- Jul 11, 2013
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I thought you needed a controller to step the solar panel down from 17 volts.let me know if it works without it, might have wasted money on one
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If you want to run other appliances, getting a big battery, a big panel, and an inverter makes a lot of sense. If you just want some light, might I suggest a solar lighting kit? Cheaper, easier, and simpler. If you want more details, check out this article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...arn-about-preventing-a-drop-in-egg-productionSorry it's sunday my work brain was turned off.
Look at these
You'll need all three components but basically you'll end up with a small solar panel, a car type battery, and an AC inverter (solar panels put out DC power)
The only drawback is that you will need to purchase a relatively expensive battery like this one so that it can run a light for the amount of time you need. But if you have no power there something like this may be your only option.
The battery amazon suggests to put with that solar panel would last about 10 minutes running a light bulb at 110v ac. If you could find a DC light 12V and say 75 watts, you could get by without buying an AC inverter and not have to have such an expensive battery.
It's nice to consider a site sponser and I'm all for it but they are a bit pricey and for us tinkerers we can save some money doing it ourselves. I got a 45 watt panel and deep discharge battery that will last for days of cloudy weather plus a digital timer for less. I do wish I had known about the LED full spectrum bulb discussed in an earlier post.
I'd rather build the system I was spitballing with mark using a mr16 pigtailed to a battery and 40w solar panel hooked to the battery. I was giving advice I don't need it. If I use a system, I build every component of that I can. The reason I suggested an inverter is because full spectrum AC lighting is easier to come by than full spectrum dc. I have a healthy knowledge of electrical systems.If you want to run other appliances, getting a big battery, a big panel, and an inverter makes a lot of sense. If you just want some light, might I suggest a solar lighting kit? Cheaper, easier, and simpler. If you want more details, check out this article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...arn-about-preventing-a-drop-in-egg-production
Full disclosure: I wrote that article for BYC, and I make the solar lights I discuss in it.
You do need a step down of some sort or you'll roach the battery pretty quick.I thought you needed a controller to step the solar panel down from 17 volts.let me know if it works without it, might have wasted money on one
thats a good thoughtYou do need a step down of some sort or you'll roach the battery pretty quick.
You could probably use a regulator off a car alternator (pick n pull one) they don't care what the input voltage is and the output is 13v give or take
My brother and law was suggesting the same thing when he and I talked about this earlier lolDid a qiuck search for used car alternators and got sidetracked onto building wind turbines with used alternators. How's the wind blowing over at your place DC, LOL...