If you are hesitant about acquiring a residential solar power system, small solar power systems may be just what you are trying to find. Less expensive than larger panels, they are also much less powerful; as an introduction to solar energy, however, they can are perfect for the homeowner who isn’t quite ready entirely solarize his or her home.
Small Solar Panels Don’t Create lots of Energy
As you can imagine, a small solar panel will often have fewer watts than a larger panel. Experts at the Solar Guide, for example, note which a two square foot panel would typically produce about 50 watts, while an eight square foot solar panel would generate more in neighborhood of 190 watts. Panels cost per watt, and you should be able to get a rough idea for the type and involving household items a special panel will have the ability to power from that description. For comparison purposes, let’s make use of the average California setting up 3100 watts, which typically powers the full residence. Next special example, 200 watts certainly doesn’t mimic it will power much more when compared with a couple of lights. For example, the Grape Solar 880 watt system, in line with the product’s manufacturer, is capable of powering a 15 cubic foot refrigerator and nothing besides. As mentioned previously, the cost of these smaller panels represents a much smaller investment than would a large panel array, and are infinitely expandable, too.
Small Solar Panel Kits
The Grape Solar 880 watt system is one example from the small solar panel kit that should be employed as a sort of “starter” solar system for homeowners. More commonly, these pores and skin kits are used by recreational vehicle owners and boating enthusiasts to power on-board components and appliances by keeping the car battery bank fully faced with a charge. These particular kits usually contain panels rated anywhere from 50 to 440 watts, depending upon how heavily the vehicle or boat may be as well as how many appliances are on enter. Larger, more powerful systems will also need a greater number of batteries as well as an inverter. The panels through these kits are generally the 12-volt type, given that boat and RV components and accessories use 12 volts of DC authority. Inverters become necessary when appliances run on household current, or AC power.
Small Panels are great for Remote Areas
Another common use for small solar powered energy is to power an off-the-grid lodge or cabin. This is often a low-cost and low maintenance method of keeping a backup battery bank charged in order to power several DC appliances. Free Sun Power shows an 800-watt system that closely resembles the Grape Solar kit, using eight 100-watt panels. For an unexpected power backup system, a configuration of the many 150-watt panels sometimes used, depending upon the power needed. For outdoor accessories such as security lights, electric fences or water fountains, smaller panels are often used. Smaller still are the solar panels that power electric exhaust and vent fans, as well as solar cell phone and laptop rechargers. In fact, backpacks, laptop carrying cases and messenger bags are now provided with built-in solar panels with which to charge your cellular devices. Small-scale solar living is gaining momentum with each passing day!
Grid City Energy
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