I have this idea

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  • SolarFox
    Junior Member
    • Oct 2015
    • 27

    I have this idea

    I would let to set up solar powered sprinkled. I am not sure if that is a thing or not but I would love to see if I can do it. Now, I know very little of the maths when it comes to building a panel, would if be a good idea to find a smaller panel and build off of it or should I build my own?
    [URL="http://greentumble.com/"]Greentumble[/URL]
  • inetdog
    Super Moderator
    • May 2012
    • 9909

    #2
    As a genera rule, except for small panels that have to be constructed to fit into a particular odd space, it does not pay to build your own panels.
    That can be fun and educational, but should not be seen as the inexpensive route to a working system that will last.

    I believe that there are commercial sprinkler controllers that use solar cells and a rechargeable battery instead of replaceable batteries or grid power.
    So it is practical as long as the valves are low power consumption.
    SunnyBoy 3000 US, 18 BP Solar 175B panels.

    Comment

    • SolarFox
      Junior Member
      • Oct 2015
      • 27

      #3
      Originally posted by inetdog
      As a genera rule, except for small panels that have to be constructed to fit into a particular odd space, it does not pay to build your own panels.
      That can be fun and educational, but should not be seen as the inexpensive route to a working system that will last.

      I believe that there are commercial sprinkler controllers that use solar cells and a rechargeable battery instead of replaceable batteries or grid power.
      So it is practical as long as the valves are low power consumption.
      Well thanks for your input. That does make sense. I mean for the amount of time I would spend building one it would probably be easier to just buy one.
      [URL="http://greentumble.com/"]Greentumble[/URL]

      Comment

      • Naptown
        Solar Fanatic
        • Feb 2011
        • 6880

        #4
        Originally posted by SolarFox
        Well thanks for your input. That does make sense. I mean for the amount of time I would spend building one it would probably be easier to just buy one.
        and in all cases more durable and likely less expensive
        NABCEP certified Technical Sales Professional

        [URL="http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showthread.php?5334-Solar-Off-Grid-Battery-Design"]http://www.solarpaneltalk.com/showth...Battery-Design[/URL]

        [URL]http://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop-calculator.html[/URL] (Voltage drop Calculator among others)

        [URL="http://www.gaisma.com"]www.gaisma.com[/URL]

        Comment

        • SolarFox
          Junior Member
          • Oct 2015
          • 27

          #5
          Originally posted by Naptown
          and in all cases more durable and likely less expensive
          yeah. I get these random ideas and invest half way only to come the the conclusion I wasted money doing things I didn't need to lol
          [URL="http://greentumble.com/"]Greentumble[/URL]

          Comment

          • sensij
            Solar Fanatic
            • Sep 2014
            • 5074

            #6
            Originally posted by SolarFox
            yeah. I get these random ideas and invest half way only to come the the conclusion I wasted money doing things I didn't need to lol
            You'll fit right in here.
            CS6P-260P/SE3000 - http://tiny.cc/ed5ozx

            Comment

            • Amy@altE
              Solar Fanatic
              • Nov 2014
              • 1023

              #7
              Depending on what you want to sprinkle, a SHURflo 2088 pump and a 100W solar panel could do the trick for less than $300.
              Solar Queen
              altE Store

              Comment

              • SolarFox
                Junior Member
                • Oct 2015
                • 27

                #8
                Originally posted by Amy@altE
                Depending on what you want to sprinkle, a SHURflo 2088 pump and a 100W solar panel could do the trick for less than $300.
                Based on what I was reading I was looking at spending more than that for an "idea" haha thanks I will check this out. It isn't a huge yard but I go out of town each week so it helps.
                [URL="http://greentumble.com/"]Greentumble[/URL]

                Comment

                • bcroe
                  Solar Fanatic
                  • Jan 2012
                  • 5198

                  #9
                  Originally posted by SolarFox
                  yeah. I get these random ideas and invest half way only to come
                  the the conclusion I wasted money doing things I didn't need to lol
                  Its EDUCATIONAL, not wasted. Just so long as you don't go broke or hurt anyone. Bruce Roe

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