Solar Panels and car batteries

[steevo]

Is there anyone here who knows about about this subject ? I need help :D

I am seriously thinking of getting a 13W solar panel in order to charge up a car battery for a constant source of free power when the shit hits the fan.

Has anyone got any advice for me about this ?

I intend to put the solar panel in the house near the window and the battery also in the house. The type of solar panel will hopefully be a "crystalline cell" which supposedly is very efficent and works in all weathers.

1. Does the battery create dangerous gases during charging ? I heard somewhere that it does but I have always charged up car betteries in the house in the past (using a mains charger) with no ill effects.

2. Also, could I connect the solar panel to my small battery charger (for charging AA batteries etc) as long as I have the right connector attached ?

3. Can I use a car battery to charge AA batteries ?

4. What other things can a car battery be used for ?

Thanks, any help appreciated :)

[times7]

Steevo

buy a 2nd hand car,save your money

new technology is always rubbish to begin with and very expensive

[steevo]

Steevo

buy a 2nd hand car,save your money

new technology is always rubbish to begin with and very expensive

Been there done that. Cars are a total waste of money and life, you dont own the car, the car owns you. Solar panels are no where near as good as they should be for obvious reasons. But I think I could cope with a car battery and a relatively cheap solar panel if the shit hits the fan.

[times7]

This new solar technolgy can be made more advanced(thats not the plan)

The people who buy into solar tech 2008 will be buying a very expensive joke,technology,the internet is leading somewere else,things cant carry on like this even if free energy is made known,rich hippies buy a solar tech 2008,it doesnt mean anything,a bigger ancient picture is being played out,let the do gooders buy solar tech with their money,see how far it gets them

[adzboarder]

I saw a video on youtube where this dude was able to power a mobile phone using solar panels from those crappy lights you put in the garden, he just did a bit of wiring, it looked really simple.

I just had a look, cant find that specific vid, but theres loads telling you what you can do with solar.

[steevo]

This new solar technolgy can be made more advanced(thats not the plan)

The people who buy into solar tech 2008 will be buying a very expensive joke,technology,the internet is leading somewere else,things cant carry on like this even if free energy is made known,rich hippies buy a solar tech 2008,it doesnt mean anything,a bigger ancient picture is being played out,let the do gooders buy solar tech with their money,see how far it gets them

I'm not trying to be a do-gooder. I'm just planning to survive if possible.

I dont criticise people who try to do the right thing, such as buying solar panels, even though they are getting conned cos it's overpriced and the technology is shite. Solar power is part of the way forward, along with other free energies. I dont get what you are saying Times7 :confused:

[times7]

But I think I could cope with a car battery and a relatively cheap solar panel if the shit hits the fan.

so you will have the power to light up a light bulb ?

a car battery ? come on man,when the shops run empty heads will roll

Maybe you will have a head start,with your car battery and "solar" panel

It is hard for me to conjure with that

[steevo]

so you will have the power to light up a light bulb ?

a car battery ? come on man,when the shops run empty heads will roll

Maybe you will have a head start,with your car battery and "solar" panel

It is hard for me to conjure with that

Yeah it's just a head start that's exactly it, while the rest of the people are in a panic roaming the streets and wanting to know what the f*ck is happening, headed for the cash machines trying to draw out their worthless pennies.

[morphix]

Couple of links i found you might find interesting Steevo (unless you've already seen them :p)

http://www.rain.org/~philfear/how2solar.html

http://www.yourgreendream.com/diy_solar_charging1.php

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Alternative-Energy/1979-09-01/A-Homemade-Solar-Water-Heater.aspx

Don't go blowing yourself up never tried them myself :p

[morphix]

so you will have the power to light up a light bulb ?

a car battery ? come on man,when the shops run empty heads will roll

Maybe you will have a head start,with your car battery and "solar" panel

It is hard for me to conjure with that

Well reading the original post I think it was more about asking for advice, discussion not weather or not you thought they were wasting there time / money looking into readily available free energy resources.

[times7]

Yeah it's just a head start that's exactly it, while the rest of the people are in a panic roaming the streets and wanting to know what the f*ck is happening, headed for the cash machines trying to draw out their worthless pennies.

Yeah but Steevo, is a car battery and solar panel a head start ?

I mean, we are talking the crash of the financial system and solar tech is less than poor in 2008

people who stock up on food(and keep it quiet) will be much better of,few will do this,Morphix has said this thread is about giving advise,i have given some

[steevo]

Couple of links i found you might find interesting Steevo (unless you've already seen them :p)

http://www.rain.org/~philfear/how2solar.html

http://www.yourgreendream.com/diy_solar_charging1.php

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Alternative-Energy/1979-09-01/A-Homemade-Solar-Water-Heater.aspx

Don't go blowing yourself up never tried them myself :p

Thanks Morphix I will look into them :)

Yeah but Steevo, is a car battery and solar panel a head start ?

I mean, we are talking the crash of the financial system and solar tech is less than poor in 2008

people who stock up on food(and keep it quiet) will be much better of,few will do this,Morphix has said this thread is about giving advise,i have given some

Solar tech is less that poor I agree, but I dont get your point :confused:

I will definitely get a solar panel. I already have a small one and it gives me free light.

I have stocked up on food and continue to get more. I have loads of new stuff for when the shit hits the fan and the solar panel and battery are just one of the things I intend to get. Thanks for your advice though Times7 :)

[kblood]

My father is a automechanic. Autoelectro-mechanic even, so in his spare time he has made his shed run on car batteries alone. He has 3 of them and they power all the tools he use there, and the lights. Since he is an auto electro mechanic he knows how to convert the power from a car battery into any kind of power. On our last trip to visit our family in Norway, me and my brother had our lap tops in the back of the car, running on a powercord attached to a converter he had installed for the trip :)

So charging car batteries with solar power is a good idea. If you are going to use solar cells, I would think covering the roof with them would be a good idea. Then there are the other ways of getting free energy, like windmills, or generators in a river or waterfall, but that requires the right kind of terrain. I btw made a post about TeslaMotors, whom have made an electric car able to drive 320km on one charge, takes 3,5 hours to charge and is able to reach a top speed of 200km/hour. Seems to me that electric cars might become a whole lot more usefull if it wasnt possible to get gasoline everywhere anymore.

I dont know what other powersources could be used... maybe thermal powersources. Not sure how efficient they are yet.

[STARWALKER]

More links that could be interesting:
http://www.siliconsolar.com/solar-battery-chargers.php
http://www.earthtechproducts.com/p2008.html

[steevo]

Yeah but Steevo, is a car battery and solar panel a head start ?

I mean, we are talking the crash of the financial system

Sorry I forgot to answer this bit. The "crash of the financial system" is gonna create a situation where MAYBE we are gonna need a big amount of "money" or resources to "buy" any product so we need to buy the essentials NOW while we still can IMO

[steevo]

My father is a automechanic. Autoelectro-mechanic even, so in his spare time he has made his shed run on car batteries alone. He has 3 of them and they power all the tools he use there, and the lights. Since he is an auto electro mechanic he knows how to convert the power from a car battery into any kind of power. On our last trip to visit our family in Norway, me and my brother had our lap tops in the back of the car, running on a powercord attached to a converter he had installed for the trip :)

So charging car batteries with solar power is a good idea. If you are going to use solar cells, I would think covering the roof with them would be a good idea. Then there are the other ways of getting free energy, like windmills, or generators in a river or waterfall, but that requires the right kind of terrain. I btw made a post about TeslaMotors, whom have made an electric car able to drive 320km on one charge, takes 3,5 hours to charge and is able to reach a top speed of 200km/hour. Seems to me that electric cars might become a whole lot more usefull if it wasnt possible to get gasoline everywhere anymore.

I dont know what other powersources could be used... maybe thermal powersources. Not sure how efficient they are yet.

