russ
Solar Advocate
Posts: 63
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Post by russ on Mar 6, 2020 1:17:18 GMT
What creative applications have you found for solar power?
We have a very old forklift, still works well, but it doesn't get used much and the alternator doesn't work. If we replace the alternator (which would cost more that the entire solar charging system) we still have the problem of the battery self discharging over time because it doesn't get used often. A simpler solution, install a solar charging system.
The forklift remains parked in the sun, and the battery is always charged and ready to start the forklift, even if it has been sitting for weeks. (The forklift is fueled with propane.) Simple, inexpensive, and more reliable. Of course, if we used the forklift enough, the solar panel may not be able to keep up with the demand. But, there is room for a much larger solar panel.
It has been about a year now and the solar panel system is working perfectly for us. No more connecting a battery charger. No more removing the battery so that it can be maintained in the shop. For the past year, we just hop on the forklift and go...although we do have to refill the propane tank occasionally.
What is your story?
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Post by bupkis on Mar 6, 2020 1:42:44 GMT
for 10 yrs plus a 10w panel has provide recharge for gate opening batts, a couple of 12ah AGMs. The less than ideal controller boils away when the gate is seldom used in the winter. Plan on getting a G24, 100w and a spare controller. EDIT: G24, BCI group size 24, 12v Marine Deep Cycle group 24 (75ah), Duracell made by Deka East Penn on sale @ sam's In the past I thought freeze was popping the top off the little 12ah batts, I now believe the voltage is tooo high. regardless the gate opener folks now suggest using a bigger battery and I have a spare 100w panel and controller. The 2 wireless remotes anchored to fence posts likely need new batts also. BCI Battery Group Size Chart |
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Post by mediadogg on Mar 7, 2020 14:52:38 GMT
I didn't quite follow the last sentence. I did a Google on G24 and one hit that made sense was a 84AH AGM battery. Is that correct? The other thing was controller boiling away ... not sure what that means, unless maybe it is making too much current for the 12AH AGMs?
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Post by tattoo on Mar 7, 2020 16:29:29 GMT
I didn't quite follow the last sentence. I did a Google on G24 and one hit that made sense was a 84AH AGM battery. Is that correct? The other thing was controller boiling away ... not sure what that means, unless maybe it is making too much current for the 12AH AGMs? Dog try this....... DEKA GENUINE NEW 8G24M Marine GEL Battery (Group 24M)
If it doesn't work just look it up...........
I'm not saying that's it.... I also found some smaller Li batteries..... I looked on ebay...... I HATE Amazon.......
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Post by mediadogg on Mar 7, 2020 18:57:05 GMT
Oh great, the EDIT helped a lot. BTW I know we all have a bunch of spare parts. I have been wondering if the Forum would allow us to post buy/sell/trade items. So I sent a message to the Admin asking about that.
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Post by bupkis on Mar 7, 2020 21:44:40 GMT
What creative applications have you found for solar power?
What is your story?
Deer feeder with tiny 6v panel. I'm always amazed how long the battery lasts on the feeder with solar vs the one I manual charge overnight ever month of two. low voltage landscape lights for years. To many other's RVs to count. My latest project is for me, an '88 Hi-Lo. Wired the tray cables to inside with panels wires going to outside to a plug, folding panel to be plugged in camping for charging and in storage for maintaining.  the top 1/2 drops down for travel/storage. |
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Post by mediadogg on Mar 15, 2020 19:46:36 GMT
Here is my weird project: I bought a couple of the cheap PWM controllers on sale (10A Wanderer). They handle all battery types. My plan was to attach them to a couple of Cyberpower UPS boxes and feed with a spare solar panel. So, I finally did it. In addition, since the UPS I used had depleted batteries, I attached it to an external spare battery. So now I have this UPS attached to 2 x 22AH SLA batteries (24V series). The batteries can now be charged by the internal UPS charger or the Wanderer PWM CC, connected in parallel. I use this contraption to charge a bunch of portable power banks that my wife and I use for cell phones, tablets, etc. I charge the power banks during the day, then use them to charge our portable electronics at night, and the cycle repeats. I will attach a picture. Charge Controller on UPS. The solar panel is the 160 watt flexible flat one, that sits on a low roof ledge outside my server room window. Even though the UPS has an automatic transfer switch, it works backwards from what I need. I want it to only charge from the mains when the battery is not available. But of course it is designed to do exactly the opposite. As soon as I plug it into the mains, it takes over charging the battery. |
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