If you are hesitant about investing in a residential solar power system, small individual panels may be just what you are on the lookout for. Less expensive than larger panels, they are also much less powerful; as an breakdown of solar energy, however, they can work best with the homeowner who isn’t quite ready absolutely solarize his or her home.
Small Solar Panels Don’t Create lots of Energy
As you can imagine, a small solar panel will normally have fewer watts than a larger panel. Experts at the Solar Guide, for example, note that this two square foot panel would typically produce about 50 watts, while an eight square foot solar panel would generate more in neighborhood of 190 watts. Panels are priced per watt, roadmaps be able for getting a rough idea for this type and involving household items a nominated panel will have the ability to power from the product description. For comparison purposes, let’s make use of the average California installing 3100 watts, which typically powers an entire residence. Next to that example, 200 watts certainly doesn’t seem like it will power much more when compared with a couple of bulbs. For example, the Grape Solar 880 watt system, according to the product’s manufacturer, is capable of 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, as well.
Small Solar Panel Kits
The Grape Solar 880 watt system is one example regarding a small solar panel kit that may be used as a regarding “starter” solar system for homeowners. More commonly, these types of kits are simply by recreational vehicle owners and boating enthusiasts to power on-board components and appliances by keeping the battery bank fully priced. These particular kits usually contain panels rated anywhere from 50 to 440 watts, depending upon how heavily the vehicle or boat can be used as well as how many appliances are on game board. Larger, more powerful systems will also need a greater number of batteries as well as an inverter. The panels within these kits are generally the 12-volt type, since most boat and RV components and accessories use 12 volts of DC power. Inverters become necessary when appliances run on household current, or AC power.
Small Panels are fantastic for Remote Areas
Another common use for small solar panel systems is to power an off-the-grid lodge or cabin. This is often 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 unexpected emergency power backup system, a configuration for many 150-watt panels often used, depending upon the power significant. For outdoor accessories such as security lights, electric fences or water fountains, smaller panels are often used. Smaller still are the solar panels that power electric exhaust and vent fans, as well as solar cellular phone and laptop battery chargers. 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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