Thanks for that kblood, sort of inspiring to read :)

[times7]

My father is a automechanic. Autoelectro-mechanic even, so in his spare time he has made his shed run on car batteries alone. He has 3 of them and they power all the tools he use there, and the lights. Since he is an auto electro mechanic he knows how to convert the power from a car battery into any kind of power. On our last trip to visit our family in Norway, me and my brother had our lap tops in the back of the car, running on a powercord attached to a converter he had installed for the trip :)

So charging car batteries with solar power is a good idea. If you are going to use solar cells, I would think covering the roof with them would be a good idea. Then there are the other ways of getting free energy, like windmills, or generators in a river or waterfall, but that requires the right kind of terrain. I btw made a post about TeslaMotors, whom have made an electric car able to drive 320km on one charge, takes 3,5 hours to charge and is able to reach a top speed of 200km/hour. Seems to me that electric cars might become a whole lot more usefull if it wasnt possible to get gasoline everywhere anymore.

I dont know what other powersources could be used... maybe thermal powersources. Not sure how efficient they are yet.

solar panels that power a car battery ?

yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

(light bulb power)

[steevo]

More links that could be interesting:
http://www.siliconsolar.com/solar-battery-chargers.php
http://www.earthtechproducts.com/p2008.html

Thanks for those links starwalker. The problem is that the UK where I live seems to be way behind the rest of the world when it comes to solar power and free energy and they charge a fortune here for just a basic panel compared to say the US and elsewhere.

[times7]

So charging car batteries with solar power is a good idea. If you are going to use solar cells, I would think covering the roof with them would be a good idea.



yeah a great idea,advertise how well of you are,a great idea in a famine,not

When the financial system falls apart and people are starving,people will have no electricity,their children are hungry,such people will be desperate and VIOLENT

I bet the smart ass with their house lit up with solar electricity running of a car battery,will get a bit of attention from the "mob"

keep a lower profile

[kblood]

solar panels that power a car battery ?

yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

(light bulb power)

Are you daft? Solar power that "charges" a car battery. A battery doesnt need any specific amount of power. It might only provide a few hours of power a day, depending on what it is to be used for, but even a bike with a generator on it could charge a car battery.

Of course even a few hours would take many solar cells and many lots of sun, but you seem to think solar power is worth nothing, although it can easily manage all the water heating needed a whole summer i.ex.

By using a few different methods of charging the car batteries there ought to be quite a few hours of power each day from the car batteries.

[kblood]

yeah a great idea,advertise how well of you are,a great idea in a famine,not

When the financial system falls apart and people are starving,people will have no electricity,their children are hungry,such people will be desperate and VIOLENT

I bet the smart ass with their house lit up with solar electricity running of a car battery,will get a bit of attention from the "mob"

keep a lower profile

They can be made quite discreet, but wasnt the idea to in fact avoid doing all this near the mobs of people in the first place?

[STARWALKER]

Thanks for those links starwalker. The problem is that the UK where I live seems to be way behind the rest of the world when it comes to solar power and free energy and they charge a fortune here for just a basic panel comarped to say the US and elsewhere.

Yeah, it is expensive here to! Sadly... :(
And ineffective as well. I am sure there are already better
tech in use, but it is still top secret, and may remain so.

But I still will do my level best to buy/build a decent set-
up in the coming years.

[times7]

Solar panels are over priced junk,you would be ok to light up a light bulb with solar tech but not be able to fry a steak.

Its True, it takes a lot more power to boil a kettle than light up a light bulb.


Bottled gas and candles are a much wiser investment,think about it ?

When electricity goes down, people run around loooking for candles,in the future, candles will be Gold dust,history really does repeat its self, even in the modern age of 2008.

[steevo]

yeah a great idea,advertise how well of you are,a great idea in a famine,not

When the financial system falls apart and people are starving,people will have no electricity,their children are hungry,such people will be desperate and VIOLENT

I bet the smart ass with their house lit up with solar electricity running of a car battery,will get a bit of attention from the "mob"

keep a lower profile

NOW I get what you are on about :D Dont worry I'm more street wise than what you think, I wont be advertising my wares.

Solar panels are over priced junk,you would be ok to light up a light bulb with solar tech but not be able to fry a steak.

Its True, it takes a lot more power to boil a kettle than light up a light bulb.


Bottled gas and candles are a much wiser investment,think about it ?

When electricity goes down, people run around loooking for candles,in the future, candles will be Gold dust,history really does repeat its self, even in the modern age of 2008.

Yep candles will be like gold dust and so will solar panels and batteries. We need to stock up in all of these. As for gas, yes that is a good idea I have some of that too but it will run out relatively quickly just like the candles. So solar is a very good option IMO.

[cruise4]

What an odd thread...

Of course you should grab a cheap Solar charger and maybe a small windmill too if you want to cover all bases.

The only time I've ever blown a battery top off was using an arc welder to charge it in about 3 mins and I pulled the wrong lead off first. You should be OK on trickle charging which is what you are suggesting.

You can use the car battery to recharge normal batteries believe it or not. And also when low bang the sides in (AA type etc) with a hammer and get hours more out of them. Obviously don't do this with rechargeables which should be NiMh (memory effect types).

Some of the comments on this thread are too funny. Why would he want to buy a second hand car??? He wants emergency power not a £20,000 house conversion kit.

You can get a solar charger to do the job for as little as £20, £100 odd for an amorphous 15W. Those power packs with charging leads incorporated are a good bet too because they have a power outlet for radios etc. built in and can be charged off the mains if power is intermittent and can start a dead car + emergency torch + power meter. Mine cost £24.

Anyone got any experience with those roll up type panels for mobiles etc.
Got any thoughts on Deaf Aid batteries, or for your car keys etc.

[steevo]

What an odd thread...

Of course you should grab a cheap Solar charger and maybe a small windmill too if you want to cover all bases.

The only time I've ever blown a battery top off was using an arc welder to charge it in about 3 mins and I pulled the wrong lead off first. You should be OK on trickle charging which is what you are suggesting.

You can use the car battery to recharge normal batteries believe it or not. And also when low bang the sides in (AA type etc) with a hammer and get hours more out of them. Obviously don't do this with rechargeables which should be NiMh (memory effect types).

Some of the comments on this thread are too funny. Why would he want to buy a second hand car??? He wants emergency power not a £20,000 house conversion kit.

You can get a solar charger to do the job for as little as £20, £100 odd for an amorphous 15W. Those power packs with charging leads incorporated are a good bet too because they have a power outlet for radios etc. built in and can be charged off the mains if power is intermittent and can start a dead car + emergency torch + power meter. Mine cost £24.

Anyone got any experience with those roll up type panels for mobiles etc.
Got any thoughts on Deaf Aid batteries, or for your car keys etc.

That power pack thing sounds better than a car battery. Is this the sort of thing you mean when you refer to power packs ? :-
http://im.edirectory.co.uk/p/995/i/powerpack.jpg

About recharging normal AA batteries, is that really true ? I imagine it can be dangerous but worth a go. I am currently seeing if I can find someone demonstrating it on youtube :D

I wish I could get a wind turbine but the local council wont allow stuff like that for sort of obvious reasons :rolleyes:. I once saw a excellent video on YouTube of a bloke in England somewhere who had got his house all set up with a wind turbine with loads of car batteries in his shed, I cant find that video anymore but will look again one of these days so I can share it on here.

What sort of batteries do they use in deaf aids ?

[morphix]

Anyone got any experience with those roll up type panels for mobiles etc.


No personal experience but in one of the links i posted u can follow other links to a review about this being done, don't have time to dig around myself for it atm but another one I found really interesting was the solar water heater.

[homebrew1973]

Thanks for those links starwalker. The problem is that the UK where I live seems to be way behind the rest of the world when it comes to solar power and free energy and they charge a fortune here for just a basic panel compared to say the US and elsewhere.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=99760&criteria=solar&doy=30m1 was in a sale not so long back for £40 so maybe it will be again soon. And if you want to charge your mobile phone try http://www.greenthinking.eu/product.aspx?productid=11

Don`t forget if you get a panel you`ll also need an inverter, 300w at the very least (for keeping your fridge and freezer going) but get whatever you can afford. For charging batteries Maplin sell solar chargers for them which do work (my wireless keyboard and mouse cost nothing to run ever :)), look in the sales catalogue on their website but for AA batteries I`d suggest www.7dayshop.com as they`re much cheaper, I`ve had 4x2700mAh of their batteries in my camera and taken over 400 pics in a day (till the memory card was full) and there was still plenty of juice left in them :)

And if you or anyone else is worried about power cuts think of investing in a wind-up LED torch (£2.50 from Asda) or a wind-up 12 LED lantern (paid £6 for mine :))

[steevo]

Anyone got any experience with those roll up type panels for mobiles etc.


