Cheap Solar Panel System
Filed under
Alternative Energy
I found this video on youtube of a guy who is using a cheap harbor freight solar panel system to run some of the lights in his house.
This system would be perfect for one of the small cabins that are becoming so popular, and I have heard from a few people that have small cabins who use the same system for all of there electrical needs. The solar setup runs around $199 at harbor freight.
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That little power system does work. My first power system was that exact unit perfect for some lighting and charging the laptop. I have upgraded since then but still use those small panels in my ridge cabin.
It seemed like the perfect setup for a small cabin, I’m glad to hear that it worked for someone else, I have been thinking about picking one up to see what it will do.
Very cool. It’s good to know it’s readily available, too.
John
I bought these the other day. they work as advertised.
I’ve been thinking strongly about getting this very same system. Glad to get some feedback from it.
Thanks!
Just thought I would give my exoeriuence with these panels.
I have nine of these panels.
If you change the cheesy wiring to 12 gauge, you can bump up the wattage.
Toss the ‘controller’ that came witb the set and get a real controller (Sunforce, Xantrex..etc.)
I have them hooked up to 8 golf cart batteries and can run most of the stuff in my house using 12 volt lights and an invertor for kitchen appliances, vaccuum etc.
For a cheap date in solar energy for cabin, emergency etc.., they work.
This is our video and we have an update video on brighter lighting and using the solar panels to power our tv. Check it out at
http://www.youtube.com/london1817
Definitely a good deal. Even upgrading the controller, getting a good inverter, and adding a few more panels and batteries make this a great investment opportunity for those of us who don’t have thousands of fiat dollars to invest in solar energy.
This is a a simple system, but if you spend just $200 more you can get more power.
Buy a 100 Watt solar panel for $200 on eBay. Buy a 600 watt inverter/charge controller on eBay ($149 average). Buy a Marine Battery that hold 900 Ah. Biggest marine/deep cycle battery that walmart has. ($79) Make sure the battery is not a starting battery. You don’t want those cold cranking batteries. They die too soon. With these simple components you can rig up 12 Volt lighting and running a few 120v things as well. If you need a little more power for 120v just get a bigger inverter. You can add more batteries and solar panels to meet your needs. But remember that surviving means living with in your means and conserving.
Thanks so much for posting my video. Please check out more at my website. You can see Solar Video part 2.
This is very neat, I have been interested in getting solar panels. I guess I know what I am getting.