I finally got the mini volt meters in the other day. They are small self-contained units that fit into the 12 volt sockets. You can spot monitor the system or if you are only using one port you can continuously monitor the system. The first unit is ready to go and I’m asking $350, I hope the get the more basic unit built later in the week and will list that one at $300 (without the inverter). These will be great units for small devices like laptops cameras, etc. One of my readers suggested I pick up a 12 v adapter (12 to 5 volt) that I can power my DSL modem with. I can split the socket from my laptop station ( the similar unit that I’m keeping for my use) and run both the computer and the modem. Last year when we were without power for a while I ran an extension cord from the inverter I have in my truck to run the modem during a winter outage. (just to check some email etc). Doing it all from inside with my new solar system will be so much nicer.
I found a unit for sale online that is a bit like mine but, It says it has a larger solar panel, but it only has half the storage capacity and the panel will not fit inside. I like the fact that all of my components are protected inside when not being used. This unit has them on the outside where they can get damaged. My system is designed to sit quietly in the corner, with the panel sitting in a window to maintain readiness. Then, when you need i, it is fully charged, contained, portable and robust for travel. If you are using it as a remote power supply, for camping, road trips etc. The peace of mind that comes from having the controls inside is priceless. The unit I saw lists for twice what I’m selling mine for…go figure? Over priced unit with 1/2 the storage.
Looks very nice! We may have to start saving. :-) How long do you estimate a laptop would run on your unit when fully charged? Can it charge the battery fully in a day? (Basically, I’m wondering whether we could take the laptop off the grid by just using that full time.)
With 24 ah of storage this has 10 times the battery of my 3 cell mini…which I can run for about 3 hours…the six cell is closer to 5.
The panel output is about .5 amp..so cycling daily to 80% it would need 8-10 hours…cycles to 90% only 4-5…which is more typical.
I was looking at your generator on Ebay. I read what you wrote above, and will have t say that the specs are a little over my head. I would have to sit down and relearn how much power each item needs to run vs what this can store, etc. (nothing like a home made math lesson.)
Anyway, what kind of equipment could this run, and for how long. Just to put it into daily terms. Could it power a tv and dvd player?
So, to clarify what you wrote above, you are saying that the one you are selling can run a laptop for 5 hours with 10 hours of sun charging? correct?
Thank you!
Tracy
Tracy,
Here are some links to help your brain get around some of the numbers.
A basic 17″ LCD tv can use from 80 to 150 watts, a basic DVD player about 15 watts.
The total storage of my unit is 288 watt-hours (24 Ahr * 12 volts)
In theory you could run 144 watts for 2 hours…this would be total battery usage, most people like to cycle the batteries to 80% to maintain their longevity. The inverter is also using some so it brings the total down a little. My intent for this unit is not to provide a constant alternative to “wall” power, but for remote or emergency use like:
Charging the camcorder, digital camera, cell phone , small “toys” while camping or traveling.
Hooking up the Internet in a power outage, (DSL laptop etc) emergency light via additional LED “utility” light
Running / charging a laptop in remote location (Back-country journaling, bloging etc)
http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6535
http://www.alternate-energy.net/calcbat06-2.html
http://reviews.cnet.com/green-tech/tv-consumption-chart/
http://www.sust-it.net/energy_saving.php?id=86
Kevin
Hello,
I am looking for a portable solar generator that will power a sewing machine for several hours without recharging. Two hours would not be enough but 5 hours would be great. This is for use in Haiti where there is no other source of electricity. Would your unit be appropriate?Thanks.
Do you happen to know the power usage of this machine? how many watts does it use?..if you have that info we can calculate run time…
The instructions with the machine do not say. It says 1.0 AMPS but i am unsure what that translates to. I did a google search which revealed that most sewing machines run on 100 watts. Does that help?
100 watts would give close to 3 hours of time…It would be pretty easy to double the battery and solar collection for a longer run time. Since most sewing is not a”continuous” run of the motor but is filled with breaks the 3 hours would actually be longer.
How would one double the battery and solar collection?
I have extra panels and batteries, these could simply be wired in parallel with the existing sets.
Can you tell me how much that would cost? Also, will it be ready to use/easy to setup? The people I work with are not going to know how to wire anything together.
Thanks for your help.
A second solar panel, and another pair or batteries would add $150
set up would consist of setting the panels in the sun…the wires that go to the panels are about 10 feet long so they do not need to be with the case.
for 12 volt use just plug in the device via the cigarette socket.
for 120 volt use lift the inverter from the case and plug it into the 12 socket. turn on the switches and plug in your 120 v device to the inverter
Hi,
I am not sure what you mean by lifting the inverter from the case and plugging it into the 12 socket? What is the 12 socket?
Also, I am wondering if you offer any warranties or anything like that? It would be really bad if we got it to Haiti and then it didn’t work.
Do you have a phone number I could call so we could talk about this in more detail?
Thanks.
Interesting share. Keep up the good work.