Sorry no experience either in that but I bought an emergency charger for the Pound Shop :-
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd50/symbol333/SNV39767.jpg
It means I can charge my phone up with 3AAA batteries and I probably could "recharge" the AAA batteries too in the way you described, by using my solar panel :D

One thing that I WOULD point out regarling solar panels to charge your phone is that with MY mobile phone, it is REALLY annoying because I tried to charge it up with my small solar panel but it didnt work because the phone eluminates during charging (and there is no option to switch it off) which means that the trickle charge is insuffient to power it during a recharge. So just sheck your phone is not like mine before assuming that you can charge it up. There may be a way of blocking one of the battery connections wuth a piece of paper or something and I might be able to get around it but havent tried yet.

[homebrew1973]

PS this country should be totally self-sufficient in gas. Not from the North Sea but from all those mountains of shit we get from politicians ;)

[steevo]

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=99760&criteria=solar&doy=30m1 was in a sale not so long back for £40 so maybe it will be again soon. And if you want to charge your mobile phone try http://www.greenthinking.eu/product.aspx?productid=11

Don`t forget if you get a panel you`ll also need an inverter, 300w at the very least (for keeping your fridge and freezer going) but get whatever you can afford. For charging batteries Maplin sell solar chargers for them which do work (my wireless keyboard and mouse cost nothing to run ever :)), look in the sales catalogue on their website but for AA batteries I`d suggest www.7dayshop.com as they`re much cheaper, I`ve had 4x2700mAh of their batteries in my camera and taken over 400 pics in a day (till the memory card was full) and there was still plenty of juice left in them :)

And if you or anyone else is worried about power cuts think of investing in a wind-up LED torch (£2.50 from Asda) or a wind-up 12 LED lantern (paid £6 for mine :))

That maplin Solar Panel was one that I was thinking about getting but I will wait for the sale and see what happens cos £40 is very cheap BUT I need to double check to make sure it's one of those more efficient ones.

That charger for the mobile phone seems good and I've seen those before but unfortunately, like I say, solar panels wont work on my mobile.

Thanks for the info homebrew. Where did you get your lantern from BTW ?

[homebrew1973]

From a "Pound Empire" shop in Manchester city centre only yesterday, no idea if there`s one your way. It`s this one: http://www.iosss.com/shopping/review.asp?prod=1778&org=G&gclid=CLfR7MiznpECFQ66PAodEzC6QQ but I paid £6 for mine ;)

[cruise4]

You can get quite small windmills for caravans etc. I didn't mean a great big one. You see them on boats/canal boats quite a lot.

Am I correct in thinking there's something you can put in your shoe or a pair of shoes with a charger built in?

Monkey and a bike?

There's also steppa-power (or something like that) that takes like 5 mins + stepping but can produce a lot more power.

Turned into a comprehensive thread.

[morphix]

There's also steppa-power (or something like that) that takes like 5 mins + stepping but can produce a lot more power.


Not seen this but I'd guess it would work something similar to an old Dynamo like the old bike lights used to use.

Will be looking into it though :D

[howie]

The Pedal Power Generator (http://www.los-gatos.ca.us/davidbu/pedgen.html) can produce 110v 425w output

Wind-up (http://www.ogormans.co.uk/freeplay.htm) torches, radios & phone chargers

Water powered (http://www.ogormans.co.uk/water_powered.htm) clocks & calculators

A watch (http://sciencelinks.jp/j-east/article/199919/000019991999A0459337.php) using thermal power from body heat

Pedal powered (http://www.ecodigital.co.uk/estore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=21) bike lights

Strawbale Eco-house (http://www.folkecenter.net/gb/tour/strawbale/)

Eco Media Player (http://www.ecodigital.co.uk/estore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20&products_id=66) the wind-up version of the video i-pod :cool:

[revolutionary_jam]

apparently you can save a lot of money if you solar up or even make some selling the energy back to the grid

[kblood]

The Pedal Power Generator (http://www.los-gatos.ca.us/davidbu/pedgen.html) can produce 110v 425w output

Wind-up (http://www.ogormans.co.uk/freeplay.htm) torches, radios & phone chargers

Water powered (http://www.ogormans.co.uk/water_powered.htm) clocks & calculators

A watch (http://sciencelinks.jp/j-east/article/199919/000019991999A0459337.php) using thermal power from body heat

Pedal powered (http://www.ecodigital.co.uk/estore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=21) bike lights

Strawbale Eco-house (http://www.folkecenter.net/gb/tour/strawbale/)

Eco Media Player (http://www.ecodigital.co.uk/estore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20&products_id=66) the wind-up version of the video i-pod :cool:

Nice list :) Yea, those watches was quite hyped in New York when I was there. They were sold almost anywhere, and powered by the warmth of your wrist, or maybe your movement. Quite fancy.

[majicdragon]

there are those things you can plug into your cigarette lighter that convert 12 volts into 120... Or are your appliances 240?

Shouldn't matter... then you could just plug in your battery charger. You could also get a generator hooked to a bicycle crank.

Would be nice to have a solar cell jacket. That way, you could run through the bush and find sun when you need to use your gps (if the gps system will still work)

[morphix]

apparently you can save a lot of money if you solar up or even make some selling the energy back to the grid

Caught something about this on the news in the UK a couple of days ago, some guy saying there was different rates from certain suppliers and to shop around for the best deal, not sure if it was using the wind farm type windmills or what though only caught the end of the programe.

Been thinking about getting a new Ipod, might check out those Eco media players though, i supose every little helps :D

[revolutionary_jam]

Caught something about this on the news in the UK a couple of days ago, some guy saying there was different rates from certain suppliers and to shop around for the best deal, not sure if it was using the wind farm type windmills or what though only caught the end of the programe.

Been thinking about getting a new Ipod, might check out those Eco media players though, i supose every little helps :D

as far as ive heard wind turbines re uneconomic and unreliable for home use, but solar can be good


oooooh look:

Solar Panels create no greenhouse gasses, saving approximately 325kg of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Solar Photovoltaic installations should always be carried out by a trained and experienced installer.

Get Solar: http://www.selectsolar.co.uk/

Find out about grants for soular energy here: http://www.est.org.uk/

Learn more about creating your own energy here: http://www.nef.org.uk/greenenergy/index.htm.


excuse the carbon dioxide bit

[times7]

The Pedal Power Generator (http://www.los-gatos.ca.us/davidbu/pedgen.html) can produce 110v 425w output

Wind-up (http://www.ogormans.co.uk/freeplay.htm) torches, radios & phone chargers

Water powered (http://www.ogormans.co.uk/water_powered.htm) clocks & calculators

A watch (http://sciencelinks.jp/j-east/article/199919/000019991999A0459337.php) using thermal power from body heat

Pedal powered (http://www.ecodigital.co.uk/estore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=21) bike lights




Eco Media Player (http://www.ecodigital.co.uk/estore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20&products_id=66) the wind-up version of the video i-pod :cool:

Above is wisdom

Solar technology is over rated JUNK

[kblood]

Above is wisdom

Solar technology is over rated JUNK

And still they are wasting money how to make solar cells more efficient? How about showing some good hard evidence that solar power is not worth it? Especially when for home use.

There are other alternatives, but as I see it, they would all supplement each other quite well. With a solar powered laptop, the laptop could even run all those nifty USB devices... im recharging my cell on a laptop these days. There are more efficient ways, but would add to the uses of a solar powered laptop.

And you are suggesting candles and gas as an alternative? Those can be used to make up for when the solar power is insufficient, but would of course be a quite limited stock. Even stocking up for 2 years would seem to take up quite alot of space.

If all this is to have a chance of working long term, then it is needed to go all the way with it. Making a small self supporting community, where they got generators, animals, crop fields and so on. Alternatives to electricity powered stuff is needed for everything, and everything needing electricity should be for emergencies alone, or if there is enough power to run it, without running low on power, like a communications system. Solar power seems the most efficient way to get warm water, and I guess some algea would make a small water cleaning facility. Everything should be recycled. Toilet waste could be used either as fertiliser, or as fuel for ovens.

A few bee hives would be usefull to be able to make candles, honey and they help plant growth I believe.

