Newbie from Indiana

[jeremy_jackson]

Hello,

About a year ago I started buying cells off of ebay to use in building solar panels. I also purchased a SCC3 solar charge controller, marine battery and 375w inverter.

I currently have 4 panels, for a total of about 50 watts, running my hydroponic air pumps. I have interfaced some electronics that monitor the current and volts of the setup and report it to Pachube.

Here is the link:

http://www.pachube.com/feeds/2127

The panels are in the shade most of the day but kick out about 15 watts later in the afternoon.

The panels are sitting on the ground and are leaning against my hydroponic containers. I want to add some type of tracking so I can increase output.

Thanks for reading....

Jeremy Jackson

[Aussie Bob]

Hi Jeremy

Welcome to SPT. Thanks for stopping by.

Nice setup there. Solar power has so many applications, as you have shown. From the smallest setup, to the largest, it's all about tapping into the Solar System's largest fusion reactor and harnessing that power for your gain.

Good stuff.

[Jason]

Hey Jeremy,

Thanks for joining Solar Panel Talk, it's greatly appreciated.

How did you seal your panels?

Also are you planning to make your own tracker? If so, feel free to share it here at SPT.

Thanks again and I look forward to your posts!

[jeremy_jackson]

Jason,

I sealed the panels with silicon - moisture stays out for the most part. Since I am using these to power stuff in my garden, they will not spend the winter outdoors.

[Mike90250]

Look for a home-brew style of tracker from a company called Red Rock (they use an odd variation of rock for their name) http://www.redrok.com/main.htm

Mike