Solar power is an interesting technology. People have been using products with solar power panels since they were children and don't even realize it. Remember those tiny little calculators with the black strip. Whenever you held your finger over it, the screen would disappear. That was solar energy.
Those calculators are one of the most popular items that use solar power. But, these days there are so many more products that are using the growing technology. Solar panel works well because it's a renewable energy, which means it will replenish itself after being used. The sun comes out everyday and people never have to worry about their solar panels not working. Some of the bigger products that use solar energy are steam generators. People use them to heat and light their homes. Companies use them to run machines in their plants. However, there are smaller and practical uses to solar energy as well.
Campers and hikers can benefit from solar energy and people who need emergency items. Companies are producing radios, lights and battery chargers that use just solar power. What is so great about these products is that there are many different types you can buy. There are some radios that come with AM/FM with a built-in flashlight. Others have AM/FM/VHF/TV. Imagine all these products and all they need is a little light to get started.
There are many companies that make solar powered flashlights and lanterns. These work great in emergency situations when you have no batteries or any other resource to light your flashlight. The flashlight will be charged during sunlight hours and then be used at night. In case you need the flashlight at night, there are some lights that have cranks to get them started. If you have a solar powered battery charger, you now have the batteries for your flashlight.
Other products include a solar power cooker. You can cook in the outdoors and never have to worry about propane tanks again. There are small portable backup solar generators as well. Solar power has so many uses that it's hard to believe there aren't more tools with it. Some companies are selling solar volt testers and vehicle cigarette lighters. These can also be used in conjunction with the solar battery chargers. The battery chargers usually come in 12-volt or D battery settings. The 12-volt battery can be charged to use coffee makers, stoves, beverage heaters, mini coolers, lanterns, flashlights, hair dryers, electric razors, heating blankets and so much more.
As research companies find new ways to use solar power, start looking for it on more gadgets. Currently, there are people testing solar-powered cars and boats. There have been test models of these made but none for practical use. Right now it takes too many solar panels to get the vehicle moving and getting a person inside of it. Solar power is a path into the future. As new alternative energy is discovered, try to do your part in helping the environment with these great gadgets.
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RV's are a great way to get around, and millions of Americans use them every year for travelling, vacations, camping, or just getting away from the real world for a little while. The power requireMents for RV's are not that high and campsites have power points to connect you RV to but if you're not at a campsite or you want to keep the cost down and avoid paying for the power connection then you need a different power source.
Solar power is your best option. After the initial installation costs the power produced is free and it's green so you're not contributing to global warming.
The technology required commonly known as solar panels are a collection of solar cells called photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic cells come in different sizes and produced different volTAGes but the standard output is 12V.
Before deciding on the size and rating of solar panels you will need to calculate your power consumption. If you have a large RV you're likely to need a 330 watt installation. This is likely to consist of three 110 watt solar panels that are mounted on the roof of you RV. For small RV's one 110 watt solar panel will be and adequate RV solar battery charger. Medium size RV's can use two 110 watt panels producing 220 watts
The 12V output from the solar cells is connected to a charge controller which in turn is connected to the batteries of your RV. The charge controller regulates the volTAGe going to the batteries and prevents over charging. During the day, if you are parked up, the light shining on the solar panel charges your batteries and generating power for you to use. An additional benefit of RV solar panels is that if you are driving during the day, the solar panels charge the batteries of your RV reducing the load of the RV's engine and therefore increasing your fuel consumption.
The solar panels are placed flat on the top of the RV. They are reasonable light weight so won't increase your fuel consumption.
Solar power RV kits are available from Supplies such as RVMaxx. Their biggest kit is 330 watts. The kit consists of the following components.
o Solar Module: 110W x3
o Flat Mount Hardware x3
o 35 amp charge controller
o 34 feet of 8-2 output wire (8 ft for module interconnection, 6 ft for controller to battery connection, 20 ft for solar array to controller connection. Battery clamps and connection lugs not included)
o Combiner box with breakers
o DC disconnect with breakers
Cost:
110 watt RV solar battery charger kit will cost in the region of 0
220 watt RV solar battery charger kit will cost in the region of 00
330 watt RV solar battery charger kit will cost in the region of 0
