Posted: 9/24/2008 3:10:22 PM EDT
| When today to Northern Tool and purchased two 15W solar panels and a charge controller to charge my deep cycle batteries. These batteries will run my Ham radio just in case the power goes off. |
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Costco has these two 60W deals that I'm considering. They include the panels, controller, inverter, stands, and an additional small panel for use as a battery trickle charger. www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11298162&cm_mmc=BCEmail_auto-_-Feature-_-4-_-ColemanSolar and www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11298029&cm_mmc=BCEmail_auto-_-Feature-_-5-_-SunforceSolar By my non-solar expert calculations, these 60 watt panels will fully charge an average deep cycle battery in less than one full day of good weather. I think I would get a pair of batteries wired for 12 volts up to 70-80% of capacity per day. With the right inverter, this would give me a few hours of runtime for the fridge without having to run the generator. Think of it as a hybrid system to reduce my fuel usage. The generator would also help charge the batteries when the sun is down. edited for spelling 
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