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Politics : Welcome to Slider's Dugout -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Nixpix who wrote (20935)	2/1/2010 3:11:46 PM
From: kidl	Respond to of 50288

This might be the better forum for your question: Subject 50902

To: Nixpix who wrote (20935)	2/1/2010 3:12:02 PM
From: Jim S	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 50288

Nixpix, I'd give that package some careful thought. It is long on sales pitch and short on specifics. For starters, I doubt the claim of 1800 watts. That may be the output of the BATTERY, but not a sustainable output for the collector panel. For perspective, that's 15 amps at 120 volts (1800W/120VAC). There are four major components to a system like that: the panels, the battery, the charge controller, and the inverter. The best site I've found to explain the things involved in a solar system is here: store.solar-electric.com The best prices I've seen are here: sunelec.com If you look into the components at the first link, you'll see that there is a huge difference in components. To get a system that will actually produce a 15A output over a sustained period (not just for a single charge on a battery), you're getting into quite a bit more than the portable system will provide. But, it really is a neat little package the guy put together!

To: Nixpix who wrote (20935)	2/1/2010 8:40:20 PM
From: Bill on the Hill	3 Recommendations Respond to of 50288

A 90 watt panel can be bought for about $350 to $450 The thing they call a generator is a UPS or uninterruptible power supply. With a 1800 watt capacity battery. Buy a used UPS for about $75. APC makes a lot of them and the batteries in them are great. Used ones can be found everywhere. I have three or four of them. I paid $35 for each of mine. The batteries alone are worth $120. The charge controller can be purchased from AEE solar or one of their distribution channels for about $150. The charging cable can be ANY good extension cord as only about 30 volts maximum will be used to charge the UPS. I built a two panel system for camping. The solar panels (2) produce 230 watts using Kyocera panel that were discontinued models. With fully charged batteries and light usage the two panels will provide lighting and small appliance usage on the trail. Will power a TV and DISH receiver for about three hours using three batteries. $700 to $800 would make a better system than he is selling. For $1600 you could make a Cadillac of a system. If you need help let me know.