I was recently gifted 5 15w, amorphous 12v modules. I think they were bought with a harbor freight kit a few years ago. Assuming 70% efficiency from the modules, I can generate ~50w at 12v. What would you do with 50w of free panels??? I'm looking for ideas. Are they even worth messing with? I was thinking about using them to run a fan in the my shop (only during daylight of course). Do they make DC fans or will I need an inverter? It seems silly getting an inverter for 50w...
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Probably the best item that came with those HF panels were the DC lamps. IMO a couple of very low wattage LED DC lamps would be the limit I would expect to work with those panels.
You can find a number of DC fans that work well with solar panels. I actually have a 12 inch roof vent fan and a 10 watt panel that works just fine together. -
Well with five of those panels to use as frames would make a nice box or trash bin. I hope they came with the factory cardboard box because they are worth more than the panels.MSEE, PEComment
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Good thing they were free right?
I put the multimeter on them and it looks like I'm getting about 1A (21w @ 22v) off of them. I could charge a cell phone, but I need to lower the voltage right?Comment
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Originally posted by littleharbor View PostThat would be open circuit voltage. Under load the voltage and current will be lower. I believe those panels are rated at 15 wattsComment
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This is a project to teach my kid about the basics of electricity (and to brush up on it myself). So keep in mind before bashing it, this is meant to be fun/educational.Comment
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It will require a battery and charge controller, or about $75 to generate 1-cent of electricity per day. Then about 2 or 3 years time to replace the battery. How is that for fun and education?MSEE, PEComment
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Originally posted by Sunking View PostIt will require a battery and charge controller, or about $75 to generate 1-cent of electricity per day. Then about 2 or 3 years time to replace the battery. How is that for fun and education?
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Originally posted by Sunking View PostIt will require a battery and charge controller, or about $75 to generate 1-cent of electricity per day. Then about 2 or 3 years time to replace the battery. How is that for fun and education?Comment
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Originally posted by SunEagle View Post
Yeah. I think that the HF panels would be just fine for kids to learn a little something about solar. Think about all the "experiments" you did in grammar school and were they worth the cost?
MSEE, PEComment
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So everyone tells you the box they came in is worth more then the panels and I am the bad guy for being honest?MSEE, PEComment
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