I would like to make this operate by solar. What components do you recommend I buy?
1397704
I asked the company a similar question and received a great, informational answer. First you need the Solar Panel Kit: http://www.baldwinpines.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=190 We would need extra low voltage wire since our panel had to be so far from the gate. And we would need a charge controller to protect the battery. There's one on amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Sunforce-7-Amp-Charge-Controller/dp/B0006JO0XI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1415053411&sr=8-6&keywords=charge+controller I would highly recommend asking the Gatekeeper company - I'm just passing on what we were told about our particular installation. They were so great with us and they definitly know their stuff! Here's all of the contact information from their website: BaldwinPines 224 McLemore Pvt Dr Somerville, AL 35670 (256) 333-GATE (Phone) (256) 498-0469 (Fax) Sales@baldwinpines.com For Technical Support, email support@baldwinpines.com
1397705
Sorry Louis, I can't help you on the solar component. I didn't set mine up with one. I might be able to help you with other questions.
1016914
You can't unless you get the blessing from your local utility company. If you do,it would take a little more watts than the unit provides. Works when the sun shines only.
98158
I think it should work well. With my portable power unit, I use a solar panel, though a 50 watt.
1648403
In my opinion I would work backwards first. AC Energy Needs: What do you need to power? How many watts? Yousay laptops, radio, and possible fan (just kidding). None of those are big energy hogs. So you could probably get by with a system that outputs a continuous 100 watts. On the safe side lets say 150 watts of continuous AC power. OK, so you need an inverter (converts DC power to AC power) that output at least 150 watts of continuous power. There are lots of good inverters in this range. I suggest one that has a built in fan, high conversion efficiency, and an alarm for low power supply voltage. DC Energy Source: Solar panels output DC energy; however, their out put varies with time of day, cloudiness, and much more. You need a continuous power source. In steps the battery, a power reservoir or buffer. We are not talking car batteries here, as they will not handle the deep discharges and recharges that you could subject them to. Deep cycle batteries are what you want. If you read Northern Arizona Wind & Sun's battery FAQ (http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm) you will fidn they recommend AGM batteries, such as these: UPG UB12350 Group U1 - AGM Battery - Sealed Lead Acid - 12 Volt - 35 Ah Capacity - I2 Terminal. Charging the battery: In steps the Solar Panel. Simply put you use the solar panel to charge the battery. You will also need to put something in between the battery and the solar panel(s), such a charge controller (avoids over charging) or diode (prevents charge from batteries leaking back through to the panels). Of course, you also need the best direct sunlight you can get. Mostly, that is what you need.
856823
You will need a power inverter, solar panels, cabling, fuse, and batteries. Everything depends on the power needed by the pump and where the inverter and batteries will be located. I recommend watching youtube videos on the subject before spending a dime.
693462
If you use the two charge controllers that they each came with. also look up Renolgy 100w solar kits they are way more bang for the buck.
1311913
You can connect at least 8 solar panels of 100watts each and I have 15 deep cycle batteries on that. You need cables mostly and maybe some safety fuses if you want.
1848603
You need a charge controller. I bought this one AGPtek® 30A Solar Panel Power Battery Charge Controller / Regulator 12V / 24V 30 Amp with PWM Type of Charging (Automatic Lighting Control + Time Functions) , but I had to cut the wires on the solar panel to connect to the charge controller. You can get adapters, but I'm not sure what those are called.
1644190
Ya you can run this with photovoltaics. The only thing is that this is 120VAC so you will need an inverter from the solar panel to the pump. More than likely there are DC pumps out there and you could hook directly to it. It will start pumping when the sun comes up and stop when it goes down. If you want it to continuously run then get a larger solar panel --&gt; charge controller--&gt;battery--&gt;pump. My estimate since pump is 6 watts get at least an 18-20 watt panel then a battery that will last you through the night, 6 watts * 18 hours * 2 (oversize it) = 216 watt*hour battery.
898763
All you need a Solar panel and lots of sun. I recommend you purchase the Goalzero Boulder 30 solar panel. It is expensive but I found that it does as advertised. I have several of the Yeti 400's as well and several of the Boulder 30's. I am to date, pleased with them both.
2242774
You need a charge controller pretty much for any solar panel over 10 watts. I like the ones that have a digital voltage meter and built in float mode. Lots of choices for controllers in the $20 range Panel has held up well so far on my sailboat.
765123
I also wanted to add that battery tender makes quality products. In your searching for controllers you should also look for "solar light controllers" (an older form of simple 12v lighting controllers) you may be able to find some cheap from the big names like morningstar, xantrex etc. that make top notch solar electrical stuff.
1836483
Sure, but you will want to make sure that you have the solar panel hooked up through a contoller/regulator to avoid overcharging the battery. This is true with any battery.
974745
That will work just fine. Just make sure your solar controller is rated for at least 10 amps and preferably 15 amps just to be safe.
1858616
sorry. Amazon is not to together. it was not enough watts for my solar generator. I sent it back. salt water will ruin it. make sure the it's enough watts for what your using it for. water , waves trashing it will cause it to probely short out and ruin it. use a panel and make sure the electrical connections are water proof.
614578
Sorry I haven't this knowledge. Sounds like you want a solar still, or some sort of camping gear.
575744
Controllers don't care about brand name solar panels. It's just an input. You should consider a 30 amp controller for about the same price. You will expand your system as you find out how much more useful larger systems are. I started with 100 watts and now have 400. Just my humble advise.