what if you have a lot of cloudy days? is there an alternative energy source option?
1421672
If it's located in "full sun' rather than shade, it should charge just fine, regardless of cloudy days. Ours is in a shady spot with little direct sun and is O.K. During the day, when you might not want it to be spraying (nighttime racoons are our pests) but still charging, just turn sensor down and leave Havahart on. The more times it's activated the more charging time it needs.
1421673
No AC solution for cloudy days. Even in south Florida, there are enough cloudy days to make this product inoperative at times.
1421674
The solar panel is the only power source for the unit. The battery life is dependent on how many times per day the unit is activated.
971648
I'm taking a big gamble and have boughten 2 of these 60 watt systems to power up a remote cabin in upstate new york.Mostly lighting and a 12 volt water pump.Very conservative use.Lights will only be on where I need them.My questions are:will a cloud covered winter sky still produce a trickle charge from these panels?We can go weeks without a sunny day.I also will have to keep the snow and ice off the panels.Should I set up two completely seperate systems or should I tie both together on one battery bank?Can I also hook a regular battery charger to the batteries in conjunction with the solar chargers? I'm taking a big gamble and have boughten 2 of these 60 watt systems to power up a remote cabin in upstate new york.Mostly lighting and a 12 volt water pump.Very conservative use.Lights will only be on where I need them.My questions are:will a cloud covered winter sky still produce a trickle charge from these panels?We can go weeks without a sunny day.I also will have to keep the snow and ice off the panels.Should I set up two completely seperate systems or should I tie both together on one battery bank?Can I also hook a regular battery charger to the batteries in conjunction with the solar... » Read More I'm taking a big gamble and have boughten 2 of these 60 watt systems to power up a remote cabin in upstate new york.Mostly lighting and a 12 volt water pump.Very conservative use.Lights will only be on where I need them.My questions are:will a cloud covered winter sky still produce a trickle charge from these panels?We can go weeks without a sunny day.I also will have to keep the snow and ice off the panels.Should I set up two completely seperate systems or should I tie both together on one battery bank?Can I also hook a regular battery charger to the batteries in conjunction with the solar chargers? « Show Less
805013
I've tried the boiling water trick but they still came out cloudy. Honestly the best thing I found was distilled water. I use a jug of super distilled water and they come out clear as day.
1579413
Wind and Solar can be combined to create a very effective, powerful system but there's a lot of tricks to doing it properly. There is a company that sells products here on Amazon called Windy Nation and they are long-time experts in doing this. They also have web site with a *lot* of free information on how to do this. DISCLAIMER: I am not connected with this company in any way -- other than I've been using their web site as a tech reference for almost 10 years and that I occasionally buy a product from them.
282385
Hello This is a great light and stays on for up to 12 hours after a very sunny day. It turns on at night, right at sundown. You could add a switch in series where the light sensor is and bypass the night sensor. But on a cloudy day the light will not last nearly as long of course.
737105
The unit can only be charged by the solar panel, but even on cloudy days it seems to charge although it won't be as fast.
829258
I assume that if the haze gets bad that it would lower the effectiveness. I bet there are commercial cleaners made just for solar panels that would be an option. Also, the special auto cleaners for restoring clouded headlight covers would work too.
950073
I installed 2 30W fans. They work when there is light, the brighter the light the faster the fan turns. They do work on cloudy days, just not as fast.
717653
I would think you would need at least 6-8 hours of daylight for it to get a good charge. It seems to do fine on cloudy or rainy days as long as it gets some sun for most of it. I live in Florida, so we don't generally have a ptoblem getting plenty of light for keeping it charged.
1536111
Yes you can. Ud no direct sunlight you hace to put the device in upright position, it is more performance.
1597084
Mookie, unfortunately, I have never attempted this. I've often wondered if there was a solar option as well but have yet to investigate it further.
1075788
That would not work. It would be like trying to heat your home with a candle. The sun has incomparable amounts of light energy compared to anyman made light. For example say a 12v 7ah battery takes a day to charge in the sun. It would take the same battery 2 months to charge with the lights in your garage.
72191
With good direct sunlight, you should have no problems. Shady days and the charging goes slower.
1597575
Yes it does charge on cloudy days. Was cloudy and rainy for 4 consecutive days where I live and still worked well.
877912
The solar charge rate is very slow. Depending on bright sunlight and several days I guess you could.
1268090
Mine charge even when it has been cloudy for days. I believe they charge whether they are on or off.
1696520
This generator must be outdoors. There is no way you can direct the exhaust outside and it is a very nasty smell of propane and co2. It will function well with a solar system if you know when to turn it on. Sunny Island (sma) will only allow the power from this to charge at nite. Outbacks might not have this problem. I'm off grid. With such a big place you must have lots of batteries to charge on cloudy , rainy days. But I gather you have AC from the utility and are feeding back excess power. If you do you may want to look at a different model which may cost less.