A generator run by a bicicle would probably be usefull then have a shift of people running it a few hours a day, giving a hour to them each or something like that.

Living near water would be needed as well I guess, so an aquaduct system would probably have many uses as well, especially with a threadmill or two along the way to run a few mills to make either power or grinding crops into flour.

[times7]

And still they are wasting money how to make solar cells more efficient?

Kblood

The solar technology given to the public in 2008 is JUNK

I agree with you Kblood, solar tech has massive potential but they will not give that to the people,they will not allow that,the system sells solar junk instead.

Ok, it sounds daft to say bottled gas is a better investment than solar power but its not,you can live of the grid with bottled gas for 2 years with an investment of £100(cooking only) i have done the math

People are posting on this thread they have brought solar panels from the pound shop,the pound shop is a JUNK shop and if you disagree with that i will laugh at you

as for living in a community,no thanks, thats communism(Marxism) Karl Marx planned this,as well as GLOBAL goverment(to be ruled by one)

Antichrist

btw

You say your laptop runs of solar power(,tell me were to buy this amazing solar panel)

give me the price, sell it to me and dont make up any porky`s(lies)


or i will call you on it,how many hours charging your solar panel does it take take before you have enough power to cruise the net for an hour ?,give the forum the stats,ie,the price,hours charging and most of all were to buy it ?

I am listening

[steevo]

Kblood

The solar technology given to the public in 2008 is JUNK

I agree with you Kblood, solar tech has massive potential but they will not give that to the people,they will not allow that,the system sells solar junk instead.

Ok, it sounds daft to say bottled gas is a better investment than solar power but its not,you can live of the grid with bottled gas for 2 years with an investment of £100(cooking only) i have done the math

People are posting on this thread they have brought solar panels from the pound shop,the pound shop is a JUNK shop and if you disagree with that i will laugh at you

as for living in a community,no thanks, thats communism(Marxism) Karl Marx planned this,as well as GLOBAL goverment(to be ruled by one)

Antichrist

btw

You say your laptop runs of solar power(,tell me were to buy this amazing solar panel)

give me the price, sell it to me and dont make up any porky`s(lies)


or i will call you on it,how many hours charging your solar panel does it take take before you have enough power to cruise the net for an hour ?,give the forum the stats,ie,the price,hours charging and most of all were to buy it ?

I am listening

Times7 I have to say that I have come to the conclusion that you dont know anything AT ALL about solar power. Go away and swat up on the subject and then come back and discuss it with us.
And what is these "Pound Shop solar panels" you are talking about. Read this whole thread PROPERLY and then reply.
And yes you can power a laptop with a solar panel. Look it up on the internet.

We ALREADY know gas is good, so are candles, wind power and the rest but this thread is about solar panels and batteries. No-one disagrees with you that in the future (and right now) we need a COMBINATION of energy resources.

[times7]

From a "Pound Empire" shop in Manchester city centre only yesterday, no idea if there`s one your way. It`s this one: http://www.iosss.com/shopping/review.asp?prod=1778&org=G&gclid=CLfR7MiznpECFQ66PAodEzC6QQ but I paid £6 for mine ;)

steevo

would like to know some info on this pound empire shop
(is it a junk shop ?)

£6 ?

how are you getting on with this high tech solar power that costs £6 ?

btw

I bet you cant fry a steak

[pleasuredome]

And what is these "Pound Shop solar panels" you are talking about.

would like to know some info on this pound empire shop
(is it a junk shop ?)

how are you getting on with this high tech solar power that costs £6 ?

oh god, this has really tickled me :D

[steevo]

steevo

would like to know some info on this pound empire shop
(is it a junk shop ?)

£6 ?

how are you getting on with this high tech solar power that costs £6 ?

btw

I bet you cant fry a steak

Please read the thread again. You have got it wrong.

[steevo]

steevo

would like to know some info on this pound empire shop
(is it a junk shop ?)

£6 ?

how are you getting on with this high tech solar power that costs £6 ?

btw

I bet you cant fry a steak

You are a troll get off my thread.

[pleasuredome]

i dont know if anyone's mention this, but deep cycle batteries are best for running equipment off as they dont lose so much of there charge capacity each time they are depleted.

LED lighting is obviously better than normal bulbs and last far longer.

a couple of years ago i tried out running my laptop and sound system from a car battery that was about had it, only had to charge it up once a week.

[times7]

You are a troll get off my thread.


am i ?

Just giving a point of view steevo

Solar panels sold in 2008 have a shelf life,ie they are not made for the long term

a bit like when you buy a modern fridge,they aint built to last,a fridge was made better in the 1950s,its TRUE

I am getting ready for a famine and the meltdown of the financial system,respect to you Steevo or anyone who invests in solar tech,£40 on a solar panel,you could spend your money on a lot worse,but i dont think i will bother,i know more than you think mate

[them]

This would be a good place

http://www.property.org.uk/unique/millpix/snett.jpg

Grade II watermill with own mill pond on the River Ingol. Date stone 1800. Scenic location accessed by private driveway and public footpath to Royal Sandringham. Two interlinked buildings over two floors with total GF footprint of approx 110 m2. Restoration work required but generally in fair order. 13ft internal waterwheel, last worked two years ago. Re-roofed approx ten years ago. Planning consent has not yet been applied for but would make an ideal weekend retreat for interesting renovation work, artists studio or just relaxing. Beach 2 miles away. - Pictures available

Price: £225,000

Contact: Tel: 01406 365254 Mob: 07946593460
email: ian.mcewan5@btinternet.com (ian.mcewan5@btinternet.com)

That place and a JCB wouldn't do you any harm..

I like the RinkyDink Sound System.

Take a look at Dynamo Dans site.

Rinky Dink Sound System - YouTube

I know this character, lol.

http://web.ukonline.co.uk/baka/rinky/images/workshts/w1back.jpg
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/baka/rinky/images/workshts/w3front.jpg

http://web.ukonline.co.uk/baka/rinky/index.html

[homebrew1973]

i dont know if anyone's mention this, but deep cycle batteries are best for running equipment off as they dont lose so much of there charge capacity each time they are depleted.

LED lighting is obviously better than normal bulbs and last far longer.

a couple of years ago i tried out running my laptop and sound system from a car battery that was about had it, only had to charge it up once a week.

Very true, obviously the bigger the amperage the more power it has in it (as well as being much more heavy!).

I wonder, purely out of curiosity, how much it`d cost to replace all the bulbs at Blackpool Illuminations with LEDs?

[morphix]

steevo

would like to know some info on this pound empire shop
(is it a junk shop ?)

£6 ?

how are you getting on with this high tech solar power that costs £6 ?

btw

I bet you cant fry a steak

Please click the link you quoted yourself.....

done yet?

As you can see it wasn't for a "High tech solar panel that cost £6" it was directing us to a wind up lattern nothing solar or high tech about it.

Sorry I have to agree with Steevo here your a troll and if you were interested in discussion / debate you would have at least checked the information in the thread before jumping to conclusions and trying de-rail the thread.

[times7]

Please click the link you quoted yourself.....

done yet?

As you can see it wasn't for a "High tech solar panel that cost £6" it was directing us to a wind up lattern nothing solar or high tech about it.

Sorry I have to agree with Steevo here your a troll and if you were interested in discussion / debate you would have at least checked the information in the thread before jumping to conclusions and trying de-rail the thread.

The thread is about solar power,i presumed the link was about the THREAD,ie solar power,it hardley makes me the most evil man on the planet does it morphex ?

How have i tried to derail the thread when i have stayed on topic ? anyway those lanterns are pretty good,so its all good,i dont want to get in to some childish argument over it,lets call a truce

peace

[kblood]

Kblood

The solar technology given to the public in 2008 is JUNK

I agree with you Kblood, solar tech has massive potential but they will not give that to the people,they will not allow that,the system sells solar junk instead.

Ok, it sounds daft to say bottled gas is a better investment than solar power but its not,you can live of the grid with bottled gas for 2 years with an investment of £100(cooking only) i have done the math


Maybe so, I know a place that gets their hot water all summer from one solar panel though, and I find that quite effective. It just needs to be washed once a day to stay effective. I dont know how well it works during winter, but the sun still shine during winther.

