Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
5/19/2009 6:43:59 PM EDT
Does anyone have one or first hand information on solar generators. I got some information from mysolarbackup.com but I am looking for something other than the internet.

Thanks
5/19/2009 6:52:06 PM EDT
[#1]
Home Power publishes an excellent magazine, every other month. You can find a copy at most Barnes & Nobels bookstores.
5/19/2009 6:59:19 PM EDT
[#2]
If you mean a solar panel to produce electricity, your talking about photovoltaics (PV).  Theres also systems (much much cheaper than PV) that just produce hot water.  I would think most libraries would have info on PV.  Bottom line: its expensive as hell but TX is a damn good area for it.
5/19/2009 7:06:47 PM EDT
[#3]
I was looking for information on small solar generators. I found some on line that generate 1800 watts for around $1800 to $1500.
5/19/2009 8:35:52 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
I was looking for information on small solar generators. I found some on line that generate 1800 watts for around $1800 to $1500.


Link?  If that really is the case, that price is significantly under the cost of currently available PV, which is varying from $3-$8 per watt.

AVA Solar, a new startup, is supposed to disrupt the industry with $1/watt PV's in the future.  If someone has credible $1/watt PV now, I'd like to see it.  Some utilities are paying $3 per watt installed rebates.
5/20/2009 5:24:48 AM EDT
[#5]
I found some at mysolarbackup.com Sorry the link is not working but this is the website.
5/20/2009 5:35:33 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
I found some at mysolarbackup.com Sorry the link is not working but this is the website.


I read that site; the "generator" appears to be a 75w solar panel, a battery, and an inverter.  The 1800w is peak power which you would not get for long.
5/20/2009 5:37:08 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
I found some at mysolarbackup.com Sorry the link is not working but this is the website.


That site is scamming people.  It's a 75watt panel and an 1800 watt battery.  Not an 1800 watt panel for $1800.

Read the links that have been posted or do a search.  Don't spend your money on that thing if you're trying to get the most for your money.
5/20/2009 10:35:03 AM EDT
[#8]
Yep - No reputable generator manufacturer rates his products by how much power they're capable of producing for only a few minutes - They're all rated by how much power they can continuously produce. This particular product is only capable of producing 75 watts continuously  - and that's only when the sun is shining. Calling it a "1800 watt generator" is misleading.
5/20/2009 1:33:54 PM EDT
[#9]
Here is a thread in the archives on the mysolarbackup thing

http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=10&f=17&t=620728