Solar Panels..Anybody use them?

[Jessie]

I'm no expert either. I operate a similar system w/ 4- 15w panels and either a 400 or 750 or 1000 watt inverter, depending on what I need.
The sump pump set up won't need an inverter, just a charge controller that will allow the full power of the panels through to the batteries.
I also have one panel at home for battery maintenance.
The heart of any solar system are the batteries and panels(duh). Keep the batteries in shape and the panels clean and positioned for max sun collection.
My set up runs my hunt camp with lights, fans, radio and even a small tv w/ VHS and DVD for rainy days.
So far, its never died on me. It will come close after a few days without good sun, but I'll hook it up to my truck or portable generator to charge then.
It's been well worth the two or three hundred dollars invested.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

The first step in putting together a photovoltaic solar power plant is determining what you want it to do.

Simply maintaining a car/truck/boat/RV battery that is already charged all that is required is a "float charge". This can be achieved with a small and inexpensive 12V panel of about 5 to 10 watts with controller and connecting wires. Shouldn't cost more than $30.00 or so.

Charging cell phones, laptops, and other personal electronics requires very little wattage. The small panel device described above for vehicle battery maintenance would easily handle these needs through the vehicle's electrical system (cigar lighter outlet, etc). If you don't want to rely on a vehicle's system you can use a small PV solar panel with charge controller, a small deep cycle battery, such as used for wheelchairs, etc (typically around 30 AH capacity), and an inexpensive inverter for a relatively lightweight and portable system for under $100.00.

My little outfit (described in earlier post) will easily run all the lights for my camp, radio, laptop, cell phone charger, even a mini-refrigerator or small television. I put it together for less than $300.00. It is also sufficient for minimal needs at home during a power outage.

To provide reliable power for a dwelling you will need serious PV solar panel capacity and enough battery storage to operate everything for many hours between charging (sunshine periods). Tying into the home's electrical system will require changes to the service panel (best left to skilled personnel). Depending on the size, occupancy, and equipment needs (appliances, heating, A/C, etc) this might cost from $10,000 to $30,000 or so. A generator back-up might be handy to have in some areas due to limitations on sunlight. I live in southern Colorado where we receive 320-340 days per year of full sunshine; not every area is the same.

There are no secrets about any of this and any number of websites can provide all the information you need to put together many different solar power systems. Panel type and capacity, charge controllers, battery storage, power inverters, computing wattage and amp-hour requirements, wiring types and requirements; all of this information is readily available.

I'm not a scientist or an engineer, but with a little research I was able to figure it out pretty quickly.

 

[tinkerunique]

I have a 10' X 10' shed outside (workroom) that I have installed a small solar panel on the roof. I have 110 lights and plug-ins, but use the 12v. (stop lights) for light after-hours. The panel keeps the car battery and the two lawn mower batteries well charged. I also have a car radio, and a CB radio there, that work fine MAJOR CHEAP "surround sound" - that plays AM/FM radio, CD's and cassettes. It would be possible to install an inverter to run the drill press and sanders and such. I used to now a guy that had an inverter under the hood of his pickup... When he went camping ( with horses), his kids would drag in an old blow-down and he would cut it up for firewood with his electric chain saw. There are 3 different types of solar cells - research the types / which one(s) fit your needs + prices vary by type AND where you buy.