Gas used for cooking only, yes that could work. For heating and light, then it would quickly run out though, and how many people would it be cooking for during these 2 years? And how much space would the gas canisters take up?
My brother has a gas oven but it is supplied by a gas line so no refilling there. Kinda hard to measure that then, and he only uses it for pots and pans since his oven doesnt work for some reason.


People are posting on this thread they have brought solar panels from the pound shop,the pound shop is a JUNK shop and if you disagree with that i will laugh at you

as for living in a community,no thanks, thats communism(Marxism) Karl Marx planned this,as well as GLOBAL goverment(to be ruled by one)

Antichrist


I just said community because that is what I have heard them being called. I didnt know communism actually was to be something run by one person at the top, seems rather... unstable. Power corrupts and depending on one person to rule well for several years is something I wouldnt rely on, although there might be a few capable of doing it well. The chance of those few beings the ones doing it though, and then it would still not be everyone who would be pleased by it anyway.

What I meant was that to be truly self sufficient it would take alot of team work. Everyone for themselves might work, but if it had to be done for say 4-5 years, then trading and cooperation would be needed.

I believe the solar cells sold to the public are crap because the public usually doesnt buy them in large enough quantities, mostly to maybe get hot water done by solar heating most of the year. Only a few seem to go for covering a roof with solar panels to get some actually usuable energy. I find those solar powered garden lamps quite nice as well. They power up during the day and stay lit all night I believe. Its a quite small solar cell even, smaller than the palm or your hand. Some have modded them into powering something else I believe.


btw

You say your laptop runs of solar power(,tell me were to buy this amazing solar panel)

give me the price, sell it to me and dont make up any porky`s(lies)


or i will call you on it,how many hours charging your solar panel does it take take before you have enough power to cruise the net for an hour ?,give the forum the stats,ie,the price,hours charging and most of all were to buy it ?

I am listening

Its not my laptop that is solar powered :( I just read about there being a laptop designed to be solar powered. I havent got any specs on it or anything, I just mentioned it because someone else also brought up that they do exist, and if I find one and it is something that costs 2500£ or more, then I would buy one just to see how well it works.

I could try to find one of these laptops and see wether they are in production and sold for the public. Solar powered cars also exist, but I believe they are partly run by battery, and part solar panels.

[times7]

Kblood

I do agree that solar power is good for light,those garden lamps are pretty neat,but solar power is only good for light bulbs BUT cooking ? forget it..

Fair enough, you mention solar power heating water but its over rated,i know people who have solar panels on thier roof and paid a LOT of money with NIL return,some dont admit it,i guess, no one likes to admit being ripped off.

If you want to survive,you dont need light(even though it helps) myself got solar lights

You see, to survive you dont need light or heating but you do need food


12p a tin of beans in the UK right now,49p a tin of Tuna,tinned corned corned beef,rice is cheap so is FLOUR,but what you need is cooking power to crack the survival code(Bottled gas)

people live in a dream world,they think they can buy fishing rods and live in the wild,maybe some are lucky to live near the wilds but most of the wilds have long gone,i am looking to live of the grid for up to 3 1/2 years tops,not in the wilds but in my home,when the revolution kicks off

Famine happened in Russia,Ethiopia,China

Tens of millions DEAD,these people were not stupid,famine is coming

Beware Kblood

[times7]

Kblood

I just wanted to add,as your post got me thinking...........

Any community of 100+ people living together,someone has to clean the toilets,do the washing,cook the food and that ALWAYS means some Hitler is telling people what to do,a leader

Communism is a con,Karl Marx was very clever,communism works like this

"All animals are equal but some ? are more equal than others"



George Orwell based his famous book animal farm on communism,Jones Town,Charles Manson,Wako were all communes, ran by bullies, if history is understood,its the only way a commune can keep order,you better believe it.

btw


We agree on solar tech not reaching its potential Kblood,but its because they are hiding the Truth and selling us solar JUNK(by design)

[steevo]

Kblood

I just wanted to add,as your post got me thinking...........

Any community of 100+ people living together,someone has to clean the toilets,do the washing,cook the food and that ALWAYS means some Hitler is telling people what to do,a leader

Communism is a con,Karl Marx was very clever,communism works like this

"All animals are equal but some ? are more equal than others"



George Orwell based his famous book animal farm on communism,Jones Town,Charles Manson,Wako were all communes, ran by bullies, if history is understood,its the only way a commune can keep order,you better believe it.

btw


We agree on solar tech not reaching its potential Kblood,but its because they are hiding the Truth and selling us solar JUNK(by design)

Well if someone HAS to clean the toilet then the toilet will be cleaned. What do you suggest Times7 if they DONT clean the toilet ? Do you suggest they be punished or something ? YOU sound like a little hitler to me. We dont need leaders like you are suggesting. Or are you "just playing devils advocate" ? :rolleyes:

You are brainwashed WAKE UP!

[times7]

Well if someone HAS to clean the toilet then the toilet will be cleaned. What do you suggest Times7 if they DONT clean the toilet ? Do you suggest they be punished or something ? YOU sound like a little hitler to me. We dont need leaders like you are suggesting. Or are you "just playing devils advocate" ? :rolleyes:

You are brainwashed WAKE UP!



I am just telling the Truth Steevo

In a "commune" STEEVO

you will find that the same people are cleaning the toilets day in day out in these communes,while some Hitler is barking orders,you normaly find people lost in communes,in the end the wise escape(if they can)

Read up on,Jim Jones,Charles Manson,David Koresh,Polpot,Moa,Stalin,KARL MARX they all thought communes were "good" but none of these famous names cleaned any toilets in their rancid lives

btw

you are starting to bore me

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz z

[steevo]

I am just telling the Truth Steevo

In a "commune" STEEVO

you will find that the same people are cleaning the toilets day in day out in these communes,while some Hitler is barking orders,you normaly find people lost in communes,in the end the wise escape(if they can)

Read up on,Jim Jones,Charles Manson,David Koresh,Polpot,Moa,Stalin,KARL MARX they all thought communes were "good" but none of these famous names cleaned any toilets in their rancid lives

btw

you are starting to bore me

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz z

You have such a negative outlook on humanity and it's possibilities. Yes go back to sleep.

[morphix]

I am just telling the Truth Steevo

In a "commune" STEEVO

you will find that the same people are cleaning the toilets day in day out in these communes,while some Hitler is barking orders,you normaly find people lost in communes,in the end the wise escape(if they can)

Read up on,Jim Jones,Charles Manson,David Koresh,Polpot,Moa,Stalin,KARL MARX they all thought communes were "good" but none of these famous names cleaned any toilets in their rancid lives

btw

you are starting to bore me

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz z

Not trying to de-rail the thread......okies :confused:

Either way I dont see what your problem is, If you prefer to buy a 2nd car instead of checking out alternative energy please do so but go and sit in the friken thing and stay out of the thread if your not interested. You proved this by assuming a link was about something and not even chekcing it out, if you were after discussion you would have at least read the information put to you before making stupid comments and quotes.

For someone on the David Icke forums you have a very closed mind IMO and to be honest you sound like one of those pollitians telling us "how crap it is.....buy more oil, solar sux" If your not interested jsut dont bother to post, would say read but its obvious you don't :(

[times7]

Not trying to de-rail the thread......okies :confused:

Either way I dont see what your problem is, If you prefer to buy a 2nd car instead of checking out alternative energy please do so but go and sit in the friken thing and stay out of the thread if your not interested. You proved this by assuming a link was about something and not even chekcing it out, if you were after discussion you would have at least read the information put to you before making stupid comments and quotes.

For someone on the David Icke forums you have a very closed mind IMO and to be honest you sound like one of those pollitians telling us "how crap it is.....buy more oil, solar sux" If your not interested jsut dont bother to post, would say read but its obvious you don't :(


Put it this way Morphix,i have said that solar power is useless for cooking that is a 100% FACT,for light its usefull but thats about it,are your views that feeble that this makes you angry

I am planning to live of the grid by using bottled gas,i have given logical reasons and pointed out the GOVERMENT are hiding solar technology and other forms of free energy(politicians dont talk like this ) and selling Solar JUNK to people instead and if you dont accept that maybe you are the one with a closed mind Morphex

btw

Morphex

we will see who is stupid around here when the financial system crashes and Famine sweeps the GLOBE

anyway

The post you made above is just a personal attack and an attemp to "derail" the thread,just drop it mate,for crying out loud,you are getting bitter over nothing

[steevo]

I have bought plenty of stuff now but NOT got a solar panel yet.

