the durability, really we don't know 100% for sure yet but monocrystaline does have a good record. We won't know how the amorphous compares completely for a while, in that dept. I think that overall for folks that live in temperate climes, crystaline would be superior. Those who live in very hot regions *might* want to consider the amorph. I got so confused that i got both LOL
MrSkaramanga 2 years ago
BTW, what kind of batteries you using?, i was looking at this Sears Marine battery online and its $199.00 and it looks VERY heavy duty 880 CCA and it's got 4 terminals.........2 different kinds. Pretty flexible.
MrSkaramanga 2 years ago
Hey man, i was looking at those 200 w panels, which type did you get amporphos or crystalline and which brand, if it's not prying :) ?
MrSkaramanga 2 years ago
It's amorphous. It is North Tool branded, not sure manufacturer?? Great discussion guys! Thanks for the comments.
mike29571 2 years ago
thanks for the info, for those of us who are awake, networking is great, together we will get through this
free4all1776 3 years ago
The ropelight is self-explanatory, but I'd be interested in hearing more about the water pump application and set up if you get time. Also, any information about your experiences living without refrig/freezer would be appreciated. Thanks.
jokertim777 3 years ago
Thanks. Watch the movie "I Am Legend" when he bathes the dog. City water systems can contain water but have no pressure. Diaphragm pumps are self priming, say 7A DC. May make a video eventually. Also I have lived without a fridge, you get used to it. Look up food storage - i.e. stuff like: watch?v=srVe1BcUPCw
mike29571 3 years ago
Mike,
Thanks for sharing your project. I am curious what you intend to run using that system?
Every modern convenience that I've considered as "useful" if the power goes out (besides lights) seems to take too much juice for a small (read as affordable) system.
Heater, hot plate, crock pot, refrigerator, freezer are all good examples.
A fan would be nice I guess or being able to recharge AA Batteries, but I'm not concerned with running computers, TVs, stereos, etc.
What are your thoughts?
jokertim777 3 years ago
The plan was for DC LED Ropelight and/or a small DC Diaphram Pump for drinking water. Light, Water. I have solar flashlights already, or I would consider using it for charging NiMH batteries. After living in a cabin in the Sierra for a year, if you have Heat, Water, Light, and Food, you are in great shape. Anything else is extravagance.
mike29571 3 years ago
Great info, I will share this with my husband and other friends.
pioneerliving 3 years ago
Great setup...and I have that same charge controller!
idontknow307 3 years ago
Perfect for Hawai'i. Thanks.
jfooj 3 years ago
Hawai'i huh? You lucky dog. lol
mike29571 3 years ago
Nice mike - thanks
george4title 3 years ago
I will have to send this video to my survival friends, they bought a solar panel, but couldn't figure out how to hook it up, it is to power their ipods and the dvd player for when they are going to be living in the wilderness. LOL, I'm sure that is going to be the least on their list of priorities. I like the soundtrack.
HomesteadProvocateur 3 years ago
Ipod? DVD? Laughs. Roughing it eh? Soundtrack - Cave Jam (Artist) - "High in the Sky"
mike29571 3 years ago
I've been working on something similar. I just need the battery. It needs to be a marine battery, deep cycle type.
HairyTurds 3 years ago
Yep. The only marine batteries I could find locally were way too large to carry far. I have to drive over to Florence. :)
mike29571 3 years ago