DIY PV Systems Adds Small Solar Energy Panels

Solar powering an entire house is a very expensive proposition. But there's many applications where solar electricity is both cost effective and very affordable.

Almost everyone has some activity where photovoltaics (PV, solar electricity) is already economical, DIY Photovoltaic Systems has just added small solar products to its marketing line up . In many situations solar modules are actually less expensive and more convenient than running power lines or lugging batteries. This is especially true for outdoor activities and remote locations. Several of those uses are described below.

Perhaps the most familiar use is maintaining a car battery. This type of unit provides a few watts to trickle-charge the car battery, usually by plugging into the cigarette lighter. They're generally about 1 foot square, or less, and are placed inside the car on top of the dashboard. These battery maintainers help assure the vehicle will restart after sitting for a while, such as after long term airport parking, in a rarely-used second car, truck, or RV. Larger units are a full solar automotive battery charger.

There's also solar battery chargers for personal electronics such as digital cameras and cell phones. These typically fold up into a compact, lightweight package for easy portability. They're great for camping with solar. Older-style units have a vehicle outlet connector and require a variety of adapters. Newer models incorporate a USB connector compatible with a variety of devices. It takes several hours to fully charge a battery from a solar module.

Larger panels provide 15, 25, even 60 peak watts, and can temporarily or permanently mounted. They provide enough power for larger appliances where more than a day's worth of batteries would be ridiculous. They can power solar outdoor lights and run small TVs, radios, and other small appliances for a few hours each day or evening. One interesting use is to charge batteries for boat electric trolling motors or even small sailboats. This works especially well if the system can charge a battery over several weekdays in preparation for weekend use.

Going back down the wattage scale, there are several solar energy panel, battery, and lighting fixture combinations. Solar powered “Malibu lights” have been available for some time. In addition to other types of decorative lighting, there's solar powered security lights which also include a motion sensor. Finally, there's lanterns with built-in solar cells to provide indoor and outdoor emergency lighting.

There are many situations where solar energy panels for electricity are now less expensive and more convenient than alternatives such as extending power lines or lugging large batteries. They range from charging a camping lantern to powering lights and appliances in a cabin. With worries about global warming and oil spills, most people would like in whatever ways are economical. The good news is that many solar panels already are. So DIY PV Systems is adding educational information and purchasing links for small, affordable solar energy panels.

The DIY PV Systems web site was launched in the summer of 2010 to promote hands-on do-it-your-self energy conservation and renewable energy systems projects. We provide introductory information and promote online information packages and green-energy hardware.

DIY PV Systems
714 Creekland Circle
San Jose, CA 95133

Press Contact:
JD Roberts
jamesdroberts@comcast.net

This release was published on openPR.