Portable solar power unit.
 

http://www.solar4power.com/solar-power-devices-2.html
I'm interested in solar power and this low cost portable solar power unit caught my eye. I'm trying to learn more about solar power and I want to know if any of you have experience with it. I know that I don't live in the best part of the country for solar power, but I like that solar power is easier to maintain than wind power.

Anyone got any ideas or information you would like to share about solar power and portable solar power units?

Re: Portable solar power unit.
 

[QUOTE=Ardent Listener;

Anyone got any ideas or information you would like to share about solar power and portable solar power units?[/QUOTE]

Try www.homepower.com get a subscription for online downloads.

I HIGHLY recommend before you spend a dime on solar.

Re: Portable solar power unit.
 

Diito. This is the best info you can find on alternative energy anywhere.

Re: Portable solar power unit.
 

Beats stealing gasoline from your next door neighbor to run your generator and getting your arse shot off.

Re: Portable solar power unit.
 

You got that right. I was telling my father-in-law about the portable solar power unit and he was telling me about his generator and his 15 gallons of gas he put away. Now that's great for a day or two but what then? Like I said, the sun doesn't shine every day here in Ohio. But it always comes up tomorrow. I can't expect anymore that the gas will always be here tomorrow.

Re: Portable solar power unit.
 

Just remember, a little single solar panel and a battery may keep a bulb or two lit, and keep your cell phone charged. but it will not be good for anything useful except preventing the use of fuel for lighting (or preventing you from using your candles)

I have observed that you will have to spend 5x to 10x as much on a solar solution than you would have to for dino power.

Ideal solution for me:

1.5k or larger solar system, with battery backup or at least 20 deep cycles, and decent inverter.

IN ADDITION TO:

5k or better propane generator (non portable)
In ground 500 gallon or larger propane tank


The solar would be able to run my septic bubler, microwave, tv and lights. Use gen set for pulling water from well, tools, and to charge the battery banks when the sun is not shining.

This is in my long term plan as soon as I have my food stocks, basic supplies, and bug out PM stash fully outfitted.

Re: Portable solar power unit.
 

How much power does a well pump need? My well is 175 feet deep.

Re: Portable solar power unit.
 

Depends on the model, is it a submerged pump or a lift pump? Mine is a 220v submerged unit, so that kills most low cost solar solutions. 220v interters are not as inexpensive as are 110v.

How much your pump actually uses is the question. The label only shows what it is rated for. You will have to put a clamp type ampmeter on the pump wires to guage how much it is really using. Multiply amps X volts to get your watts required.


It is probably better from a survival perspective to change out the pump to a submerged DC pump. These are used alot in West Texas specifically for solar applications. They can be powered without inverters, so it is a much simpler setup. The problem with these is that they are low volume and low pressure, so you would have to store it in a tank and use a pressure pump to run in normal circumstances. This solution is REALLY expensive, and is on my wish list when everything is done, if that ever happens.

Re: Portable solar power unit.
 

I'm thinking that way too, Tech. Right now I can charge a few batteries and that's it.

Great link! I got caught up in it for hours.

Re: Portable solar power unit.
 

http://www.mobilesolarpower.com/Imag...endedsmall.jpg

http://www.mobilesolarpower.com/

http://www.solarexpert.com/Catgenera...l#anchor128307

http://mobilesolarpower.net/images_s...s660-large.jpg

http://mobilesolarpower.net/images_s...ator_ms300.jpg

http://mobilesolarpower.net/default.htm

These are the units I would love to get. Talking at least $35k/unit though.

Re: Portable solar power unit.
 

Seems like Halo had some great links on this also. They should be archived.