Portable solar power units

[Creeper]

Anyone in the Newnan area have any experience with these ? I'm exploring putting one together. I've been looking online at the insane prices people are cashing in on. I'd like to build a smaller unit to charge about 1-3 marine batteries to get startedand move on from there. Unfortunately I'm not mechanically inclined enough to jump off on my own but think I could do it with some dirtection. Any advice on what to affordably get and where with the do's and don'ts ?

 

[Chris Mac]

Have you looked at Goal Zero products? A bit pricey, but well regarded.

 

[B. Byrd]

Check Northern Tool & Equipment, on line, catalog, or retail stores. They have an assortment of sizes and price ranges. I use them to keep generator and pump batteries charged.

 

[kletzenklueffer]

As far as portablility, try searching for expedition type solar systems. These are geared towards remote vehicular use. Try expedition portal. There is a forum for electronic tech there.

Here's a link
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/forums/48-Power-Systems-12v-Solar-Gen

 

[strokin99]

I have two of these mounted on a 2x4 box frame. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200422042_200422042
I use these on my battery for the camper. It keeps the batery charge at all times. During the winter the battery will run my heater all night and it will recharge the battery to full caharge for the next night. In between uses it charges the battery while I'm not using the camper.

 

[Outlander]

Have you thought about building a small thermoelectric generator that produce electricity when you attach it to a heat source. I got the idea form the charging unit that is attached to a BioLite Stove. I have sourced the modules and I am working on the build plan.

 

[SpeedyR]

the most recent issue of "The New Pioneer" magazine has an article on portable solar system that a guy was using with batteries to power his power tools at remote locations. I'm sure it was an inexpensive setup, might be worth picking up a copy of it. I looked online but couldn't find an official website, but they do have a Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/NewPioneerMagazine

 

[Zastava]

Shoot "hawk-eye" a pm he can give some good advice.

- - - Updated - - -

Shoot "hawk-eye" a pm he can give some good advice.

 

[Me]

the most recent issue of "The New Pioneer" magazine has an article on portable solar system that a guy was using with batteries to power his power tools at remote locations. I'm sure it was an inexpensive setup, might be worth picking up a copy of it. I looked online but couldn't find an official website, but they do have a Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/NewPioneerMagazine

You can subscribe/buy at the following link. You'll need to scroll down https://secure.harris-pub.com/harris-tactical-group/annuals/2011/