Portable Solar Options

Howdy All,

If anyone is thinking of Goal Zero for Christmas, here is their latest offering. It may be of use to at least some out there. It is on my wants list. Santa are you listening????

Cheers,

Mountainman.

http://www.goalzero.com/guide10.html?utm_source=Dec17_Website+List2012&utm_campaign=8ef1383ea5-lastday&utm_medium=email&mc_cid=8ef1383ea5&mc_eid=164622a79d

if you are looking into the larger systems,
you will be very disappointed with what you get for the money
bear in mind you should only discharge a deep cycle to no less than 50% rated capacity (70% is preferable),
or your total # of cycles drops dramatically,
then there is the peukert effect (the speed at which discharge occurs effects lifespan of battery),
which, unless you are running very low amp, would be very detrimental to a small battery like this,
then can you change out the battery for a new one?

just piecing together your own (it is not difficult), you will get 4-5 times the unit for the money
throw it on a dolly if you want portability

A little work goes a long way...looked into the Goal zero Escape 150 Adventure Kit, with the hanging light...on there web is all together listed for about $550 plus...
http://goalzero.ca/Portable-Solar-Power/Complete-Power-Kits/Escape-150-Adventure-Kit

Costco.ca has it advertised for $299..wth..So I called them and asked what was up. After speaking with a power associate, he ended up giving me the package for $250 + $35 HST, and free shipping...I can live with having this handy item for $285. Great for some Camping trips we will do in spring summer, and if power goes down a great little power source for some light and ability to recharge some electronics....

Thought I would share...even at the $299 costco price, it's a decent buy. http://www.costco.ca/GOALZERO%c2%ae-Escape-150-Adventure-Kit.product.10365605.html

Cheers
Chevy55

Chevy55,

Nice find!!

Mountainman.

Here is a link to a solar project that may be of interest to some. $150 DIY Solar System.

http://prepperlink.com/index.php/prepare/energy/item/57-solar-project-ammo-can

MM

Excellent site GC. lots of usable info there on other subjects too.

Thanks ICRCC!

I have found them to be friendly and helpful. They have many free PDF's to download, once you are a member.

I have found another packable solar system that may work for some. It is from the Sportsman's Guide dot Com

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/18-watt-folding-solar-panel-with-charge-controller.aspx?a=969651

That is a link to the solar unit. 18 watts, folds to 7" x 7" x 2", less than 3 lbs.

Cheers,

Mountainman.

Thanks GC...Just might rip one off to just leave at cabin...looks like a fun afternoon project to show my son to introduce him to solar, electronics and some general manufacturing.

Cheers
OffThePath...aka Chevy55

Chevy55,

No problem.

If you build a solar unit would you share your experience after the build?? Many on here would be very interested. Especially, sourcing the components locally.

I am sure your son will enjoy a project like this!!

Cheers,

Mountainman.

Absolutely...We will track where we picked up compenents and real life charges for such...we need a good battery powered light in the shed anyway, and this one could be moved around if required.

Cheers
OffThePath

I definitely want to build a couple of these! I've already got a good source of cheap, never used .50 cal ammo cans, and I'm thinking a minor battery upgrade combined with the right deal on solar panels could yield an improved model... for about the same price!

Howdy All,

Please post pic's and stories of your builds. This will inspire others.

Mountainman.

Last year, close to this time Princess Auto was having some sales on 12v batteries, from 5-15 amp, I picked up a 5 amp for about $14 on sale. Too small for some things, but right size for running a couple of 12v computer fans to circulate heat in winter and draw out heat in Summer.

The listing states it can not ship to my address in Canada, so looked online in kijiji.ca and found some re-sellers/market sellers that are offering 20 and 40 watt panels for prices starting at $40 and up.
Thank you for the information presented, everyone is doing a wonderful job helping out others, thank you.

My answer to having a little bit of portable power when the lights go out. (26" Long x 8" wide x 21" to the top of the light)

Other than the LED light, LED switch, the inverter and clear coat on the wood this unit was made with recycled parts and materials or stuff that was laying around the garage. As a result I was out of pocket about $110 (give or take $10?) when I built this unit a few years ago. I do intend on adding a 12V cigarette lighter outlet and a USB charging outlet as well.

I won't be doing much reading with the light from this unit but do have nice ambient light for a 200 sq ft room. Playing cards or a board game would not be a problem at all.

Floundering in the dark here......what can you run with a 5W solar panel (or 2 or 3) for emergencies and do you need a battery back-up & inverter with something so small or is it just with large solar set-ups?
http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Sunlight-5W-Solar-Panel/dp/B003ZJH6P0

I noticed that most of the products for sale in that Amazon link are Sunforce products AKA the Blue Planet line of Canadian Tire. You can use a 5 watt panel to trickle charge a 12volt battery. It would suggest a 0.4 amp charge in full sun but realistically it would be much less.