Solar Panels For Homes

DIY solar charger out of four cells?

I have 4 pv modules 15 volts each .15 amps each. All I can think of doing with them is: wire them into a series to charge a small 12 volt battery. So that i’d have power to charge small usbstuff etc. I’m going to buy the blocking diodes, 12 volt fuse, and a charger etc. Do you think my idea is feasable? I’m aware that it isn’t much, but I’m sorta poor at the moment. Over time I do hope to add to it as needed; all of your ideas, and avice greatly appreciated.

Great idea, Aaron.

I think you will need to wire them in parallel if they are 15 volts each. The four panels will provide peak power of only 9 watts so the 12-volt battery may need a few days to reach full charge.

As well as charging phones and usb stuff, you could use the battery to power an LED reading lamp (1 watt) and an small FM radio (3- 7 watts).

Millions of people in the developing world already have solar-powered LED lamps, radios and phone chargers. These are life-changing when you live off-grid. Check out the links below – fantastic!

The big benefit of this kind of project in the developed world is not the amount of grid power you save so much as the experience you get of generating your own energy and your enthusiasm for doing more. I hope you will inspire your friends and neighbours to have a go themselves.

PV EXPO 2010 – 3rd Int’l Solar Cell/Module Technology Expo

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