Solar power
There has been some discussion in another thread about solar power. To read more, look for posts by "techpuppy" and "12vman" in the "Still Playin' Around" thread.
12vman wrote that he's using the SSTRAN AMT3000 [i:7184a72045]and[/i:7184a72045] an FM receiver that, together, draw 200 mA, at a rate of 5 amp./hour per day.
techpuppy suggested a 20 Watt solar panel charging a 50 amp/hour battery.
12vman replied with a suggestion for a 15 - 20 amp/hour battery.
What I'd like to see in this thread are some recommendations like the above to help us folks who don't know much about power systems. It would be really cool if people could quote links to online solar and battery catalogs so we can get an idea of cost and etc.
For example, if I interpret the above information correctly, it looks like I could buy a 12 volt, 18 amp lead acid batter from Battery Zone for $46.
http://www.batteryzone.com/detail.tpl?SKU=NP18-12FR
A 20 Watt solar panel can be purchased from this site for $160.
http://store.sundancesolar.com/20wasopa.html
And a charge controller for $40
http://store.sundancesolar.com/suswchco12v.html
Do these seem like good prices?
Many thanks,
Scott
Soon to be on the air in Omaha, NE
Hi Scott..
I'd lean towards a small deep cell (Marine) type battery. A sealed battery doesn't allow you to keep an eye on the electrolyte level. I don't know how small of an amp/hr. rated marine battery can be bought but I believe you can get more amp/hrs. for less money. Also, if you need a replacement, marine batteries are sold at many different places. Might be a bit of overkill but the replacement costs would be lower and the maintenance of the battery would be possible. Adjust your panel size a bit and install a few lights at the xmtr building for possible night time repairs..
(Or, just a place to hide..) 😉
The charge controller is great! PWM charging helps keep the plates clean and gives a deeper charge to the battery and some headroom if you plan to add some wattage in the future..
I looked at the panel you posted and a couple red flags came up. I didn't see any kind of warranty. My suggestion is to buy one that has a written warranty with known quality. Most are 20 yr.+. They may cost a little more but you can be sure that your investment is covered. Also, not much on how the wires are connected to the panel. I suggest a weatherproof type connection which most panels of quality have. One must remember this is going to be outside in all of the elements so this is very important. I've got stung a couple of times trying to save a buck..
You need to take your location into consideration also. ANY kind of shade can cause you problems! A shadow from 1 tree limb can reduce your output from the panel a lot! Telephone poles, power lines, signs.. anything that can make a shadow.. STAY AWAY!! Wide open sunshine is a must! I had to cut down several beautiful oak and cherry trees to avoid shadows. Especially in the fall/winter when the sun is at a low angle..
I have read many accounts of people that live off the grid and for phone service they put a wireless repeater at the road, where the phone lines are, and this is solar powered, with a battery inside a larger sized rubermaid, this works effectivly for them , if they find themselfs running out of juice they simply add another battery to the rubbermaid, ther emaintance is quite simple, check water levels evry few weeks and test the batteries to make sure there not failing..
All you would need is a decent size solar cell, a deep cycle battery or two, and then a charge regulator.. and your rubbermaid and possable mounting hardware ect..
THe only worry i would have is theft or damage due to weatehr or vandles.. other than that it will work quite well.. and sshould be able to be assembled for a few hundred bucks.
Jason