The solar-panels tag has no wiki summary.
5
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2answers
146 views
What's a reasonable expectation for efficiency in modern solar panels?
I recently had a solar array installed on my roof with four different sections connected to three inverters - the total array includes 56 panels for a total of 13.44 kW.
However, I'm not seeing ...
10
votes
5answers
1k views
How should I go about installing a 12 volt DC residential circuit?
I have a couple deep cycle batteries that trickle charge from a solar panel, for emergency use. Right now the only way I get useful power from them is to use a 12VDC -> 120VAC inverter, e.g. the type ...
4
votes
2answers
103 views
What hardware do I need for selling the electricity generated by solar panels to the electric company?
I understand that solar panels generate low DC voltage, and public power lines require high AC voltage. I am also aware of the device called Power Inverter which converts DC power with low voltage to ...
0
votes
1answer
77 views
Are solar panel films for windows ready for the end users?
I read about a new solar-panel technology, based on a photo-sensible film, which may be applied directly on to glass.
This will definitely help in the versatility and in the ease of installation..
...
2
votes
2answers
530 views
Using a solar system with a condensing boiler for the central heating instead of tap-water?
According to the manual of my AWB ThermoMaster 2HR 28.02WT Condensing boiler, it is compatible with a pre-heating solar system for tap-water only. It even has extra facilities to ensure that the ...
7
votes
3answers
86 views
How do you protect solar panels for storage during house rebuild?
I am in the process of preparing to demolish my house so I can rebuild. We are taking the solar panels off the roof and plan to put them back on to the new house. Does anyone know the best way to ...
4
votes
2answers
204 views
What Good and Affordable Alternative Power Source Would You Recommend?
I am woking on a startup (read: using my computer always). 80% of the time, I generate my own electricity with a petrol/gas generator.
On new years day, the Nigerian government increased the price of ...
7
votes
2answers
8k views
Can I power my air conditioning with solar energy?
In my house I have 3 small air conditioning systems running at 8.000 BTU/hour each. I would like to power them with solar energy. I found that I would have to generate:
3.41 BTU = 1 Watts/h
8.000 ...
4
votes
1answer
113 views
Is it possible - setting thermostat based on a seperate thermometer
I'm looking into building a solar water heater, but I'm wondering, is it possible (and what products should I be looking for) to turn on a pump when the water in the solar heating device is hotter ...
2
votes
1answer
240 views
Solar powered charger for laptop
How do I build a solar powered charger for a laptop with dc rating 19v, 3.42A? I'd also prefer to use some other batteries to store the electricity? How can I accomplish this?
3
votes
1answer
324 views
Does the specific gravity of a lead-acid battery indicate degradation?
Let say I have a battery that is a few years old.
When it was new, the specific gravity was indicating 1.265 when full, and it lasted fairly long.
If I do an equalization charge, for the same ...
2
votes
1answer
198 views
Fuse replacement in Xantrex solar charge controller
I have a Xantrex XW-MPPT60-150 solar charge controller. The moment came where I need to replace the fuse that protects the charger. The problem is that I need to replace it with Littlefuse KLKD 1 ...
3
votes
2answers
618 views
What are some tips for deep cycle battery maintenance for an offgrid solar system?
I have an off grid solar system, with an 240AH 24v deep cycle battery, and the system (and all of the components in it) is a year and a half old.
i have several questions and i hope that some one ...
3
votes
2answers
145 views
Solar panel: Current-related question
I found a solar panel rated 9v, 70mA. I want to use it to create a power backup for a 9v, 1A router. Is this possible?
2
votes
3answers
355 views
Solar power backup for router
I want to use solar panels to create a power backup for a router(9V, 1A). I'm aware I'll require solar panels and batteries but am not sure how to choose suitable ones. Please help suggest me on ...
13
votes
4answers
4k views
How do you protect solar panels from hail?
Saw another question on solar panels and it reminded me of one big thing that always made me hesitant to consider them.
We get several hail storms each year and having an expensive glass covered(?) ...
48
votes
15answers
3k views
Are solar panels cost-effective?
Environmental issues aside, I'd like to know whether solar panels are worth it from a monetary standpoint?
How long before payoff occurs?
Pros & Cons?
Is technology moving too fast, e.g. should ...
