Solar Generator

[berdan556]

Apologies if this has been posted/discussed. I'll conduct retraining in using the search botton if thats the case, lol.


I'm interested in getting a solar powered generator such as this one

http://www.mysolarbackup.com/features.html

I've just about forgotten my highschool level education in power output and electricity so I have no idea what these generators and solar charges of doing when i read spec sheets or reviews...Id be using a system such as this to run a small fridge (like the little 3ft tall ones parents get for kids going to college), battery charger for AA,AAA,etc, laptop, and maybe a small lamp. Keeping it simple, lets say these items would be on all the time and pulling power from the generator that is charged by the solar array.

Would a set up such as the one shown in the link be suitable for above stated uses or even a camping generator?

If not, what would you recommend for a small (similar size to linked item or smaller) portable solar powered power pack?

Thank you for your time

regards

[ProstheticWeasel]

$1800 seems a bit steep. But if you wanted an all in one unit then I guess its not bad. It does not mention what kind of charge controller it has in it. an agm battery with any capacity is very heavy so portable is kind of subjective. The solar panel is bulky as well.

I think you could put something together with higher quality parts for a lot less. But it would be a lot less portable. If it was for your home or cabin the pieces could be separated and not take up a big hunk of space. Also if later you decided you needed more capacity you could add to it. You could add a wind generator or some kind of fuel cell if they ever get reasonable.

The most expensive part to get will be the battery. they use an agm but you could get golf cart batteries for a lot less. There is a lot to be said for the sealed no maintenance agms though.

Look around for:
A solar panel
mppt charge controller(regulates the voltage from the panel to the battery)
inverter(converts dc to ac)
agm or other 12v battery. The charge controller you get should support whatever battery type you get.
maybe a 120v ac charger for the battery in case you run the battery down.

I would guess you could get the above minus the battery for around $600. For a single battery you can spend from $80 to $800. 80 would get you a car battery. 800 would get you an expensive agm.

[KnightoftheRoc]

The link shows a 1800 watt unit. That's not much- a hair dryer draws 1500 watts. While most other appliances draw WAY less, the length of run time you get on any given appliance will be inversely proportionate to the wattage it draws. In short words, the bigger the wattage, the shorter the run time. The weak point I see here, from a prep POV, is the inverter itself. While you could add batteries, it will only extend your run times (and charge time requirements), not the wattage you can get out of it. I'd look at larger units, rather than multiples of this one, given the price point on it. Normally, I'd suggest hooking multiple inverters up in parallel to the batteries would allow you to draw from ALL the batteries for extended run time on any given item plugged into one of the inverters, while also allowing you to mix and match wattage draws to individual inverters, with the obvious plus of a built in spare if one of them dies. But, at $1800 a pop for these, a bigger unit would do what you want, and might be available for the same, or less money.

[Dawgboy]

No way that panel is putting out 1800 watts, and the specs for the panel are not given. Sure, the inverter and battery may put that out, for a time... But the panel probably isn't more than 145 watts, and that's only if it's the best. My 220 watt array is 4'x5', to give you an idea of relative panel size.

[NamelessStain]

The link shows a 1800 watt unit. That's not much- a hair dryer draws 1500 watts. .

I never pictured you as a hairdryer kind of guy, Knight jk

Part of the excessive cost is that it's somewhat portable version of a battery bank. If you were looking for something that would be used in your BOL, start researching battery banks. Also, in a PAW situation you really don't want to be wasting the power. Think small and/or efficient. Like a ice chest style freezer vs. a standard refrigerator, less air escapes on a chest style freezer. You can couple this with a timer and you can turn the freezer into a refrigerator by limiting the run time(but you lose the freezer aspect). They already do this in buses converted to RVs. You can build a battery bank to run the freezer and a few other things for around $1000-$1200 imo. Granted you aren't going to run large energy consumers such as microwaves, clothes dryers, and central AC, but a few conveniences to avoid electricity withdrawal would be nice.

Also if you see someone with a hairdryer trying to plug it in, grab it and see how far you can toss it. Then hand the former owner a towel.

Here are some links to help with battery bank layouts and calculators:
http://www.altestore.com/store/calculat ... alculator/
http://www.freesunpower.com/system_sizing.php

Enjoy!

