"these batterys are about 3 times more expensive than the standard one. And the Gel, about 5 times more. So the question is; if these batteries are 3 – 5 times more expensive than the standard one, what do they do that is 3 – 5 times better? Do they last 3 – 5 times longer? (I think not, more like the reverse). Do they charge 3 – 5 times faster (Only in their dreams.)" traction the only real deep cycle!!! i use cheap car batterys!! ;-)
@crsbt I understand what you're saying, but you get what you pay for, If you are just experimenting etc then it doesn't matter if a battery fails, but if you are depending on them, then an investment in quality always pays off. It's your choice!
i read a great article on batterys(out of frustration of prices)which left me with my opinion!
i didnt intent to offend anyone buying more expensive batterys but just trying to let people without a large budget know there are cheaper alternatives which will work as good for as long!
@crsbt car batteries are not designed to be 'deep cycled' and will fail much earlier. Leisure/deep cycle batteries are constructed differently and are designed to be discharged and re-charged over and over - not 100% sure but I think lead plates are thicker. Car batteries are OK, but they will fail where a deep cycle one will last. Here in the UK, leisure batteries are around 25% more expensive than car batteries. Also, I buy good quality - got a cheap one at first and it failed after 2 years!
@Briankey1960 Some people use (2) 6 volt batteries in series because they are cheaper than the 150 lbs + true deep cycle 12 volt batteries (Deep cycle marine is considered hybrid...not true deep cycle). 6 volt batteries have much thicker lead plates, can be deep cycled down to 80% vs a 12 volt marine batteries 50% and will probably last you a few years longer. I use 12 volts, but make sure never to go under 10.5 volts. Mine might last 5-10 years with my desulfator and regular maintenance.
Hi - the panel shown on the video is just a 10 watt panel. I now also have a 70 watt panel. During the summer, the 10 watt panel keeps the battery topped up nicely, although if you drain the battery, it will take 3 days of good sunshine to recharge it. In hindsight I should have bought a bigger panel!
Hi - no, you should never plug an inverter into the charge controller output. The charge controller is only charging the battery and is not supplying the main 'load'.
An inverter should only ever be connected directly to your battery due to the amount of power it consumes.
Hi Martin, Excellent video (well lighted and not too much zooming in and out). Please make an updated video of your system. I'm putting up a 15 watt solar system supplemented by a 50 watt windmill. The many snow storms here in NY is hindering my progress. My windmill doesn't turn that often but you know what, I get a lot of pleasure watching that thing spins when the wind catches it. Anything on top of that is gravy.
I use Marine batteries, I have 2 - 120 AH 12vDC big car battery size Trolling Electric motor batterys and 750watt and 1000watt 120vAC inverters on a folding dollys, The best Spark for the buck.
Costco can sometimes be good. Troll the dollar stores and see what can be caught.
Walmart, Princess Auto, Liquidation Clearance super store. CAnadian Tire, Electronic supliers. worklight 40-60LEDs 12vDC cigarette lighter plug.
I ve been getting cheap & free broken leds flashlights, key chain lights, & buying LEDs at electronic suppliers 2 buy new unmounted bright devices 2 my voltage needs; wire 2 my requirements & available case or broken C or D-Cell flashlights. Banana plugs wire posts. low voltage plugs
Unfortunately, when I tried using a small solar panel on the shed, magpies decided to peck at it and destroyed it. Have you had problems with such birds, and if so, how did you deal with them?
Hi - I've never had any problems with birds on the panel - Pigeon's sometimes sit on the panel, but that's all. I'd suggest trying to put some anti-bird spikes (like they have in cities to stop birds roosting) on the panel - you could improvise with other things.
3-5 WATTS TO GET 75 TO 100 WATT EQUIVALLANT. CHEAPEST ON POWER THAN ANY AVAILABLE LIGHT SOURCE AND USES HOUSE HOLD POWER. THE 12vDC WORKLIGHTS ARE LIKE A 60 TO 75 WATT LIGHT BULBS.
can you help me mate im also from UK my system is using the same as your and your charge controller is sort of the same as mine but my system seems to be dead
Hi Ian. Hard to offer full advice in 500 characters! Have you got a meter to test voltages & continuity? Most problems are due loose/bad wires, or a duff battery. On a sunny day, use a volt meter to see if the panel is producing electricity - if it is, then check that the controller is sending some volts to the battery. It's a process of elimination. If you're stuck, send me a message (rather than a comment) with details of what you've done so far & I'll see if I can help. Cheers, Martin.
