Posted by: buckeye
Getting Started with Portable Solar Power - 01/13/12 12:45 AM
Hi,
One of my goals this year is to continue my research and perhaps take the plunge in getting some type of solar generated electricity capability to add to my supplies.
I've considered it for several year, but the price point always seemed too high (and it's still high, but is coming down a little).
As to what my priorities are, I would list them as follows:
Are there options or products that would allow me to build upon an approach in stages? For example, are there products that would allow me to take care of recharging batteries first at a relatively reasonable cost, that I could just add-on to, that if I added a couple modules later, could eventually get me up to the 90 Watt goal?
I've looked at some of the GoalZero products but haven't been able to find anyone locally that can attest to their reliability (nor their field reliability) or their suitability to purpose.
So, given the idea of portability and my goals above:
Would appreciate the guidance of the group on this.
Regards,
Buckeye
One of my goals this year is to continue my research and perhaps take the plunge in getting some type of solar generated electricity capability to add to my supplies.
I've considered it for several year, but the price point always seemed too high (and it's still high, but is coming down a little).
As to what my priorities are, I would list them as follows:
- Something to charge AA and AAA rechargeable batteries
- Something that could actually supply DC power to a radio, cell phone, GPS or other such small item(s) (Perhaps up to 14 Volts and 20 Watts)
- What would make me really happy would be able to run a laptop (that needs 90 Watts) but from what I've seen, these are what I consider "Big Bucks"
Are there options or products that would allow me to build upon an approach in stages? For example, are there products that would allow me to take care of recharging batteries first at a relatively reasonable cost, that I could just add-on to, that if I added a couple modules later, could eventually get me up to the 90 Watt goal?
I've looked at some of the GoalZero products but haven't been able to find anyone locally that can attest to their reliability (nor their field reliability) or their suitability to purpose.
So, given the idea of portability and my goals above:
- If you've gotten started, where did you start at?
- Did it end up being a good path?
- What would you recommend now as a way to get started, based on your experience?
- What compaines are some of the design leaders with reliable products.
Would appreciate the guidance of the group on this.
Regards,
Buckeye