Solar Panel Charging

Hand-cranked generator ready for anything — The X100 Power Hub ($249) is the world’s first hand cranked generator with solar and utility grid outputs. While it might look like something straight out of Star Trek, it’ll power almost anything. New for 2015 [Gear Junkie will have more information about this one].

 

When a company puts out a flashy product like that, with all the curves and virtually meaningless lights, I get the impression they're more interested in grabbing money from gadget lovers than they are making a well-thought out, useful and durable tool. I mean seriously - what's with the multiple lights on an oddly shaped, curvy part? Nothing like extra lights to drain the battery you charged to run ______. If a company like Goal Zero built something with the same capabilities, I guarantee you it would look a lot different.

 

The only batteries I buy online are the AGMs (gel cells) - I get them from Amazon because they have the consistently best price. That's a shame when there are so many local places that sell them but, I guess as is typical, they can't compete with cyber stores. I buy lead acid deep cycles for my canoe from whatever local place has the best price at the time I need them.

For home solar, I think lead acid batteries from places like Trojan Batteries are the most common. The batteries are what's kept me from putting solar in my house. Wet cell batteries have a tendency to outgas - something I don't want in my house. They also need more maintenance to make sure they aren't running dry. AGM batteries are maintenance free but, in the capacity that I'd need them, would cost and arm and a leg. And lithium, as I've already mentioned, is way out of reach.

 

I'm pretty sure it's law everywhere, at least in the U.S., that you get paid for power you put back into the system.
As far as not needing a battery to pump juice back to the grid, yes, it's possible with a grid tie inverter. Personally, I won't go that route until I have a full sized system, as in 10, 12 or more panels on the roof. Paying the necessary qualified electrician to install a small system would take too many years to recoup the cost.

 

...what ever happened to the less complicated time when candles would have done well, hard work would have sufficed, a sharp axe would have been valued, and a covered wagon would go a long way.

 

Well... in the early 1900s, the internal combustion engine was put into a carriage and, since then, there have been a few technological advances in some other areas. SO, my buckboard stays in the back yard, the horse got sold, and REI has had a few sales that I couldn't resist.

 

...luv your sense of humour.

 

Solar panels are very efficient in their work. And good work and performance is provided by the mppt charge controller, I say this based on my own experience of using this controller. This miracle of technology helps to tune everything to the smallest detail and ensure the efficiency of all solar panels for years to come.

 

=====> They can only get better. I often think to myself, "How much of the new technology do I want and how much do I really need?" I do have to say that I've reduced my "battery consumption" considerably over these last few years. Nice to see you online.