Hi. Thanks for the Good Film. I was wondering where you got your controller. Also what do you think of the Maplin Solar Mater kit? How come it does not use a controller?
Thanks for your comments - I'll be posting a new video with all my updates soon - big changes!!
Controller was from Aire & Sun - they also give good advice. The Maplin Solar Mate 10w panel is basically what I bought (from elsewhere) - I would not buy this same kit again - speak to Aire & Sun for advice. In 'theory' as long as you use a 60 Amp+ battery, you don't need a charge controller with a 10w panel, but... your battery deserves better, so ALWAYS use one (that's my opinion). Martin.
think about it....... can you look at the sun without it burning your eyes out? thats the clue. the photons from the sun batter the silica on the plates and makes the polarised electrons dance, in turn micro friction is created and electron movement begins. hense output. now its the regulators job to collect this load and distribute to a one way curcuit (the battery supply) the battery stores the energy and there you go......... zero meter readings on your energy bill. their ripping you off!!!!
the charger you will need is a 10 amp mppt or a pwm (check wiki) mppt is better as it tracks useable load by dragging the supply down and in turn creates more amps (solar 22.5v-down to 14.4v) 10% better that pwm and you can leave it alone to do its job in muggy conditions. expensive yes, but a low power system would have a higher collective power supply. im just like you guys 9-5 job with kids. what happens is the system goes wild in building it up, and then it starts to cope with your demand
now i do admit though i do use car batteries. the reason for this is i struck a deal with a scap yard. and that is i give them my spent cells for new cells. as there is as much lead in it for them as the spent ones. so i dont have to spend any money in the long run, but they do drop out if your not carefull. but if they have good charge each (i have 15 of them) not more past 80% disscharge you will get 4 years from them. but if you check them you can replace for free. ask a scrap yard for info
i have now done it, i really have done it. it works for many of my low current household items i can power. it in turn will pay for its self in around two yours and will still hold value for resale to renew in the future. and im still building. i find it funny coming home and the grid is not charging me for this renewable energy thats all around ha ha ha ha ha ha this chap is just like me venturing in to something more to show the zombie masses what is possible. and you learn something to match
i was like you when i looked at this kind of power.
now, i have ventured into it spending an almost scary amount of money on second hand kit, and in turn realised IT ACCUALLY WORKS. but the best thing to do is: be morbid and collective about what standbys you have in your home (most houses are around 100 watts with standbys around your house) turn them off! you will notice from a bill of £50 a month to £36 a month from a 100 watt solar set up, paying you back after 2 years its worth doing
Hello Martin! question for ya, I have a 1000 watt inverter and i was wondering if i could hook it up directly to the battery posts without any problems? I have a marine/rv deep cycle battery. I understand this will change the dc current to ac which will allow me to run a 23watt bulb that i have. I also have the battery connected to (3) 15watt solar panels for charging during the daytime...thanks buddy!
Hi. Yes, you can connect the inverter directly to the battery posts - it's best to do it this way because they can draw a lot of power. But inverters are not very efficient (80% ish), so you'll be wasting a lot of power just for your 23 watt bulb. Is there no way you can use a low energy 12 volt bulb or bulbs to save you the trouble? Good luck & let me know how you get on. Martin
For running a couple of 12v low energy bulbs, the cable spec if fine. However, I have now revised my system and installed bigger cables to cope with the anticipated additional demand.
Hi, Great Video. I have a question. Can sensitive equipment be run directly from the controller? Or does it require an extra controller/smoothing Thanks
The battery should be delivering a stable 12-13 volts so this should be quite stable as it's not being 'converted' up or down. Most 12v appliances are very tolerant of small voltage fluctuations.
The charge controller (depending on the model you choose) will also ensure that if the voltage in the battery drops too low (indicating the fact that it's nearly flat), it will cut the power to your appliances.
