If you are hesitant about choosing a residential solar power system, small solar power may be just what you are looking for. Less expensive than larger panels, they’ve also been much less powerful; as an introduction to solar energy, however, they can be perfect for the homeowner who isn’t quite ready to completely solarize his or her home.
Small Solar Panels Don’t Create a lot of Energy
As you can imagine, a small solar panel will generally have fewer watts than a larger panel. Experts in the Solar Guide, for example, note that a 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 cost per watt, vital that you be able to get a rough idea for this type and involving household items a particular panel will be able to power from the idea description. For comparison purposes, let’s use the average California installation of 3100 watts, which typically powers a substantial residence. Next special example, 200 watts certainly doesn’t think that it will power much more than only a couple of bulbs. For example, the Grape Solar 880 watt system, in accordance with the product’s manufacturer, can perform 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, also.
Small Solar Panel Kits
The Grape Solar 880 watt system is one example from the small solar panel kit that can also be used as a sort of “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 it bank fully priced. These particular kits usually contain panels rated anywhere from 50 to 440 watts, depending upon how heavily the vehicle or boat played with as well as how many appliances are on stance. Larger, more powerful systems will also would like a greater number of batteries as well as an inverter. The panels in such kits are usually 12-volt type, given that 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 perfect for Remote Areas
Another common use for small solar energy panels is to power an off-the-grid lodge or cabin. This is the 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 power backup system, a configuration for many 150-watt panels often used, depending upon the power required. For outdoor accessories such as security lights, electric fences or water fountains, much smaller panels are often used. Smaller are still the solar panels that power electric exhaust and vent fans, as well as solar cellular phone and laptop chargers. In fact, backpacks, laptop carrying cases and messenger bags are now provided with built-in solar panels with which to charge your cellular devices. Small-scale solar living is gaining momentum with each passing day!
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