Basic Solar Power stuff
For a basic solar power system you will need:
Solar panels - I bought mine off ebay. You should be able to get a good deal for about $5 per watt or lower. I bought a 75W panel on ebay for $332 which included the shipping.
Blocking diodes - you need this component in your solar panel output line to keep reverse leakage current at night time from bleeding your batteries dead. Some panels have the diodes already mounted in the panel, but I always add my own on the line, just in case.
Batteries - I found using Marine deep cycle lead-acid batteries was a good way to go. They are relatively cheap, durable and can handle deep cycling of the charge. I got mine from Walmart for $76 each.
Charge controller - This device hooks up to your Solar panel and regulates the charge current going into your storage batteries to keep them from overcharging. It has an input connect for the solar panel, and output connection to the storage batteries and another output connection to small DC loads. I got mine from ebay for $99. It is digital and displays solar panel voltage, charge current, output load current, temperature and time of day.
Inverter - this device converts DC into 60hz AC for running things you would typically power from your wall outlet in your home. It comes with a set of heavy duty alligator cable to grip onto your battery terminals. It has one or more electrical sockets for power loads. I got a 600W 3 outlet unit from Walmart for $120.
Solar is simple.... once you get into it.
Regards,
Merkhava
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