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goddess | 05-09-2006 11:53 AM
Talk to me about solar I need info guys! I want and inexpensive solar set up that will run things alike a few lights, my blender, grain grinder etc. Anyone have suggetions, good sites, or forums to check out?

rad | 05-09-2006 12:01 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar Goddess this is a big field and you will have to roll up your sleves if you want to DIY. I have seen little rolling batteries with a solar cell that will get you some power in emergencies. If you want to integrate into your house for your blender etc then it is mucho denero. Solar Today has sample systems with costs if you are interested. See also Home Power Magazine.

hoarder | 05-09-2006 01:04 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar http://www.homepower.com/ http://www.backwoodssolar.com/interests/RemoteHome.htm http://www.financialsense.com/fsu/ed...2005/0217.html

Atahualpa | 05-09-2006 01:30 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar This topic is of interest to me also. I want to install a solar power system for my motorhome. Big enough to charge the coach batteries to operate everything but the A/C, maybe an additional small panel to keep the chassis battery charged. The other day I ran a couple of exhaust fans all day without turning on the generator and it ran down the "house" (coach) batteries...the generator is hooked up to the house batteries and there was no power to start the generator, so I ended up having to start the engine to use the alternator to charge up the house batteries, to start the generator,...to charge up the batteries, and around and around we go...hahaha. Solar power would solve this problem.

Waypoint-Trading | 05-09-2006 01:32 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar What would you like to know?? Northern Arizona Sun and Wind. www.windsun.com

Atahualpa | 05-09-2006 02:03 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar Quote:
Originally Posted by Waypoint-Trading What would you like to know?? Northern Arizona Sun and Wind. www.windsun.com
Lots of good RV system info on that site...Thanks.

Ardent Listener | 05-09-2006 02:06 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar Does anyone have any experience with those solar spot lights? I want some that I can mount up around my house. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Halophyte | 05-09-2006 06:00 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar Try my radiant energy powered yard light. String about 300 feet of coax up high across your property, insure it's not grounded, use glass or ceramic insulators. Run the shielded conductor to both ends of a six watt flourscent lamp. Wrap tin foil half way around the glass tube, insure it does not touch the lamps ends, then ground it to a copper grounding rod. As the wind and weather gets worse it glows. No batteries, no solar panels, no conventional power. .

mtnman | 05-09-2006 06:56 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar Quote:
Originally Posted by Halophyte Try my radiant energy powered yard light. String about 300 feet of coax up high across your property, insure it's not grounded, use glass or ceramic insulators. Run the shielded conductor to both ends of a six watt flourscent lamp. Wrap tin foil half way around the glass tube, insure it does not touch the lamps ends, then ground it to a copper grounding rod. As the wind and weather gets worse it glows. No batteries, no solar panels, no conventional power.
Is this set-up close to any high voltage power lines?

thorgrim | 05-10-2006 04:57 AM
Re: Talk to me about solar I've got a site for you has better deals than i have found elsewhere and lots of different packages to choose from. I am thinking of getting a basic set up and just running it straight DC I will have to buy the proper appliances (RV stuff is good) of course but makes things a lot simpler if you are just looking for the basics. www.partsonsale.com

Worldmariner | 05-10-2006 04:30 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar Quote:
Originally Posted by Halophyte Try my radiant energy powered yard light. String about 300 feet of coax up high across your property, insure it's not grounded, use glass or ceramic insulators. Run the shielded conductor to both ends of a six watt flourscent lamp. Wrap tin foil half way around the glass tube, insure it does not touch the lamps ends, then ground it to a copper grounding rod. As the wind and weather gets worse it glows. No batteries, no solar panels, no conventional power. .
I am thinking it uses ion charged wind? I got blasted one time working in Singapore from a ship's antennae... as the storm approached, the wind blew, and I was touching the coax connector (the transmission line was disconnected) and I took a HUGE zap! Took me a few more zaps to figure out where the juice was coming from. I am a quick learner like that! *LOL*