I have a portable emergency jumpstarter (£20 from "B and M") and an 150Watt inverter (£15 from Aldi) so that I can power appliances and charge stuff up. It doesnt work with household lamps with the economy bulbs for some reason (it makes them strobe:confused :)) I think it needs a different type of inverter for those type of light bulbs.
I tried it with normal filament light bulbs (60watts) but it worked at first and then later on when I tried it again, it started flashing on and off :confused:
I am currently looking into LED lightbulbs cos they use hardly any electric (possibily only 1watt) but they do have their probs too and only available on the net (I think) and they cost about £10 each by the looks of it.

My portable tv worked ok with with my jumpstarter and inverter so that's good (not that I will be watching any tv).

I'm gonna buy another jumpstarter so that I have two in total, and another inverter but this time a 600watt or 300watt.

[steevo]

It doesnt work with household lamps with the economy bulbs for some reason (it makes them strobe:confused :)) I think it needs a different type of inverter for those type of light bulbs.
I tried it with normal filament light bulbs (60watts) but it worked at first and then later on when I tried it again, it started flashing on and off :confused:


Both type of lightbulb seem to be working ok now. I just had to reset the system a few times my switching it off and on and it works ok now :confused: Oh well at least it works :)

[steevo]

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

Also check out his other vids.

[steevo]

I am currently looking into LED lightbulbs cos they use hardly any electric (possibily only 1watt) but they do have their probs too and only available on the net (I think) and they cost about £10 each by the looks of it.


Another video from the same guy but this time about LED light bulbs :-

home made turbine/leds for lights - YouTube

[garth]

Another video from the same guy but this time about LED light bulbs :-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzvh81P0i7c

Hey Steevo, try one of these, a LED worklight, runs straight from a 12 volt car battery, being very low wattage uses very little energy and provides a pretty reasonable light to see with.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/assets/terralux-60-led-worklight1.jpg

with your solar panel I would get at least a 20 watt one, bigger if you can. Also if you can get one with a built in solar controller this stops the reverse flow of energy on a grey day or at night (panel starts sucking energy from you battery) and also prevents over voltage, most cut out at about 14 volts or so.

[them]

Steevo!

Loads of good info in this thread you started.

I thought I would bump it up with a link to a low cost Homemade Hydraulic Ram Pump (http://www.judyofthewoods.net/ram_pump.html).

http://www.judyofthewoods.net/images/ram3.jpg

[hunter77]

if your going to use a battery, for lighting ect, get a leasure battery.
these are used in camper vans caravans ect and although dont produce the cranking amps you need to start car's last longer and are better for lighting ect.

you can by them at most caravan shops.

i have a small solar charger, that i use when iam camping, it works ok.

you can get adapters that charge mobile phones ect.

also most batterys are maintinence free now, but some require regular checking and topping up of distilled water, so that the cells dont dry up.:)

[Ian2day]

Forklift trucks have plenty of batteries. Theres one on ebay that will take an offer.


24 VOLT FORKLIFT TRUCK TRACTION BATTERY, BOLT ON CONNECTIONS,
AUTOFILL SYSTEM FITTED, BLACK 320AMP PLUG FITTED, 24 VOLT 12 CELL,
EXCELLENT S.G ON ALL CELLS. BATTERY BOX DIMENSIONS 325MM W X 830MM L X 630MM H (APPROX DIMENSIONS), CELL DIMENSIONS (APPROX )195MM L X 95MM W X 575MM H

[stickwhistler]

I have a monocrystalline panel like the one below.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2w-12v-monocrystalline-solar-panel-car-battery-charger_W0QQitemZ390103173655QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH _DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5ad3f60a17&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177

I have a solar battery charger like the one below.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370221435804

The mono crystalline panel does charge my laptop battery,
and also runs the computer at the same time - at least that's
what the icons in the system tray tell me.
It will run the laptop with no battery attached as well
i.e. as though the power supply brick was plugged
into the mains electricity supply.

The battery charger will charge from flat 4 x 1,000 mAh AAA
batteries in 8 hours on a sunny day in the UK.

I also have a USB battery charger i.e. plug into a USB socket,
plug in the solar panel, and the batteries will charge off the panel
via the laptop.

I bought all these things over a 3 year period, as and when I saw them,
and when they were a reasonable price.
They were bought so that information stored on the laptop would be available when http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/3555238948_61eeaa7425_o.gif
The solar panel actually will put out 20 volts as tested with a volt meter,
if it is very sunny, although it is rated at 12 volts.

It all works nicely for me.

[rydeon]

Is there anyone here who knows about about this subject ? I need help :D

I am seriously thinking of getting a 13W solar panel in order to charge up a car battery for a constant source of free power when the shit hits the fan.

Has anyone got any advice for me about this ?

I intend to put the solar panel in the house near the window and the battery also in the house. The type of solar panel will hopefully be a "crystalline cell" which supposedly is very efficent and works in all weathers.

1. Does the battery create dangerous gases during charging ? I heard somewhere that it does but I have always charged up car betteries in the house in the past (using a mains charger) with no ill effects.

2. Also, could I connect the solar panel to my small battery charger (for charging AA batteries etc) as long as I have the right connector attached ?

3. Can I use a car battery to charge AA batteries ?

4. What other things can a car battery be used for ?

Thanks, any help appreciated :)

Mobile vehicle / BOV:

You'll need decent leisure / marine battery's to run off and a good sized vehicle (think RV or a long wheel-base van) with a 'trickle-charge' system from the car battery and solar panels.
The car engine charges the

For a house you substitute the car engine with a generator and use bigger panels.

With a charge controller to prevent you over-cooking your battery's and decent wiring this isn't a bad idea.

I've built a small solar-generator which I use to jump start my car battery and get a bit of power off for small appliances:

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc174/Ulysses3100/Ireland/P1050493.jpg

This doesn't last long when running a decent laptop at full charge. Plus re-charging it off such a tiny panel takes a while too.

Your biggest outlay will be the panels and battery's.
Trojan make decent ones:

http://www.batterysales.com/trojan.cfm
For decent battery's

[steevo]

Thanks Rydeon, your set up looks brill. I have one of these, with various inverters :-

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=96902

[rydeon]

Thanks Rydeon, your set up looks brill. I have one of these, with various inverters :-

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=96902

Good, it looks like that bit of kit comes with a charge controller too. This is wise.

The trojan battery's are heavy (for one with decent amp hour energy storage).
But mounted in a vehicle and rigged up to panels AND the car engine (via the car battery or cig lighter) you'll be nicely on the way to being partially sufficient.

I say partially as you'll obviously need diesel power to re-charge the main cells from time to time when the suns not shining enough etc. You can only put so many panels on car or van. You also have the hard choice of how many panels vs exposure to prying eyes. The higher your roof the better.

A friend has a system set up in his house where he's got plenty of diesel and a good generator for power. This is wise, but I bet if he added panels, re-jigged the wiring and installed battery's and a charge controller he'd save diesel.

Running an inverter is handy for your household stuff. But the inverter drains your battery's a lot faster than direct DC 12 volts.
This is where you have the cig. lighter slots which side-step the inverter (assuming your appliance can take it).
I've stuffed mine on top of the inverter should I need it.

I was initially wary of big battery outlays until I checked about and found that, typically, the bigger and more powerful the battery, the longer it lasts.
I haven't exact figures BUT a 200 Ahr will last decades if looked after properly.
Off the gridders swear by using the old-fashioned lead-acid battery's.

The devil is in the details...

The reason, they say, is that when batterys plates get gummed up as they are charged/discharged this degrades them.
But no problem as, during the re-charging process the increased voltage (usually) is enough to 'cook-off' the clogged up plates.
This is where your 'maintenance-free' battery's lose their groove.
The cooking off process will, over time, lower the lead acid battery's fluid levels. If you can't get access to top it up with distilled water (as in maint. free batterys) your battery will suffer damage and will 'die' earlier than they ought to.
If you can open it up using the circle caps then you top it off and all is well and the life of the battery is extended.

I'm not too sure about the gel-type battery's. These are good for boats that rock and roll about in the waves and the users are concerned that they might spill if they're lead acid type.

