If you are hesitant about investing in a residential solar power system, small solar panels may be exactly what you are on the lookout for. Less expensive than larger panels, they’ve also been much less powerful; as an guide to solar energy, however, they can are perfect for the homeowner who isn’t quite ready to completely solarize his or her home.
Small Solar Panels Don’t Create lots of Energy
As you can imagine, a small solar panel will probably have fewer watts than a larger panel. Experts at the Solar Guide, for example, note which the two square foot panel would typically produce about 50 watts, while an eight square foot solar panel would generate more ultimately neighborhood of 190 watts. Panels are priced per watt, and it’s be able for just a rough idea of this type and regarding household items a nominated panel will be able to power from the merchandise description. For comparison purposes, let’s use the average California installation of 3100 watts, which typically powers a full residence. Next to that particular example, 200 watts certainly doesn’t think that 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, can do powering a 15 cubic foot refrigerator and nothing other. 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 will be one example within a small solar panel kit that can also be used as a connected with “starter” solar system for homeowners. More commonly, these types of kits are by simply recreational vehicle owners and boating enthusiasts to power on-board components and appliances by keeping battery bank fully charged. These particular kits usually contain panels rated anywhere from 50 to 440 watts, depending upon how heavily the vehicle or boat played with as well as how many appliances are on stance. 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, since the majority boat and RV components and accessories use 12 volts of DC electric. Inverters become necessary when appliances run on household current, or AC power.
Small Panels are ideal for Remote Areas
Another common use for small solar panels is to power an off-the-grid lodge or cabin. This can be 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 emergency power backup system, a configuration of several 150-watt panels tend to used, depending upon the power needed. For outdoor accessories such as security lights, electric fences or water fountains, smaller panels are often used. Smaller are still the solar panels that power electric exhaust and vent fans, as well as solar cellular 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 phones. Small-scale solar living is gaining momentum with each passing day!
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