PV Gap

Tina Said:

solar panels and charging 12v batterys/time?

We Answered:

150 watts lights will need 10 to 13 amps that means that 1 light will kill a regular car battery in about 5 hours

good luck

Brett Said:

in order to charge 48V battery system by solar panels,4 panels each of 12V .?

We Answered:

You will need more than 48v to charge 4*12V batteries. I think the charge voltage is around 13.5V/for a 12V battery. To avoid damage to the solar cells, include a diode in the circuit so the battery doesn't discharge through the cells when it isn't bright light. I'd go for 5 cells with a current limiting voltage regulator (and the diode)

Clinton Said:

using 2 x 12v 4 watt solar panels in series?

We Answered:

You want them in parallel, not series.

Series (connecting the plus from panel 1 to the minus of panel 2) will increase the voltage to 24V.

Parallel (connecting plus from panels 1 & 2, and minus from panels 1 & 2) will increase the current, and keep it at 12V.

Two 4W panels will output 8W under Standard Test Conditions. This is not usually the same as real world conditions, so actual results may vary.

Also note that the current output of the panels is up to .28A (280mA), so two of them in parallel would be .56A (560mA). The fan requires .6A. There's a chance that the fan may spin at a lower amperage, but just slower, so in theory it may work. Ideally, you should get a slightly larger panel.

(If you are interested in why the current is low, note that the panel voltage is up to 18V. 18V x .22A = 4W.)

Earl Said:

Whats parts do i need to connect a 5W solar panel to a 12v battery?

We Answered:

If the panel hasn't a reverse protector diode, add one. You should use a 12V1A Shottky diode.
For safety, you should also run a 1 A or so fuse in series. You should also consider a charge controller.

A 5W panel practically may output 300ma. It might practically take around two days of normal sunlight to fully charge that battery with that panel, longer if you don't have that much sun.

Olga Said:

If I installed 20, 100 watt solar panels and 20 12v batteries for power storage?

We Answered:

Location, weather, shading, and de-rating would be factors, but a rough estimate would be about 230 kWh per month, or just over 35% of your usage. There are benefits to being tied to the grid, but it really depends on what your motivations are for doing solar. Contact me at the E-mail below if you would like a detailed list of pros and cons.

Be advised you will also need racking, a charge controller, a combiner box, an inverter, fuses, disconnects, switchgear, and properly-sized wiring. Please do not try to do this project alone unless you are comfortable and familiar with these items.

Theodore Said:

can i connect my solar panels in parallel of two strings in separate combiner boxes and then in series in one?

We Answered:

Ya why not. Like I care it is not me that will be getting zapped.

Tie them into the wall outlet for all I care.

Wait did they not come with instructions??Or even a support number?? What did you do steal these of someones roof???

I think your just posting on here to brag that you bought this crap that will light like on 7watt light bulb for about an hour.

AHH do what ever you want like i care