Solar Pannel Question

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I would like to get a small solor pannel that you can plug a small appliance directly intoo. Does something like that even exsist? Thanks

-- private guy (preparing@centralohio.com), April 09, 1999

Answers

Depends. Most appliances use household AC (120 volts). Solar panels put out DC (12 or 24 volts). The big problem is that the average appliances draw more current than average solar panels produce.

So you have to go to the trouble of storing energy. Then a device called an inverter is used to change from 12 vdc to 120 vac. That way, power is available when it's needed, not just when the sun is shining.

There are a few things that can be run off 12 vdc that don't take too much power: laptop computer, radios, etc. Even these benefit from using the solar panels to recharge batteries. Most appliances, though need too much power. A typical solar panel (large) might put out 64 watts. A single light bulb can use from 60 to 100 watts.

-- henry (ohm@watt.amp), April 09, 1999.


check out Real Goods- 800-919-2400 for info

-- anita (hillsidefarm@drbs.com), April 09, 1999.

There are a lot of 12 volt appliances available - things you never dreamed of. Go to your local RV store, and check it out. If you are planning on y2k Pina Coladas, last time I was there, I saw a 12v blender...lol.

-- Online2Much (ready_for_y2k@mindspring.com), April 09, 1999.

check out jademountain.com, realgoods.com, sunelco.com, backwoodssolar.com. They all have multiple panels and info. What you're looking for is a direct or intertied (?) panel. Expose to the sun and out comes 120 volts AC. However it just doesn't have much juice (amperage) available when you compare to even some of the smallest appliances you'll want to use. Really should consider some batteries and an inverter for better performance.

Download an issue of HomePower and explore (www.homepower.com)

x

-- x (fire_water5@yahoo.com), April 09, 1999.


Try this site http://www.netrover.com/~cbushell/solar/solar1.html It gives instructions for making a small homemade solar generator.

-- marsh (armstrng@sisqtel.net), April 10, 1999.


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