Science Forums 2

[Dutchdivco]

Most pholtovoltaic solar and wind electric power systems use 12 volt, although they use 'marine' batteries instead of car batteries, and usually use a 'bank' of them. I'm thinking, A) This could be used as a supplement to such a system charging even when cloudy or windless, or B) By using a bigger system, (Really just need more insulated copper wire, could be run in several layers over the same coarse, so wouldn't add much to cost, just more insulators perhaps) could supply ALL the recharging for an 'off-grid' system.I'm definetly up for trying this, although I can't start on it yet. Since I'm planning on building an off-grid system, I will need the bank of batteries and inverters, charge monitors anyway.Before laying out the BIG expence of solar cells, I will set up a system and see how much charging I can get from it. Even if it just reduces the # of solar panels I need, that would be significant, as they are the highest $ item in the system.Unfortunately, won't be able to start for about 6 mos.Jim