The original panel, along with two lights and all wiring was £100 (if you are in dollar-land, just double the figures). The charge controller was arounf £25 and the battery £35. I have recently purchased a much better charge controller with digital display - I would recommend buying the best you can afford.
good video mate i have a simular set up but i use a 50 watt panel to a 10 amp charge controler. at the moment i run all the stuff in me bed room in sunny england and it hasent let me down yet .solar is the way to go i guess. im upgrading my system soon with 2 extra panels so that will be 150 watts wich is about 9-10 amp quality. i might even get an elctric bike and run 2 hub motors and charge it off the sytem . il make a vid soon when iv got a half decent cam . keep up the good wook
Cheers for the comments. I would really like some decent wattage panels - 50 watt would be the ideal upgrade - I'm jealous of your setup! I plan to relocate the whole system to my garage as the shed doesn't get my direct sunlight in the winter, but the garage roof does. Will video & upload it when it's all done!
Hi - provided you have a good size leisure battery (ie bigger than 65Ah) then you could get by without a charge controller. However, I would strongly recommend a charge controller even with a small panel as they will certainly improve the overall life and performance of the battery - they start from under £20/€30/$40. Google 'solar charge controller' - Steca is a good make, but there are many others.
Herein Canada we call that type of Battery, a 'Deep Cycle' or 'Marine' Battery, and the 'Clips' we call 'Alligator Clips' as opposed to "Crocodile". I know it's not "All About The Money", but have you made any calculations as to how cost effective your setup will be over time?
Thanks for your comments. It's hard to make any calculations about cost effectiveness because I don't 'need' solar power in the shed - I could run a mains cable from the house. For me it was about learning and experimenting, so I have some practical knowledge for the future. Payback depends on what you are personally trying to achieve - solar could well be cheaper than getting mains cables laid, or it could be that you desire independance ie to be 'off grid'.
Oh yes I understand that Payback comes in many forms, but one practical measure of it comes in the form of Dollars. For instance if a new fuel efficient Car costs you twice as much as a similar one but only offers 15% savings in fuel, then how much driving would one have to do in order to have made the Purchase worthwhile? I believe solar pays off over time, but I don't have any figures. I'd like to do something with Solar too.
One of the better videos out there>maybe you can start a series and talk about the wires sizes, voltages and other things that someone starting out needs to know that we would think of asking. Good job
depends whether its a tiny lcd tv or a big old crt
LOPEZdJUNGLIST 1 month ago
"these batterys are about 3 times more expensive than the standard one. And the Gel, about 5 times more. So the question is; if these batteries are 3 – 5 times more expensive than the standard one, what do they do that is 3 – 5 times better? Do they last 3 – 5 times longer? (I think not, more like the reverse). Do they charge 3 – 5 times faster (Only in their dreams.)" traction the only real deep cycle!!! i use cheap car batterys!! ;-)
crsbt 4 months ago
@crsbt
btw traction batterys should be covered in gold and sing me to sleep at night for what they cost !!
crsbt 4 months ago
@crsbt I understand what you're saying, but you get what you pay for, If you are just experimenting etc then it doesn't matter if a battery fails, but if you are depending on them, then an investment in quality always pays off. It's your choice!
ecraftsmen 4 months ago
@ecraftsmen
yeah i kinda agree
i read a great article on batterys(out of frustration of prices)which left me with my opinion!
i didnt intent to offend anyone buying more expensive batterys but just trying to let people without a large budget know there are cheaper alternatives which will work as good for as long!
but you have a fair point
crsbt 4 months ago
@crsbt car batteries are not designed to be 'deep cycled' and will fail much earlier. Leisure/deep cycle batteries are constructed differently and are designed to be discharged and re-charged over and over - not 100% sure but I think lead plates are thicker. Car batteries are OK, but they will fail where a deep cycle one will last. Here in the UK, leisure batteries are around 25% more expensive than car batteries. Also, I buy good quality - got a cheap one at first and it failed after 2 years!
ecraftsmen 4 months ago
TO WATCH TV IN A SHED (EVERY DAY) HOW MANY WATTS WOULD I NEED???
