PV Gap

Kathryn Said:

Does anybody know about solar panel? What are the disadvantage of it, when it comes to lighting?

We Answered:

When its raining it won't work

Steven Said:

Would anyone know about any good store resource that sells quality outdoor SOLAR porch lighting?

We Answered:

Hi, I saw some great solar lights on this website.
http://www.ceilingfanslighting.com/solar…
Hope this helps.

Jeremy Said:

Help with a simple outdoor solar lighting system?

We Answered:

You need a panel, 5W is maybe fine, possibly 10W. 12V nominal.

You need a charge controller to prevent the batteries from overcharging.

You should use LED lighting.

I would prefer a Sealed Lead Acid cell.

It won't be very cheap.

Darren Said:

I would like to put a solar panel on my shed to provide lighting and charge cordless tools. What would I need?

We Answered:

Check out eBay. There is a kit which contains 3 15 watt solar panels,a charge controller, and a couple of 12 volt cf lights. Inverter and batteries are not included. You can find an inverter and a marine or RV deep cycle battery at Wal Mart. A company called Harbor Freight also sells the same kit for $179.00 to $249.00,depending on when they are running specials. 45 watts is plenty of power as it is cumulative. The battery stores the power when the sun is shining and it is not all being used. Single 15 watt panels are sometimes on eBay for about $ 79.00 but do not come with any accessories.
So all in all you need :
Solar panel(s)
Charge controller ( you can do without this if your go with a small panel and have some current draw on at all times.)The charge controller is to keep from overcharging the batteries.
Inverter
Battery (s)
How many watts you need depends on the loads plugged in and how many hours they are being used. Add up the wattages of all the devices plugged in and multiply by the hours used. Remember that chargers draw less than full current once they are fully charged.
The number of watts you produce depends on the size of the panel and # of hours of sun available. EX ,If you have a 45 watt panel, and 5 hrs of sun ,it will make 225 watts of electricity. You may use 225 watts for 1 hour, 112.5 watts for 2 hrs, 56.25 watts for 4 hrs 23.125 watts for 8 hrs ,etc.
I run a laptop, 2 large Cf bulbs, dremel, soldering gun, radio, and charge a drill and weed eater, with 45 watts panel,100 amp hour deep cycle battery, and 1000 watt inverter.
I always unplug tool chargers when they reach a full charge.
You probably don,t need a 1000 watt inverter, but I have one so I can run a small vacuum as well, occasionally.

Joan Said:

Does a solar panel have to be placed outside to work?

We Answered:

Outside is better, but it is not required. As long as the IR and UV rays of the sun can reach the panel,,, you are in business.