[steevo]

Good, it looks like that bit of kit comes with a charge controller too. This is wise.

The trojan battery's are heavy (for one with decent amp hour energy storage).
But mounted in a vehicle and rigged up to panels AND the car engine (via the car battery or cig lighter) you'll be nicely on the way to being partially sufficient.

I say partially as you'll obviously need diesel power to re-charge the main cells from time to time when the suns not shining enough etc. You can only put so many panels on car or van. You also have the hard choice of how many panels vs exposure to prying eyes. The higher your roof the better.

A friend has a system set up in his house where he's got plenty of diesel and a good generator for power. This is wise, but I bet if he added panels, re-jigged the wiring and installed battery's and a charge controller he'd save diesel.

Running an inverter is handy for your household stuff. But the inverter drains your battery's a lot faster than direct DC 12 volts.
This is where you have the cig. lighter slots which side-step the inverter (assuming your appliance can take it).
I've stuffed mine on top of the inverter should I need it.

I assume you live in the US Rydeon ? In the UK the stuff of this type that is available to us is very limited in may ways (and very expensive), so we have to make do with what we can get really. There are not many 12v products available here that can be connected direct to a battery so we mainly have to use inverters, which like you said are by their nature waste alot of power.

I have a 95 a/h lesuire battery attached to it. I dont tend to use the battery power for anything, I really need to start using it. I only got it for when the shit hits the fan, but I can never think what to use it for.

[rydeon]

I assume you live in the US Rydeon ? In the UK the stuff of this type that is available to us is very limited in may ways (and very expensive), so we have to make do with what we can get really. There are not many 12v products available here that can be connected direct to a battery so we mainly have to use inverters, which like you said are by their nature waste alot of power.

I have a 95 a/h lesuire battery attached to it. I dont tend to use the battery power for anything, I really need to start using it. I only got it for when the shit hits the fan, but I can never think what to use it for.

I'm UK based too!

You can get Trojan battery's in the UK here:

http://www.tayna.co.uk/catalog/1190/0/Trojan-Batteries-Trojan-Batteries-12-Volt-page1.html

[steevo]

I'm UK based too!

You can get Trojan battery's in the UK here:

http://www.tayna.co.uk/catalog/1190/0/Trojan-Batteries-Trojan-Batteries-12-Volt-page1.html

So you recommend those Trojan batteries then ? Where did you buy your set up, it looks ace :D ?

[rydeon]

So you recommend those Trojan batteries then ? Where did you buy your set up, it looks ace :D ?

I'm up to that stage right now.

I'm buying them in the next few months...

The current set-up is the solar gen battery that you saw pictured.

The big set-up will be vehicle-based.

[steevo]

I have a monocrystalline panel like the one below.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2w-12v-monocrystalline-solar-panel-car-battery-charger_W0QQitemZ390103173655QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH _DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5ad3f60a17&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177

I have a solar battery charger like the one below.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370221435804

The mono crystalline panel does charge my laptop battery,
and also runs the computer at the same time - at least that's
what the icons in the system tray tell me.
It will run the laptop with no battery attached as well
i.e. as though the power supply brick was plugged
into the mains electricity supply.

The battery charger will charge from flat 4 x 1,000 mAh AAA
batteries in 8 hours on a sunny day in the UK.

I also have a USB battery charger i.e. plug into a USB socket,
plug in the solar panel, and the batteries will charge off the panel
via the laptop.

I bought all these things over a 3 year period, as and when I saw them,
and when they were a reasonable price.
They were bought so that information stored on the laptop would be available when http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/3555238948_61eeaa7425_o.gif
The solar panel actually will put out 20 volts as tested with a volt meter,
if it is very sunny, although it is rated at 12 volts.

It all works nicely for me.

I have got similar stuff to you Stick Whistler :)

[kblood]

I have a monocrystalline panel like the one below.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2w-12v-monocrystalline-solar-panel-car-battery-charger_W0QQitemZ390103173655QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH _DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5ad3f60a17&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177

I have a solar battery charger like the one below.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370221435804

The mono crystalline panel does charge my laptop battery,
and also runs the computer at the same time - at least that's
what the icons in the system tray tell me.
It will run the laptop with no battery attached as well
i.e. as though the power supply brick was plugged
into the mains electricity supply.

The battery charger will charge from flat 4 x 1,000 mAh AAA
batteries in 8 hours on a sunny day in the UK.

I also have a USB battery charger i.e. plug into a USB socket,
plug in the solar panel, and the batteries will charge off the panel
via the laptop.

I bought all these things over a 3 year period, as and when I saw them,
and when they were a reasonable price.
They were bought so that information stored on the laptop would be available when http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/3555238948_61eeaa7425_o.gif
The solar panel actually will put out 20 volts as tested with a volt meter,
if it is very sunny, although it is rated at 12 volts.

It all works nicely for me.

Sounds very nice :) I will have to get one of these and try it out. I got a laptop, and lots of stuff recharged through USB. And while Times7 claimed it could never be a viable option to cook food, afaik there are at least cup warmers made for USB these days. If you can charge a car battery, I dont see why it shouldnt be able to charge something that can actually cook a decent meal. In case of famine, I am just not sure how much I would care about cooking food. Might as well just go eat everything raw. Unless its meat it should be healthier even.

Its actually a bit funny but also sad how some people just gives up before ever getting started on stuff like this. I can see why for some. Its not something that is critical to have right now, more of a gimmick really since we have lots of power at least in some parts of the world. If it comes to famine you will have to grow your own food, and probably have some farm animals.

But that is off topic anyway. Solar power doesnt feed the hungry, and that isnt its purpose. The uses found in this thread sure are interesting :)

[kblood]

Ohh, just had to add. I just got the new HTC Hero phone that uses Googles Android OS. Seems rather usefull since it is USB powered. MiniUSB EU has claimed a new standard of power for mobile phones. The nice thing about android is that it has a digital compass and GPS. Im am looking for an offline GPS application for it, since Google maps just isnt helpfull unless always connected to 3G or Wireless.

Using its GPS and gyrometer, it even has an application for viewing the stars in the sky, so you can see where the constelations are, even when inside or at day. To experienced people that is a powerfull tool of navigation, although the GPS on its own should be able to cover that.

With all these things combined into one device, they seem to get more uses when working together. Like taking a picture and using the GPS to tag where it was taken. The Gyrometer + the camera could possible even be used to make real stuff into 3D. It seems it can also actually help tell the speed something is going up and down, for whatever reason that might be usefull.

Well, just thought I would let you know. I am trying to figure out other uses for it as well. A real compass and actual survival training would probably be best in most cases, if not all. This just might make it more fun though :)

[kblood]

Another something I found :)

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11136

Survival kit:


- Outdoors digital survival kit -- solar battery keeps your cell phone running and LED flashlight lights up the dark
- Consists of the following features:
Rechargeable Emergency Backup Battery 3800mAh
Can be recharged by sunlight (solar power) or by AC
Compass
Digital Watch
LED Flashlight

- Recharges cell phones and other digital devices (12 adapters included, check the adapters picture to check if your phone is supported)

Price: $28.01

Lots of other solar power cells on the site. From around 3$ and up with varying volts and other stuff. Im not buying this one, I am buying a kit that is around $15 and additional solar power cells for $18.

**edit ** looking back I guess I should just have bought the solar powered laptop charger...

Then I will try and see how well it charges. If it works well, I might get something to recharge my laptop as well. Seems its just around $9000 for a complete set giving 660W:
http://dansksolenergi.dk/Produkt/pakker/660watt_uk.shtml

Not exactly something that takes 20 years to pay off, and if needed it should be able to power the most important stuff. Unless there are several days of rain or heavy snow and lots of clouds I guess. On top of this its probably best with some of those garden lamp thingies for some extra light during the winter.

[naturalcanvas]

i dont know if anyone's mention this, but deep cycle batteries are best for running equipment off as they dont lose so much of there charge capacity each time they are depleted.

LED lighting is obviously better than normal bulbs and last far longer.

a couple of years ago i tried out running my laptop and sound system from a car battery that was about had it, only had to charge it up once a week.