50 WATTS OR IS THAT TO MUCH?
REGARDS
TheMyVew 8 months ago
@Briankey1960 Some people use (2) 6 volt batteries in series because they are cheaper than the 150 lbs + true deep cycle 12 volt batteries (Deep cycle marine is considered hybrid...not true deep cycle). 6 volt batteries have much thicker lead plates, can be deep cycled down to 80% vs a 12 volt marine batteries 50% and will probably last you a few years longer. I use 12 volts, but make sure never to go under 10.5 volts. Mine might last 5-10 years with my desulfator and regular maintenance.
sirmasterpimp 1 year ago
might want to consider re-uploading. this video is broked keeps freezing
danz409 1 year ago
and also how many watts is your solar panel?
jakeskatesgood 1 year ago
Hi - the panel shown on the video is just a 10 watt panel. I now also have a 70 watt panel. During the summer, the 10 watt panel keeps the battery topped up nicely, although if you drain the battery, it will take 3 days of good sunshine to recharge it. In hindsight I should have bought a bigger panel!
ecraftsmen 1 year ago
wait could i plug in an inverter into the 12 volt output from the charge controller?
jakeskatesgood 1 year ago
Hi - no, you should never plug an inverter into the charge controller output. The charge controller is only charging the battery and is not supplying the main 'load'.
An inverter should only ever be connected directly to your battery due to the amount of power it consumes.
Cheers, Martin
ecraftsmen 1 year ago
Hi Martin, Excellent video (well lighted and not too much zooming in and out). Please make an updated video of your system. I'm putting up a 15 watt solar system supplemented by a 50 watt windmill. The many snow storms here in NY is hindering my progress. My windmill doesn't turn that often but you know what, I get a lot of pleasure watching that thing spins when the wind catches it. Anything on top of that is gravy.
Paul from NY
wtam69 2 years ago
I use Marine batteries, I have 2 - 120 AH 12vDC big car battery size Trolling Electric motor batterys and 750watt and 1000watt 120vAC inverters on a folding dollys, The best Spark for the buck.
Costco can sometimes be good. Troll the dollar stores and see what can be caught.
thanks for the interest.
badphobar 2 years ago
in edmonton, Alberta canada.
Walmart, Princess Auto, Liquidation Clearance super store. CAnadian Tire, Electronic supliers. worklight 40-60LEDs 12vDC cigarette lighter plug.
I ve been getting cheap & free broken leds flashlights, key chain lights, & buying LEDs at electronic suppliers 2 buy new unmounted bright devices 2 my voltage needs; wire 2 my requirements & available case or broken C or D-Cell flashlights. Banana plugs wire posts. low voltage plugs
power & light easily connected.
badphobar 2 years ago
Unfortunately, when I tried using a small solar panel on the shed, magpies decided to peck at it and destroyed it. Have you had problems with such birds, and if so, how did you deal with them?
TheBeebopper 2 years ago
Hi - I've never had any problems with birds on the panel - Pigeon's sometimes sit on the panel, but that's all. I'd suggest trying to put some anti-bird spikes (like they have in cities to stop birds roosting) on the panel - you could improvise with other things.
ecraftsmen 2 years ago
LEDS ARE GREAT.
3-5 WATTS TO GET 75 TO 100 WATT EQUIVALLANT. CHEAPEST ON POWER THAN ANY AVAILABLE LIGHT SOURCE AND USES HOUSE HOLD POWER. THE 12vDC WORKLIGHTS ARE LIKE A 60 TO 75 WATT LIGHT BULBS.
badphobar 2 years ago
I agree - I have upgraded my system to include some simple LED lights. Where do you get yours from?
ecraftsmen 2 years ago
can you help me mate im also from UK my system is using the same as your and your charge controller is sort of the same as mine but my system seems to be dead
please help Ian
Viking9280 2 years ago
Hi Ian. Hard to offer full advice in 500 characters! Have you got a meter to test voltages & continuity? Most problems are due loose/bad wires, or a duff battery. On a sunny day, use a volt meter to see if the panel is producing electricity - if it is, then check that the controller is sending some volts to the battery. It's a process of elimination. If you're stuck, send me a message (rather than a comment) with details of what you've done so far & I'll see if I can help. Cheers, Martin.
ecraftsmen 2 years ago
Hi Martin
I cant find where you post a message can you help on that one mate
Thanks Ian
Viking9280 2 years ago
Hi. Thanks for the Good Film. I was wondering where you got your controller. Also what do you think of the Maplin Solar Mater kit? How come it does not use a controller?
