Posted on 09/05/2016 1:25:09 PM PDT by w1n1
So for you preppers out there, which type of Solar chargers have you come across that was reliable? Solar chargers and gadgets that run on solar can be found all over the place, and like many I have tried almost all of them disappoint. Some never fully charge, lose their charge too quickly, fall apart, short out if they get wet or any number of things that render it useless after just a couple tries. These are all the reasons I fell in love with Sunjack. Here's some specs on it.
My first impression of the Sunjack after taking it out of the package was wow! The quality of the case, stitching and construction was exceptional – good sign. Then I expanded the case and was impressed to find four full solar panels. Surprising for such a thin case, but the test was yet to come, and test it I would.
The Sunjack was clearly designed by those who need and use these devices. It comes with a carabiner and multiple attachment points around the case, so that you can hang, attach, suspend and clip onto almost anything and any angle. Read the rest of the test here.
I’m curious what Freepers/preppers are doing regarding solar. Anyone try something big or small that they liked? Anything big or small that you didn’t like? Anyone with a medium or large off-grid system for the home? Thoughts?
I’m still in the shopping phase for big stuff, and I haven’t been convinced by anything I’ve seen except that Solar City and the other big vendors/installers are not forthcoming with facts, just with salesmanship.
Goal Zero is what I use...
A while back I was doing some searching around on the interwebs for solar pv panels and came across a seller that sells them on Ebay for about $1/watt. The seller goes by the name fred480v.
Here’s an auction for two 160 watt panels for $330.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-160-Watt-12-Volt-Battery-Charger-Solar-Panel-Off-Grid-RV-Boat-320-watt-total-/271885508220?hash=item3f4da39e7c:g:AtcAAOSwv0tVdJAX
Here are auctions of other solar pv panels he sells.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/fred480v/m.html?item=271885508220&hash=item3f4da39e7c%3Ag%3AAtcAAOSwv0tVdJAX&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562
He sells stuff for boats and RVs, too!
HERE HERE
How to Charge Batteries in the Middle of Nowhere
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEp5OcpNj04
I put together a 4600 watt system about 4 years ago. 20 solar panels (230w), 2-4000 watt pure sine wave inverters. 48 volt MPPT charge controller.
And 16 420ah L-16 batteries. I could live about 80% of normal if I had to run off this system totally. I would have to heat water another way.
I'll never get my money back but I bought it in case everything goes to hell. Right now I run it during the day and switch back to grid at night
to save the batteries.
When in doubt , consult an electrical engineer who is current with WATTS available on the market.
Please put me on your list. Thanks for what you do - it is a real service that will save a lot of inconvenience and, ultimately, lives.
I have a bunch of Goal Zero solar chargers and accessories. They do work, and work well. I took a set of small solar panels and battery pack (folds up about the size of an iPad,and has a carabiner clip for hanging) to Hawaii. Used it on Waikiki beach and it kept my iPad fully charged all day, while using apps and playing music.
Also have a 400 watt Goal Zero battery at home. We had a power failure in the neighborhood a few weeks ago. I plugged a bunch of stuff into the battery and it kept us going for several hours until the power came back. My router, modem, computer and security cameras are on UPS backup, and I plugged the UPS into the solar battery, as well as our entertainment gear so the family could use Netflix and TV. The solar battery recharges via a couple large solar panels. Great for emergencies. Power outage had no effect on us.
Thanks
Any knowledge regarding whether these panels are at all protected against EMP?
Might be nice to listen to your music, might want to use a camera, some of the apps might be useful. Lengthy power outages can be mind-numbingly boring at times.
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FReegards !
tilted irish kilt
Not what you wanted but...
I built a frame of 2x4s around my south-facing back stoop, covered it with plastic and every sunny day in winter it shot up to a hundred degrees. I opened the door and let that sucker heat the whole house (added a fan).
Paid for itself in one winter.
A bonus was having afternoon coffee out there nude when the temps were in the teens.
bfl
Interesting question that. Renogy has tech Q&A and they do respond fairly quickly to their inquiries.
Do know that the solar charge controllers I have are not.
That's a tricky one. I have electrical engineers in the family, and I'm a mathematician, but it's a question of specialization. I was hoping FR had an unbiased expert. Since I don't know an engineer who works with solar power, I trust those on FR more than I trust professionals who may be pushing their own agenda (such as those connected to Solar City). If nothing else, I'll consult an engineer in a year or so, but finding the right one is always a challenge.
Thank you. That’s what I was looking for. It’s also close to what I visualize in my future. I don’t need to replace everything; I imagine AC (as one example) will be a luxury I would skip if the power went down for a long time.
Actually, that is what I was looking for. It’s the classic solar heating used for a greenhouse, just applied to a home.
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