ladagerick | 05-10-2006 06:06 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar Top-of-the-Line 13W Briefcase Solar Panel Generator I bought one of these on ebay this week will update after trying it 13watts should charge my 12 volt battery and notebook for shortterm emergencies with shipping came to $84 BUY IT NOW FOR ONLY $59.95! No waiting! Introducing our most powerful portable solar generator/charger. This 13 watt unit is ideal for powering and charging laptop computers, GPS systems, marine electronics, DC refrigerators and thousands of other electrical appliances. Our briefcase solar generator unfolds to reveal 2 huge solar panels. Originally designed for contractors, engineers and scientists who require electricity, even when miles away from a power source. Our solar briefcase generator is used around the world to compensate for poor infrastructure or insufficient power supply. Brand New, factory sealed, shipped securely double-boxed. In-stock, ready to ship! http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sel...olar13w__1.jpg The TPS-936A 13W Briefcase Solar Generator is constructed of commercial grade molded plastic which provides the utmost in durability and impact resistance. Adjustable support panel (to maximize power output), hyperblue flashing LED charge indicator, integrated blocking diode prevents damage to even the most sensitive electronics. Includes all leads and connectors - features detachable connections for different applications, suitable for all 12V battery systems. http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sel...olar13w__2.jpg Ideal for tailgating, motor homes, marine use, laptop computers, GPS systems, construction and even has enough grunt to power a DC fridge! Nominal current >700mA, Nominal Voltage >14V ONS, Weight 10lbs, Dimensions: 26"x20"x2".

wallew | 05-10-2006 07:50 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar Not cheap, but unique design for sure... http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sunball/

Halophyte | 05-10-2006 08:33 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar Quote:
Originally Posted by Worldmariner I am thinking it uses ion charged wind? I got blasted one time working in Singapore from a ship's antennae... as the storm approached, the wind blew, and I was touching the coax connector (the transmission line was disconnected) and I took a HUGE zap! Took me a few more zaps to figure out where the juice was coming from. I am a quick learner like that! *LOL*
Yes, and HAM operators have known for over 50 years that anyone can charge a battery from the Earth's induction currents. I said "induction" not static charges ... Statics require dry climates while the device I'm describing works in any gentle breeze, no matter what the relative humidity is. Ain't that a kicker ..... ? If I could make an ion valve I could isolated the charge much better but hey, it's on the cheap . .

wallew | 05-10-2006 08:52 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar Quote:
Originally Posted by Halophyte Yes, and HAM operators have known for over 50 years that anyone can charge a battery from the Earth's induction currents. I said "induction" not static charges ... Statics require dry climates while the device I'm describing works in any gentle breeze, no matter what the relative humidity is. Ain't that a kicker ..... ? If I could make an ion valve I could isolated the charge much better but hey, it's on the cheap . .
Google 'Joe Cell'

mightyspuds | 05-15-2006 04:48 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar Quote:
Originally Posted by thorgrim I've got a site for you has better deals than i have found elsewhere and lots of different packages to choose from. I am thinking of getting a basic set up and just running it straight DC I will have to buy the proper appliances (RV stuff is good) of course but makes things a lot simpler if you are just looking for the basics. www.partsonsale.com
I can vouch for these guys,they are in my area. Real nice folks,know the business well. For a motorhome you need panels and L brackets,mount to roof.Wire from panel to panel and then to your charge controller(Refer vent is a good way to get wires indoors).From there to a fuse and to your batteries.Its really that simple. Spuds:sheep:

mightyspuds | 05-15-2006 05:02 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar For best performance in heat or shade,unisolar is it.They cost more per watt,but as temps rise they produce full listed output,unlike other panels.You can even put a bullet through them and they will keep working.Downside,they are larger in size per watt than any other panel http://www.solardirect.com/pv/pvlist...v-unisolar.htm Next best choice is a monocrystalline.They are second best for output in heat and have the highest power per size output,good if space is a factor.Notice you can see individual cells.This is what I use on motorhome roof,I have a space problem so its this.Also put out full rated power in 90 degree heat in desert,thats impressive! http://www.bp.com/extendedgenericart...tentId=3060130 3rd choice is multicrystalline.Like the Kyocera.Not the best for shade or heat,but good quality nonetheless.Kyocera is a very popular brand as quality is very high and proven performance over lifetime.Their output for size is also better in their newer panels. http://www.kyocerasolar.com/products/ksimodule.html If you are using 25 amps or less,here is a fine charge controller that even has an equalizing function.I use this,only an earlier 20 amp that doesnt equalize.This is a fine product for the price.Solar Boost 2000E.About 225 bucks,+/- 25 bucks. http://www.blueskyenergyinc.com/flash/ Spuds:sheep:

