PV Gap

Stephanie Said:

how many watts does a small solar panel need to work?

We Answered:

You've got the question backwards. The power output of the solar panel is rated in watts. So you need to determine how many watts are needed to run the equipment you want powered with the solar panel, then you can decide what size solar panel you need. You can buy panels here - http://www.altestore.com/store/Solar-Pan…

Or are you trying to power the solar panel with a lightbulb instead of the sun, and you're asking how many watts the lightbulb needs to be?

What is your experiment, maybe we can help?

Sandra Said:

how can I build a small solar panel to power a light bulb?

We Answered:

I'm afraid that it will probably cost more if you try to build it yourself, rather than just buy an existing solution.

I have seen small 3-watt solar panels powering rechargeable LED lights - those go for $45 at flea markets in this area. They're bright enough to read by in a tent if you're camping, but you wouldn't want to use it as normal lighting in a room. The next step cheaper is to buy a solar powered walkway (lawn) light - probably less than $10 each, but only good for marking a path, as there's only one small LED inside.

If your hope is to power a room light, such as a 13-watt compact fluorescent, then the system is going to run a few hundred dollars, most of it for the solar panel.