Another Technical Thread > Let's Talk Solar Power

[BrittanyGulden]

Objective: To re-charge my re-chargable batteries that power my Laser Pointer(s). The difficult thing about "DIY Solar Panels" is building the Solar Cells (photvoltaic). I know of a few ways to do this, but they aren't really practical.

The intent of this thread was to list as many different ways to build Solar Cells, anyone know any other ways other than this? :

solar hacks - Hack a Day

BTW, thermoelectric solar power is acceptable. Please keep this thread geared towards Solar Power. If building Solar Cells is too difficult, I will be heading with this alternative:

How to Build a Wind Turbine with PVC Windmill Blades.flv - YouTube

Thanks

 

[lasersbee]

Objective: To re-charge my re-chargable batteries that power my Laser Pointer(s). The difficult thing about "DIY Solar Panels" is building the Solar Cells (photvoltaic). I know of a few ways to do this, but they aren't really practical.

The intent of this thread was to list as many different ways to build Solar Cells, anyone know any other ways other than this? :

solar hacks - Hack a Day

BTW, thermoelectric solar power is acceptable. Please keep this thread geared towards Solar Power. If building Solar Cells is too difficult, I will be heading with this alternative:

How to Build a Wind Turbine with PVC Windmill Blades.flv - YouTube

Thanks

:thinking: Why reinvent the wheel...:thinking:

There are much more efficient Solar Cells available and already
manufactured and they probably cost less than your Laser and
Batteries and charger.

It would be an easy matter to connect an available Solar Cell
array to a charger to charge your Laser's batteries...


Jerry

 

[BShanahan14rulz]

There is actually a seller over at CPF that makes solar-powered Li-Ion chargers. Quite a nifty idea for campers who don't want to take a bunch of charged cells with them on long trips.

 

[Jacob32123]

There is actually a seller over at CPF that makes solar-powered Li-Ion chargers. Quite a nifty idea for campers who don't want to take a bunch of charged cells with them on long trips.

Here is that I have for solar charging

A 45 watt solar panel
http://www.amazon.com/Kintrex-SPC0601-Controller-Digital-Display/dp/B001HWQZNQ
and Dynam Supermate DC6 DC Multi Function Balance Charger/Discharger 1-6 cell Lilo/LiPo/LiFe, 1 to 15 cells NiCd NiMH

Just hook the charger to the load port of the controller, the solar panel to the solar port of the controller, and a battery if you want (I dont have one).

Awesome little charger. Charges LiPos, LiIons, LiFes, NiCds, NiMhs, and Pb batteries.

 

[rhd]

There is actually a seller over at CPF that makes solar-powered Li-Ion chargers. Quite a nifty idea for campers who don't want to take a bunch of charged cells with them on long trips.

The CottonPickers guy! (right?)

I joined CPF pretty much solely for the purpose of buying one of his awesome chargers (though sadly not the solar powered one).

 

[BrittanyGulden]

I know there's lots of Solar Cell Distributors. However, it's more of a learning experience for me.

 

[Elektrotechniker]

It's been almost a year now that we installed solar panels on the roof of our house. like ~3600 euro per 6 months of additional income. Not bad considering it will pay itself after 6-7 years.

 

[BrittanyGulden]

It's been almost a year now that we installed solar panels on the roof of our house. like ~3600 euro per 6 months of additional income. Not bad considering it will pay itself after 6-7 years.

That's Good To hear! Not much solar Power here in Southern Minnesota, mostly wind turbines.

hmm, I found an old treadmill, I am going to rip the generator out and head With Wind first until I can get some more info on the Solar Cells. There has to be an alternative to silicon

 

[Elektrotechniker]

That's Good To hear! Not much solar Power here in Southern Minnesota, mostly wind turbines.

hmm, I found an old treadmill, I am going to rip the generator out and head With Wind first until I can get some more info on the Solar Cells. There has to be an alternative to silicon

btw home is in Greece. I'm in Germany for college A lot of sun there.