[VAC] Re: solar solution

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Gerald,
 As you can see in the picture at
http://www.oldengine.org/members/jdunmyer/avion/sep01_07.jpg, my solar
panels were putting out 4 amps (0 - 10 amp meter on the right side) at
the moment the camera was snapped.

Either of my panels will do right at 4 amps into a direct short under
peak conditions. This means: at a right angle to the sun, NO clouds, and
CLEAN. Under the typical conditions they're used, I'll see 6 amps max,
and 4 amps pretty often from the both of 'em in parallel. As you say,
there's only about 4 hours/day when you're likely to see peak
performance and another 3 or 4 hours of lesser output. It is very
interesting and informative to watch the meter during the day; you can
see the charge rate drop off before even noticing a slight cloud across
the sun.

Although some panels will operate with partial shading, those same
panels are less efficient in full sunlight. I don't know which would be
better in actual field use. Mine are "crystaline" and are affected by
shading, the ones that aren't are called "amorphous". The latter are
also the flexible ones that can be rolled up, etc.

Since using our solar setup for a full Summer, we found that it will
take care of 100% of our needs, the eMeter shows a full charge every
day. Although we're not nearly as frugal as Sherry, we're not wastrels
either. No inverter, turn off unused lights, and a 5" TV that draws only
1 amp.

One of the great things about solar power is its modularity: you can
start with one panel (should be 50 watts minimum) and a controller, then
add on as you see fit. As someone pointed out, if your boondocking stays
aren't too long, you might need only a 'boost' to get you by until your
next plug-in.

                                            <<Jim>>