TheCapesun 2 years ago
Thanks for your comments - I'll be posting a new video with all my updates soon - big changes!!
Controller was from Aire & Sun - they also give good advice. The Maplin Solar Mate 10w panel is basically what I bought (from elsewhere) - I would not buy this same kit again - speak to Aire & Sun for advice. In 'theory' as long as you use a 60 Amp+ battery, you don't need a charge controller with a 10w panel, but... your battery deserves better, so ALWAYS use one (that's my opinion). Martin.
ecraftsmen 2 years ago
think about it....... can you look at the sun without it burning your eyes out? thats the clue. the photons from the sun batter the silica on the plates and makes the polarised electrons dance, in turn micro friction is created and electron movement begins. hense output. now its the regulators job to collect this load and distribute to a one way curcuit (the battery supply) the battery stores the energy and there you go......... zero meter readings on your energy bill. their ripping you off!!!!
newenglandcleanup 2 years ago
the charger you will need is a 10 amp mppt or a pwm (check wiki) mppt is better as it tracks useable load by dragging the supply down and in turn creates more amps (solar 22.5v-down to 14.4v) 10% better that pwm and you can leave it alone to do its job in muggy conditions. expensive yes, but a low power system would have a higher collective power supply. im just like you guys 9-5 job with kids. what happens is the system goes wild in building it up, and then it starts to cope with your demand
newenglandcleanup 2 years ago
now i do admit though i do use car batteries. the reason for this is i struck a deal with a scap yard. and that is i give them my spent cells for new cells. as there is as much lead in it for them as the spent ones. so i dont have to spend any money in the long run, but they do drop out if your not carefull. but if they have good charge each (i have 15 of them) not more past 80% disscharge you will get 4 years from them. but if you check them you can replace for free. ask a scrap yard for info
newenglandcleanup 2 years ago
i have now done it, i really have done it. it works for many of my low current household items i can power. it in turn will pay for its self in around two yours and will still hold value for resale to renew in the future. and im still building. i find it funny coming home and the grid is not charging me for this renewable energy thats all around ha ha ha ha ha ha this chap is just like me venturing in to something more to show the zombie masses what is possible. and you learn something to match
newenglandcleanup 2 years ago
wow. good job, thanks
itchyliabdo 2 years ago
I found this very interesting because I'm thinking of doing this sort of thing to power LED lighting in my house.
shophet125 3 years ago
i was like you when i looked at this kind of power.
now, i have ventured into it spending an almost scary amount of money on second hand kit, and in turn realised IT ACCUALLY WORKS. but the best thing to do is: be morbid and collective about what standbys you have in your home (most houses are around 100 watts with standbys around your house) turn them off! you will notice from a bill of £50 a month to £36 a month from a 100 watt solar set up, paying you back after 2 years its worth doing
newenglandcleanup 2 years ago
Hello Martin! question for ya, I have a 1000 watt inverter and i was wondering if i could hook it up directly to the battery posts without any problems? I have a marine/rv deep cycle battery. I understand this will change the dc current to ac which will allow me to run a 23watt bulb that i have. I also have the battery connected to (3) 15watt solar panels for charging during the daytime...thanks buddy!
hemorroidusa 3 years ago
Hi. Yes, you can connect the inverter directly to the battery posts - it's best to do it this way because they can draw a lot of power. But inverters are not very efficient (80% ish), so you'll be wasting a lot of power just for your 23 watt bulb. Is there no way you can use a low energy 12 volt bulb or bulbs to save you the trouble? Good luck & let me know how you get on. Martin
ecraftsmen 3 years ago
this is cool
windoes98se 3 years ago
nice video but you will need beigger cables to the battery.
Fredrikher123 3 years ago
they look around 8-10 guage which wouldn't hurt for the amount of electricity flowing through them.
jamescgale 3 years ago
For running a couple of 12v low energy bulbs, the cable spec if fine. However, I have now revised my system and installed bigger cables to cope with the anticipated additional demand.
