A.O.
Newly Enlightened
So I thought I would throw this up here, kind of a review of sorts. Not very technical just basic user type stuff. I bought this as a home classroom type of thing to learn a little about solar charging/use/backup power.
I bought a solar panel/charger/controller set up from Harbor Freight, on sale for $139.99 USD. Comes with 3 15w panels,wiring harness to hook it all up, a controller,2 12v emergency lights with 10-12 foot cords, and a universal 3,6,12v power cable for small devices.
The controller face has a display to show voltage coming through and battery voltage, a USB port (slightly underpowered as it will charge some phones but not enough to charge my Iphone) 2-12v cigarette lighter type sockets (I keep a USB converter in one to charge my phone), 2-12v ports for the 2 emergency lights, and a 3 & 6 v port for small stuff.
Extra things I've added is a 35ah deep cycle sealed battery, so I can have it all in my basement, a small 750w power inverter (just in case, will run a small tv or similar, in case of total power failure to gather information as to what is going on). and 2 battery chargers that take 12v power to run them, an Accumanager20 to charge AAA,AA,C,D,and 9v NIMH batteries, and a Nitecore i4 Intellegent charger for my Li Ions.
So I charge all my many flashlight batteries etc , and my phones with this. in case of power failure it will do all that plus charge laptops,have emergency lighting and as I said run a small tv or something if needed.I've had this set up for around 8-9 months and it does just what it is supposed to so far... maybe a hair over $250 invested total...not bad for pretty cheep!
I bought a solar panel/charger/controller set up from Harbor Freight, on sale for $139.99 USD. Comes with 3 15w panels,wiring harness to hook it all up, a controller,2 12v emergency lights with 10-12 foot cords, and a universal 3,6,12v power cable for small devices.
The controller face has a display to show voltage coming through and battery voltage, a USB port (slightly underpowered as it will charge some phones but not enough to charge my Iphone) 2-12v cigarette lighter type sockets (I keep a USB converter in one to charge my phone), 2-12v ports for the 2 emergency lights, and a 3 & 6 v port for small stuff.
Extra things I've added is a 35ah deep cycle sealed battery, so I can have it all in my basement, a small 750w power inverter (just in case, will run a small tv or similar, in case of total power failure to gather information as to what is going on). and 2 battery chargers that take 12v power to run them, an Accumanager20 to charge AAA,AA,C,D,and 9v NIMH batteries, and a Nitecore i4 Intellegent charger for my Li Ions.
So I charge all my many flashlight batteries etc , and my phones with this. in case of power failure it will do all that plus charge laptops,have emergency lighting and as I said run a small tv or something if needed.I've had this set up for around 8-9 months and it does just what it is supposed to so far... maybe a hair over $250 invested total...not bad for pretty cheep!
