CountryPlans Forum

Internet Finds for Designer/Builders => Referral Links => Topic started by: John Raabe on April 14, 2005, 07:11:34 PM

Title: Low cost solar power system
Post by: John Raabe on April 14, 2005, 07:11:34 PM
This is a great little project for a minimal electrical load. Could work for a remote camp, boat or RV.

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

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Title: Re: Low cost solar power system
Post by: DavidLeBlanc on April 30, 2005, 03:10:44 PM
The article says that "Many cassette players, answering machines, and other electrical appliances are DC already and with the right cable will run straight off the box."

I would take this advice with a shaker of salt!  :o

Not all DC appliances take 12 volts, nor are all "wall warts" DC supplies: in many/most cases, they're just step down transformers and the conversion from AC to DC occurs inside the appliance.

Many of the genies inside small appliances live off of 3-7 volts, especially electronics, and get very cranky if given too much (or too little!). Sometimes the smoke will come out and then the genie is dead. :( ;)