Well done pleasuredome you are correct.
I live on a boat and i have PLENTY of power running through my deep cycle leisure batts as i have a solar panel and wind turbine....
Life is NOT hard to acustom too this way of life. I have power for everything i need. Laptop, water pumps, sterio, t.v. ( if needed, but predominantly for DVDs), LED lighting and gas for cooker... just swap everything for 12v and your laughing. Try camping shops and narrow boat suppliers for further info... ive been living totally 12v for 4 years.... its great... also stock up on candles and candle making equipent for excess wax. Save power where necessary. PM me if you would like more info.

[rydeon]

Well done pleasuredome you are correct.
I live on a boat and i have PLENTY of power running through my deep cycle leisure batts as i have a solar panel and wind turbine....
Life is NOT hard to acustom too this way of life. I have power for everything i need. Laptop, water pumps, sterio, t.v. ( if needed, but predominantly for DVDs), LED lighting and gas for cooker... just swap everything for 12v and your laughing. Try camping shops and narrow boat suppliers for further info... ive been living totally 12v for 4 years.... its great... also stock up on candles and candle making equipent for excess wax. Save power where necessary. PM me if you would like more info.

Excellent to hear mate.

What battery's are you running?

I've seen one type I like the look of here:

http://www.batterymegastore.co.uk/cgi-bin/megastore/commerce.cgi?product=Batteries_Industrial!12_Volt&pid=670.htm

A bit pricy but they have treble the power a normal battery has :)

[kblood]

Excellent to hear mate.

What battery's are you running?

I've seen one type I like the look of here:

http://www.batterymegastore.co.uk/cgi-bin/megastore/commerce.cgi?product=Batteries_Industrial!12_Volt&pid=670.htm

A bit pricy but they have treble the power a normal battery has :)

There are batteries made especially for solar power:
http://dansksolenergi.dk/Produkt/pakker/660watt_uk.shtml

So they can be serial connected and be used for power and recharge at the same time. Guess the same can be done with regular batteries.

[djhooker]

Well done pleasuredome you are correct.
I live on a boat and i have PLENTY of power running through my deep cycle leisure batts as i have a solar panel and wind turbine....
Life is NOT hard to acustom too this way of life. I have power for everything i need. Laptop, water pumps, sterio, t.v. ( if needed, but predominantly for DVDs), LED lighting and gas for cooker... just swap everything for 12v and your laughing. Try camping shops and narrow boat suppliers for further info... ive been living totally 12v for 4 years.... its great... also stock up on candles and candle making equipent for excess wax. Save power where necessary. PM me if you would like more info.

this is something i've looked into doing, living on a boat, a proper seaworthy one, like the one in jaws lol. looking at salford quays for mooring too, as it's next to the sea too. that way, if the zombie apocalypse does happen, i can just pull up the anchor and fuck off!

[naturalcanvas]

Excellent to hear mate.

What battery's are you running?

I've seen one type I like the look of here:

http://www.batterymegastore.co.uk/cgi-bin/megastore/commerce.cgi?product=Batteries_Industrial!12_Volt&pid=670.htm

A bit pricy but they have treble the power a normal battery has :)

Ill have to look tomorrow mate cant remember the brand....
Jeez... they are pricey! If they really last much loger then i suppose its worth the investment. Id have to ask my eletrician geeky boaty mates lol... the trouble is, as i top up and deplete all the time it does take its toll on them, so some deeper research is needed. As it is with mine they last about 2-3 years and there only £100 each and I have 3. I do have an inverter as well for 240v but i try not to use it much as this does drain them badly. I have a fridge but dont use it, also a very bad drain, but you would be very surprised how easy it is to live without one! 4 years now!! Ive become accustom to warm wine.... lol

[naturalcanvas]

this is something i've looked into doing, living on a boat, a proper seaworthy one, like the one in jaws lol. looking at salford quays for mooring too, as it's next to the sea too. that way, if the zombie apocalypse does happen, i can just pull up the anchor and fuck off!

lol.... no matter where we run they will probably find us eventually anyway...lol but more fun this way! Must admit it would be much faster to cruise away on the sea for sure! lol you can literally walk faster than a narrow boat can travel..lol well funny.
Im about to start growing veg on my roof too so by next summer ill 'almost' be completely self sufficient... 'square foot gardening' is the way to go for folk with very limited space to grow food.
Anyone thinking of living afloat should go for it now... id never go back to land... no council tax, no leccy bill, no t.v. licence, and totally off grid. And baliffs cant find you... hehehehe... although ive had great fun using FMOTL and statute based letters to fight them... just for the fun of it!
Its actually cheaper than renting a room plus bills too... why live with a bunch of peeps you hate when you can have a floating apartment all to yourself??!!

[flickflack]

It would be cool to be able to charge your iPod just by walking in the Sun (http://www.thedailygreen.com/going-green/tips/847). :cool:

I will probably try one of those products, although I would better be waiting to the summer then. The sun is kinda dissappearing now in the winter, and I feel it doesn't shine as powerful now from the sun up here.

[bob walsh]

The solar panels (http://www.techstore.ie/Renewable-Energy/Solar-Energy/Solar-Panels.html) on the vehicle’s roof provides some power to the vehicle’s systems. It comes with regenerative brakes and a Lithium Metal Polymer batteries, and has a range of 155 miles per charge. According to the manufacturer, all the materials in the construction have been sourced to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

[montesmobileseramus]

i have said that solar power is useless for cooking that is a 100% FACT

http://www.solarcooking.org/
http://www.solarcooking.org/plans/

[tracker]

Is there anyone here who knows about about this subject ? I need help :D

I am seriously thinking of getting a 13W solar panel in order to charge up a car battery for a constant source of free power when the shit hits the fan.

Has anyone got any advice for me about this ?

I intend to put the solar panel in the house near the window and the battery also in the house. The type of solar panel will hopefully be a "crystalline cell" which supposedly is very efficent and works in all weathers.

1. Does the battery create dangerous gases during charging ? I heard somewhere that it does but I have always charged up car betteries in the house in the past (using a mains charger) with no ill effects.

2. Also, could I connect the solar panel to my small battery charger (for charging AA batteries etc) as long as I have the right connector attached ?

3. Can I use a car battery to charge AA batteries ?

4. What other things can a car battery be used for ?

Thanks, any help appreciated :)

try some of the links on this link , although the thread title is verydifferent from your topic , maybe some of the links on this thread might lead you to what you are looking for , who knows ?

http://www.davidicke.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92374


:cool:

[steevo]

try some of the links on this link , although the thread title is verydifferent from your topic , maybe some of the links on this thread might lead you to what you are looking for , who knows ?

http://www.davidicke.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92374


:cool:

Thanks Tracker, I will check it out later :)
Cheers!

[tracker]

Any time dude .

:cool:

[tom bombadil]

Is there anyone here who knows about about this subject ? I need help :D

I am seriously thinking of getting a 13W solar panel in order to charge up a car battery for a constant source of free power when the shit hits the fan.

Has anyone got any advice for me about this ?

I intend to put the solar panel in the house near the window and the battery also in the house. The type of solar panel will hopefully be a "crystalline cell" which supposedly is very efficent and works in all weathers.

1. Does the battery create dangerous gases during charging ? I heard somewhere that it does but I have always charged up car betteries in the house in the past (using a mains charger) with no ill effects.

2. Also, could I connect the solar panel to my small battery charger (for charging AA batteries etc) as long as I have the right connector attached ?

3. Can I use a car battery to charge AA batteries ?

4. What other things can a car battery be used for ?

Thanks, any help appreciated :)

I have seen on the u-tube, loads of devises that give 'free' power, the best being a mobile phone charger that uses simple (always there) radio waves to 'charge a wire that is plugged into the mobile!!! Cool :)

I want to first ask of what it is that you think you might need to provide power for?

I made a short list of the things that I might need at 'that' later time, and it was surprisingly small.

Before you answer though I think it is a nessasery precaution to make sure that it/they can fit into a Faraday cage of sorts, in case of EMP.


Nelly.

[tom bombadil]

I dunno if I have said so before so forgive me if I have.

This bloke... http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=vention4wh#g/u Has some cool things to say. Veiw his power outage vids and there he has some stuff to say on those solar panels. Very informative.

Power Outage Drill PT5 - YouTube

Power Outage Drill PT6 - YouTube

ect...



Nelly.