January 26th, 2008 · 1 Comment
If you want to run your RV with solar power, then there are some options when it comes to purchasing a solar panel for the vehicle.
An RV solar panel is an electrical system that uses light from the sun to charge your RV batteries and which is capable of not only running the basics in the RV such as lighting, but also all of your other RV appliances as well.
One of the best features of these RV solar panel systems is that you are free to go almost anywhere you want in terms of traveling without having to worry about finding a source of power for the vehicle and the appliances inside.
There are hundreds of companies around the world that offer these RV solar panels, but you want to choose one that is going to offer you the best quality solar panels for the best possible price.
Alpine Survival
- This company should definitely be one of your top choices if you are looking for RV solar panels.
- They offer solar modules for RVs and other applications that are tough, lightweight and easy to transport, and which continue to provide power even if they are in partial shade.
- They are incredibly durable and can be dropped on, stepped on, packed up and transported around and you do not have to worry about them getting ruined.
- They feature a unique design, especially the lightweight construction and the tough nylon fabric covering which allows the unit to be folded to a convenient book size that makes for very easy storage and transport.
Mr. Solar
- If you are looking for an RV solar panel system then Mr. Solar is another company you are definitely going to want to consider.
- They feature the most high efficiency brand name solar panel systems and kits at very competitive prices, including names such as Sharp, Sanyo, Photowatt, Mitsubishi, BP, GE, and more.
- For people who love to travel and who are always on the go, an RV solar panel system is really terrific because it makes your traveling experiences easier and more convenient.
- You can travel to places you never imagined before and still have the source of energy that you require for running the vehicle and the necessary appliances.
Tags: Solar Power DIY · Solar Power Generation · Solar Energy Systems · Solar Energy Power · Solar Energy Panels · Solar Energy
January 26th, 2008 · 2 Comments
Yes, it is possible yo build Your Own Solar Panel
Although commercial manufacturing of solar panels is done in a strict quality controlled environment, for experimental purposes you can build your own solar panel to see how the sun’s energy can be converted to electricity.
Okay, lets get started:
- While the most efficient panels are made with silicon, you can build your own solar panel by using cuprous oxide, a material known to cause light to be turned into electricity.
- You probably cannot go into a store an buy cuprous oxide but you can duplicate it on a thin sheet of copper.
You will need about one square foot of thin copper plate, two alligator clips and short leads of wire, a wide mouth glass jar, tap water and salt.
- The use of a voltmeter, capable of measuring extremely small amount of electricity will be needed to see the end result.
- To build your own solar panel you will need an electric stove or hot plate on which to heat the copper sheeting.
- Place the copper sheet on the burner and turn it on high and let it sit there for about 30 minutes.
- As it heats, you see the plate turn colors and the heat will show the outline of the heating coil underneath the plate.
- As it gets hotter it will begin to turn dark until the entire sheet has a black coating.
- After the entire sheet is black, turn off the burner and let it sit to cool for about 20 minutes.
- As it cools the black cuprous oxide coating will begin to pop off the sheet, leaving a thins coating of red on the copper.
- This red coating is needed to build your own solar panel, and while the majority of the black can be rinsed off under running water, it should not be brushed clean.
Salt Water Helps Produce The Electricity
Using the alligator clips, connect the copper sheet to one the top of one side of the glass jar. Attach another clean copper sheet to the other side of the jar. Mix about two tablespoons of salt into hot tap water, making sure it dissolves and then pour it into the jar. Be careful the water does not get on the alligator clips. The two copper sheets should be under water with about one inch left exposed at the top of the car to build your own solar panel.
Carefully place the entire contraption in the sunlight, either in front of a window or carry it outside and expose it to the sun. Using the voltmeter connect the leads to the two alligator and you can see the meter indicate the small amount of power being generated by sunlight, proving you were able to build your own solar panel.
Tags: Solar Energy Kit · Solar Power Generation · Solar Power DIY · Solar Technology · Solar Cells · Solar Energy Panels · Home Solar Energy