[berdan556]

Thanks for the advice folks.

[Shaper]

IMO that pre fab unit is designed for folks who either...

a) have money to blow and no desire to learn about solar power (which would consequently bite them in the ass when a service or repair comes about)

...or

b) someone that doesn't have the brain power to build one on their own. (Very unlikely)

Anyone else with half a brain and a fixed income who wants the awesomness of solar should be researching the process and actively scanning for bargains instead of giving that product a second thought.

[NamelessStain]

Anyone else with half a brain and a fixed income who wants the awesomness of solar should be researching the process and actively scanning for bargains instead of giving that product a second thought.

I don't know if it still holds true but when I was looking at solar options for my BOL, there were lots of govt programs to get money back. So like a $30k setup would only end up costing you around $18k.

[Shaper]

Anyone else with half a brain and a fixed income who wants the awesomness of solar should be researching the process and actively scanning for bargains instead of giving that product a second thought.

I don't know if it still holds true but when I was looking at solar options for my BOL, there were lots of govt programs to get money back. So like a $30k setup would only end up costing you around $18k.

That's right, many states have varying degrees/types of subsidies for alternative power.

My good friend in California built his solar/wind setup for about 20k, but after all of the breaks, he estimated he was only out about 7k. Pretty damn good if you ask me.

[Chirpy]

I'd investigate this instead...



http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html

It seems that this is the starting point for almost everyone's journey into solar recently, and at $189 waaaaay more affordable. It's the way to get started and learn, and as you replace and enhance the panels will move along with you. I've got one awaiting an install and battery, although I'm trying to figure out if I can use my 4 batteries in the golf cart as my battery bank for AC.

I'm sure I can, I just haven't figured it out yet, 'cause I ain't real lectrik smart

[NamelessStain]

I'd investigate this instead...



http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html

It seems that this is the starting point for almost everyone's journey into solar recently, and at $189 waaaaay more affordable. It's the way to get started and learn, and as you replace and enhance the panels will move along with you. I've got one awaiting an install and battery, although I'm trying to figure out if I can use my 4 batteries in the golf cart as my battery bank for AC.

I'm sure I can, I just haven't figured it out yet, 'cause I ain't real lectrik smart

Yup, they are usually deep cycle batteries.

[GentryMillMan]

I'd investigate this instead...



http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.html

It seems that this is the starting point for almost everyone's journey into solar recently, and at $189 waaaaay more affordable. It's the way to get started and learn, and as you replace and enhance the panels will move along with you. I've got one awaiting an install and battery, although I'm trying to figure out if I can use my 4 batteries in the golf cart as my battery bank for AC.

I'm sure I can, I just haven't figured it out yet, 'cause I ain't real lectrik smart

Are you batteries 6 volt, 8 volt, or 12 volt?
6 and 12 are easier to deal with, but there are golf carts that use 8 volt batteries...

[NamelessStain]

Are you batteries 6 volt, 8 volt, or 12 volt?
6 and 12 are easier to deal with, but there are golf carts that use 8 volt batteries...

8 volt are ok too, if you are going with a 24 volt or even a 48 volt system. you'll just need to wire in a series. /thumbsup works like a champ

[GentryMillMan]

Are you batteries 6 volt, 8 volt, or 12 volt?
6 and 12 are easier to deal with, but there are golf carts that use 8 volt batteries...

8 volt are ok too, if you are going with a 24 volt or even a 48 volt system. you'll just need to wire in a series. /thumbsup works like a champ

Agreed, that it can be done, but I was thinking along the lines of a single 12 volt panel. So just more to think about when planning.

[Chirpy]

The Harbor Freight kit is all set up to use one 12 volt deep cycle battery (not included), that's the easy way.

My plan is to get the kit set up to charge the cart in a barn/garage that currently doesn't have power (see what I did there?). Short term ability to turn it back into 110 would be for giggles and maybe lights for a while.

Long term the panels will end up down at dock or on camper, or heck, maybe even geek out and put it on top of the golf cart for self charging.

Mostly cheap learning.

Cuz i ain't 2 smart on electrical stuff. Well, analog anyway. Packetized and digital I do okay.

The cart has 4 12v batteries.