Quixote2 | 05-15-2006 05:04 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar Another site mentioned the Harbor Freight special: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=90599 Have no idea how good they are.

mightyspuds | 05-15-2006 05:21 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar Quote:
Originally Posted by BW3 Another site mentioned the Harbor Freight special: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=90599 Have no idea how good they are.
Might be worth a try.Certainly a nice way to get your feet wet in solar. General consenses is stay away from Chinese panels.I would say,get a known name brand.YMMV. Spuds:sheep:

heynoww | 05-23-2006 12:08 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar Quote:
Originally Posted by ladagerick Top-of-the-Line 13W Briefcase Solar Panel Generator I bought one of these on ebay this week will update after trying it 13watts should charge my 12 volt battery and notebook for shortterm emergencies with shipping came to $84 BUY IT NOW FOR ONLY $59.95! No waiting! Introducing our most powerful portable solar generator/charger. This 13 watt unit is ideal for powering and charging laptop computers, GPS systems, marine electronics, DC refrigerators and thousands of other electrical appliances. Our briefcase solar generator unfolds to reveal 2 huge solar panels. Originally designed for contractors, engineers and scientists who require electricity, even when miles away from a power source. Our solar briefcase generator is used around the world to compensate for poor infrastructure or insufficient power supply. Brand New, factory sealed, shipped securely double-boxed. In-stock, ready to ship! http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sel...olar13w__1.jpg The TPS-936A 13W Briefcase Solar Generator is constructed of commercial grade molded plastic which provides the utmost in durability and impact resistance. Adjustable support panel (to maximize power output), hyperblue flashing LED charge indicator, integrated blocking diode prevents damage to even the most sensitive electronics. Includes all leads and connectors - features detachable connections for different applications, suitable for all 12V battery systems. http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sel...olar13w__2.jpg Ideal for tailgating, motor homes, marine use, laptop computers, GPS systems, construction and even has enough grunt to power a DC fridge! Nominal current >700mA, Nominal Voltage >14V ONS, Weight 10lbs, Dimensions: 26"x20"x2".
I still see this for sale on ebay. If you've received this already, can you update with any info on how good or effective this is. Anyone else try this? I'm looking for something to power some of my electronics when I go camping (I know, sounds ironic). Thanks

Atahualpa | 06-02-2006 10:36 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar I ended up putting 2 - 85 watt solar panels on the roof of my motorhome...bought a kit with an inverter/charger. I didn't get the top of the line, but what I did get was quality and all U.S. made. This was my first venture into solar panels and I know a hell of a lot more about the whole set up than I did. The only regret I have about the installation is that I used flat mounting hardware to secure it to the roof, instead of hardware that would allow me to tilt the panels toward the angle of the sun....maybe on the next panels (I plan to add 2 more panels and 2 more batteries, at some point). What I like about solar is they are silently working without any moving parts. The company I bought from; http://www.partsonsale.com/campers2.html

REV127 | 06-02-2006 11:35 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar My solar power scheme is stupid and puts out energy relative to size. It works on the principle that the Sun is extremely hot and puts out a lot of radiation, and still has plenty of heat left by the time it hits the Earth. You need a parabolic mirror and a primitive steam engine. The idea came to me in the 6th grade when we were making solar ovens and my group discovered we could burn the lawn with them. I'm one of those abundant energy types, if it moves or puts out heat I can figure out a way to put it to good use. I often prefer robust, primitive engines to more technologically advanced setups, even if they seem to be a bit more efficient up front. I guess I just like knowing I can make stuff out of improvised junk I find laying around.

Tn...Andy | 06-03-2006 06:07 AM
Re: Talk to me about solar I remember reading once the ancient Greeks burned a fleet of invading Turk ships like this. The Greeks stayed up all night polishing their shields to a high reflective state, and when the sun came up from across the Agean Sea the next morning, they were lined up on the shore, used their shields as mirrors and concentrated the sun heat on one ship after another in unison, burning each. How cool was that !

REV127 | 06-04-2006 04:24 PM
Re: Talk to me about solar Andy, I've heard that same story. While I don't know the historical facts on that case, I can testify to the efficacy of the parabolic mirror and also the fresnel lense. I had one of the latter that was the size of a sheet of notebook paper and wow! the things I could melt or combust on a sunny day with that baby! :birthday:

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