Comments on: Cheap Solar Power pt2

By: KayakFisher01

KayakFisher01 — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:58:57 +0000

The Harbor Freight solar kit can be purchased for around $150.00 with the coupon from their ad. For a basic kit, it is inexpensive as you stated. The charge controller is not the greatest unit and if you replace it, you can get? more power from those same solar panels.

Tornado/Hurricanes can kill power for weeks. Being able to run small appliance really make a difference. You can also RECHARGE cordless power tools to build or repair and most power tool kits (Makita) include a flashlight.

By: brandonbriggs

brandonbriggs — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:33:34 +0000

Great video Cody. When connecting 2 different batteries in parallel it can actually cause them to drain themself if there is nothing charging them, can be fixed just by seperating them at? night.

By: mountainprepper21

mountainprepper21 — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 13:57:42 +0000

Always draw from opposite ends of the battery bank. Possitive from one battery and negative from the other. Otherwise you create an imbalance? in the bank. You’ll also have difficulty charging both batteries if you don’t. Good job on the improvisation though.

By: jwright650

jwright650 — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 13:25:43 +0000

That crimping tool is nice, but? you can do the same thing using a dull center punch or chisel to crimp the cable in the terminal.

By: bobbieiler

bobbieiler — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:54:09 +0000

Awesome – thanks? so much for sharing all your great info!!!!

By: dugasdav

dugasdav — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:05:44 +0000

I saw 1 other commenter talking about charge controllers, are we the only ones thinking that you might want to? look into one?

By: michaelghall

michaelghall — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:49:51 +0000

Great project. Tweaked my mind about how much I’ll need? to spend. Now solar looks like a right-now, easy thing to tackle. Thanks.

By: MrLandphill

MrLandphill — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:51:49 +0000

with a larger solar panel you would need a charge controller. these panels look like the small 5 watt type that people use in RV’s and cars in? storage to keep the battery topped off. the solar panels used in RV storage normally plug right into the cigarette lighter port and just sit on the dash board. if they are the type i think they are it is unlikely they would damage a battery.

By: loganv0410

loganv0410 — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:45:33 +0000

For series: only hook up __one__ positive-to-negative connection
Connect the remaining negative? to the load and the remaining positive to load

Even with the small panels, at that voltage you’ll have to monitor your batteries carefully to avoid ‘cooking’ the 12V batteries.

Thanks for posting. It’s a great small solar project.

By: snowbird29803

snowbird29803 — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 09:45:57 +0000

Q: How much current flows through a (virtually) short circuit caused by a wrench across a weak 12 volt car battery? see 00:14, 6:02-6:34 If you’re holding yourself out as an instructor, for-God-sake, work safely. Your audience is (presumably) not as smart as you; don’t teach them bad habits. Also, NO other devices should be installed in the battery box. Charging batteries emit explosive gas. Car batteries are acceptable if they’re free and your power needs are moderate. Deep? discharge better