PV Gap

Bertha Said:

Solar Panel Question?

We Answered:

We have 2 relatively small solar setups to use for our laptops while camping, but frankly, have been disappointed with our lack of success keeping them powered up. If you use a too small panel to power the fridge, from our experiences, the fridge won't run at all. We haven't had disastrous results to either of the panel setups (one is an almost $500. multiple panel unit in a suitcase, and the other is a single panel.) Both of our setups work by charging a battery, and then the battery powers the device. I'd recommend dragging along an old fashioned cooler with ice and put your meds in a sealed plastic container to keep them dry-that's what I did when traveling with my diabetic cat for years. You can replenish ice most anywhere, and if the weather is good, and your solar setup works properly, you can start using the cooler for extra storage... Good luck! We all need to keep experimenting...

Annie Said:

what size solar panel do I need?

We Answered:

Since most of the little ones give only 15 to 30 W of power this is not much. Considering you laptop will need about 90 Watts per hour.

And even if you get the 30 W panels which are fairly large and expensive, you generally only get 30 W out in direct sunlight at the right angle.

Thus you will need several of them just to power your laptop for the time the sun is out. Then you need additional ones to charge it for the night.

It would be better and cheaper by far to get a small electric generator that uses gas to charge your battery and use your products.

Francis Said:

Can I charge a battery starter with a solar panel?

We Answered:

As long as it's 12 volts it will absolutely work, and it's a great idea!