Solar Pacs, any experieces?
 

I've been thinking about purchasing one of these for a long time and I think at the 1st of the year the timing will be right. I'm in Florida so there's no lack of sunshine.

Something along these lines, it's the portable unit on a dolly that's expandable.

http://www.solar4power.com/solar-power-devices-2.html

Any input is appreciated.

Re: Solar Pacs, any experieces?
 

Looks like you could put something like that together yourself for half the cost. But I am just making stuff up.

Re: Solar Pacs, any experieces?
 

Agree

Think one could roll their own ..

Also do not like the sealed battery they use in that kit.
You can do better, Just have to be more careful with
handling.

Re: Solar Pacs, any experieces?
 

Do you all think it is worth the time and effort to Build your own panel?

Re: Solar Pacs, any experieces?
 

If you're considering building your own panels,

When you think of a good retail panel lasting 20 - 30 years, make sure you're comparing the build cost of making your homemade unit just as durable. That means no cheap wood frame, quailty wiring / mounting hw etc. You can certainly make it cheaper, but it will be -cheaper- ;)

Re: Solar Pacs, any experieces?
 

If the cells were "cheap" enough I would give it a go
and build my own panels.

Having seen how they are made, it can be done.
And give the store bought ones a run for their money.

You would have to have the skill set or know someone
that does...

Also if your "time" to do it your self is worth it, for yourself v/s
buying ready made..

Re: Solar Pacs, any experieces?
 

I don't mean to derail or steal this thread

Ive watch a couple videos on building them.

Seems time consuming and rather tedious.
But I think my wife would be good at it...lol
She is quite crafty (artist)
But when the cells are all wired you need to "encapsulate" them under glass or in resin?
I think That would be the part the would be hard to do as well as the store bought ones

Re: Solar Pacs, any experieces?
 

If you can get away with 12 volt DC, you can skip the inverter and have a more efficient system. all depends what you want to use it for.

BTW - can one use solar concentrators to boost the output of PV panels?

Re: Solar Pacs, any experieces?
 

I'd agree. Price jumps 700 bucks for a 100 watt panel and a small charge controller......about 400 bucks worth of stuff.

Re: Solar Pacs, any experieces?
 

I read the reviews on Amazon a while back and there were many battery failures with poor support. They are no longer on there as best I can see.

Re: Solar Pacs, any experieces?
 

I've never personally talked to anyone who owned one but my guess is most folks are very disappointed in how long the battery can actually provide power.

These solar power packs provide a small amount of power for a short time unless you connect more/better batteries.

Re: Solar Pacs, any experieces?
 

I built something similiar this summer with a 20W suntech:http://www.instructables.com/id/S2D54S3FJADQDD9. It is very portable so if you need to bug out, it is something you could throw in the vehicle fast. It will run a light plus another smaller powered device.

Edit: With some modifications, you could build something like the solarpac.

Re: Solar Pacs, any experieces?
 

I got a good deal on panels through this company: http://www.solarblvd.com/

I personally wouldnt make one for fear that something would short and catch on fire. There was a picture (I think it was on solarpowerforum.net) of a roof that caught on fire by a homemade solar panel.

Re: Solar Pacs, any experieces?
 

If anyone is looking at using solar for charging smaller batteries, you can do this

Attachment 82968

http://www.pvpower.com/20-watt-solar...y-charger.aspx

Re: Solar Pacs, any experieces?
 

Thanks for the info and links. I found the projects at the Instructabels very interesting and might build one just for the added knowledge.