Martin
ecraftsmen 3 years ago
keep going ive done the same and run all my garden lights of my shed set up
terrytrooper 4 years ago
Cheers - I've recently added an outside light than runs via a 12v 24 hour timer (not cheap), but it all works really well.
ecraftsmen 4 years ago
Hi, Great Video. I have a question. Can sensitive equipment be run directly from the controller? Or does it require an extra controller/smoothing Thanks
MobileDJ1961 4 years ago
IMO, the controller has all in one
ComradeLynx 4 years ago
The battery should be delivering a stable 12-13 volts so this should be quite stable as it's not being 'converted' up or down. Most 12v appliances are very tolerant of small voltage fluctuations.
The charge controller (depending on the model you choose) will also ensure that if the voltage in the battery drops too low (indicating the fact that it's nearly flat), it will cut the power to your appliances.
Hope this helps! Martin
ecraftsmen 4 years ago
how much did all that cost? thanks
toxicfrost123 4 years ago
The original panel, along with two lights and all wiring was £100 (if you are in dollar-land, just double the figures). The charge controller was arounf £25 and the battery £35. I have recently purchased a much better charge controller with digital display - I would recommend buying the best you can afford.
All the best, Martin
ecraftsmen 4 years ago
good video mate i have a simular set up but i use a 50 watt panel to a 10 amp charge controler. at the moment i run all the stuff in me bed room in sunny england and it hasent let me down yet .solar is the way to go i guess. im upgrading my system soon with 2 extra panels so that will be 150 watts wich is about 9-10 amp quality. i might even get an elctric bike and run 2 hub motors and charge it off the sytem . il make a vid soon when iv got a half decent cam . keep up the good wook
aidanworthington 4 years ago 2
Cheers for the comments. I would really like some decent wattage panels - 50 watt would be the ideal upgrade - I'm jealous of your setup! I plan to relocate the whole system to my garage as the shed doesn't get my direct sunlight in the winter, but the garage roof does. Will video & upload it when it's all done!
ecraftsmen 4 years ago
Hi, I have a question. I'm might buy a 5 watt solar panel. Do you think I need a charge controller for it?
fartingtube 4 years ago
Hi - provided you have a good size leisure battery (ie bigger than 65Ah) then you could get by without a charge controller. However, I would strongly recommend a charge controller even with a small panel as they will certainly improve the overall life and performance of the battery - they start from under £20/€30/$40. Google 'solar charge controller' - Steca is a good make, but there are many others.
ecraftsmen 4 years ago
Herein Canada we call that type of Battery, a 'Deep Cycle' or 'Marine' Battery, and the 'Clips' we call 'Alligator Clips' as opposed to "Crocodile". I know it's not "All About The Money", but have you made any calculations as to how cost effective your setup will be over time?
sumguijim 4 years ago
Thanks for your comments. It's hard to make any calculations about cost effectiveness because I don't 'need' solar power in the shed - I could run a mains cable from the house. For me it was about learning and experimenting, so I have some practical knowledge for the future. Payback depends on what you are personally trying to achieve - solar could well be cheaper than getting mains cables laid, or it could be that you desire independance ie to be 'off grid'.
ecraftsmen 4 years ago
Oh yes I understand that Payback comes in many forms, but one practical measure of it comes in the form of Dollars. For instance if a new fuel efficient Car costs you twice as much as a similar one but only offers 15% savings in fuel, then how much driving would one have to do in order to have made the Purchase worthwhile? I believe solar pays off over time, but I don't have any figures. I'd like to do something with Solar too.
sumguijim 4 years ago
nice video. im glad to see other people that have the same idea as me. maybe an inverter and other appliances??
ftblplar 4 years ago
One of the better videos out there>maybe you can start a series and talk about the wires sizes, voltages and other things that someone starting out needs to know that we would think of asking. Good job
tlath1972 5 years ago
Thanks for your comments. I'll consider doing another video which takes in wire sizes and all the other stuff you need to know.
ecraftsmen 5 years ago
that is very kind of you to share your knowledge with the world. I hope to have a set up like you yours one day.
joeo18 5 years ago
Nice!! I Have 2xKC85T's With a Phocos CX20 on my 1982 hymer & I Love it! :) Solar Rules!!
leftofleft 5 years ago
hey nice info,, would like to try solar power myself but havent yet your video has again sparked my interest !! Thanks
lbl101 5 years ago
n1 man, gj
atlanticus 5 years ago
you explained everything very well,thank you for shareing your setup.
vapoureyes 5 years ago
nice one man. very thorough, i like your style.
jdrumspace 5 years ago