PV Gap

Randy Said:

What kind of batteries to use for a solar panel?

We Answered:

If you will be storing them outdoors, you can use auto batteries. Indoors, use sealed marine batteries.

Number and size depends on your needs. You will need a charge controller between the solar panels and the batteries to get the maximum power out of the array and to avoid damage to the batteries.

And you will need an inverter to convert the 12 or 24 volts to 120 or 240 VAC.

One large lead acid battery will supply about 1000 watt-hours of energy, enough for 200 watts for 5 hours. You have to look at your loads and decide on how many batteries you need.

Frequently it is cheaper to buy new appliances that use less power, as that power difference can save a lot of money in batteries, inverter, charge controller and solar panels. But it sounds like a few thousand watt-hours will be enough, 1 or 2 large batteries. The real limiting factor is how much money you want to spend for the solar panels themselves.

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Wayne Said:

What are the best guides on how to make a solar panel?

We Answered:

You can use this system to power up basically any appliance you have in your home: fridge, washing machine, computer, TVs, lights.

Moreover, you can even take this with yourself when you go camping, because it's highly portable.

Alfred Said:

Can I keep the voltage rating of a solar panel the same and have a higher voltage?

We Answered:

when it says 6-14 volts you need to know what accounts for the variation. probably the level of sunlight. so it's very possible that your 12 volt panel will react the same way, but it's telling you 12 volts in average exposure. i would recomend setting both in the sun right next to each other, and measure each ones voltage under the same conditions. they will probably be the same. then just hook them up in paralell and you'll have approx 12 volts with twice the wattage available.