The Houston situation has reminded me of my desire to have some sort of solar power source to run basic small electric tools/appliances. First and foremost, a radio and lights. Beyond that, cell phone, perhaps laptop, and beyond that, perhaps electric tools like drill or jigsaw.

I am looking at the Goal Zero solar panels and chargers on REI website. Am I on the right track for my needs? Are there other/better solutions for off-grid fairly small use power? I don't expect it to keep the refrigerator running.

Goal Zero is an expensive way to do it. You can do it yourself with a little research, buying the panels and controls yourself. Building a battery bank and installing a inverter. Goal zero is user friendly and ready to go, but you pay for it. You can build a much higher amperage unit yourself for less.

quote:

Originally posted by Joe123: You can build a much higher amperage unit yourself for less

If you're electronically inclined sure...but, what if you're not, got a link for such a set-up?

You be better off buying one of these.

https://www.amazon.com/Honda-E...000i+honda+generator

Jim

I've been looking hard at the "Predator 3500" from Harbor Freight. Can be had on sale for $650 and is getting very favorable reviews. https://www.harborfreight.com/...63584.html supposedly a newer generation of better Chinese manufacturing.

Solar also makes sense in addition especially for charging phones, laptops etc. Harbor freight also has a 100w kit for $189 I've been looking at as well. https://www.harborfreight.com/...panel-kit-63585.html

Goal Zero is high end and user-friendly, but I can't get over the price either...yikes.

My dad made a solar oven and cooked some awesome ribs in a dutch oven inside the solar oven when we visited him a few weeks ago. It got over 200 inside.

It is just a 3 sided wood box with plexi-glass on the top and front and folding mirrors on 3 sides to direct sun in.

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo54:
You be better off buying one of these.

https://www.amazon.com/Honda-E...000i+honda+generator

Jim

I'm familiar with those and I recognize the utility. The point of solar is for times when there is no gas available and/or you want to be quiet.

quote:

Originally posted by corsair:

quote:

Originally posted by Joe123: You can build a much higher amperage unit yourself for less

If you're electronically inclined sure...but, what if you're not, got a link for such a set-up?

Yes, great. I'd be happy to build it myself. Point me in the right direction.

just one of many offerings at camping world
http://www.campingworld.com/sh...330w-solar-kit/85824

Here's another option. This Ryobi has the same features as the Honda plus Bluetooth monitoring, 2 USB ports and a full feature panel to monitor the generator while running. After looking at it I think I'll pick one up.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryo...RYI2300BTA/300347426

Jim

The site has been around for a long time and specializes in emergency preparedness:

https://theepicenter.com/

Some of the newer technology is solar shingles and increased efficiency.

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/solar-shingles

http://www.suntegrasolar.com/

https://www.tesla.com/solarroof

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo54:
You be better off buying one of these.

https://www.amazon.com/Honda-E...000i+honda+generator

Jim

I have the pair of these and they were life savers during Hurricane Matthew. One can run a refrigerator and a freezer, plus can be used to power a microwave and coffee pot, charge your devices, lights etc.

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo54:
This Ryobi has the same features as the Honda...

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryo...RYI2300BTA/300347426

Jim

Does this RYOBI generator's engine use a fuel pump?

It takes a lot of surface area to generate much solar power.

For good panels aimed directly at the sun when the weather is clear and the sun is high in the sky, you can plan on about 150 watts per square meter of panel area.

That'll run a whole lot of high-efficiency LED bulbs and charge laptops and phones.

However, you also mentioned tools. Tools tend to need a lot more power than that.

Even a cheap little lightweight plug-in drill can pull 500-600 watts. Heavy duty ones draw 1000+ watts.

Even the chargers for cordless power tools usually draw hundreds of watts.

quote:

Originally posted by FRANKT:

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo54:
This Ryobi has the same features as the Honda...

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryo...RYI2300BTA/300347426

Jim

Does this RYOBI generator's engine use a fuel pump?

I have no idea. My guess is that it is gravity feed, but that is all it is, a guess. I posted the question on their website.

Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo54:

quote:

Originally posted by FRANKT:

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo54:
This Ryobi has the same features as the Honda...

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryo...RYI2300BTA/300347426

Jim

Does this RYOBI generator's engine use a fuel pump?

I have no idea. My guess is that it is gravity feed, but that is all it is, a guess. I posted the question on their website.

Jim

Thanks. I have a reason for asking and, depending on how you would be using the generator, it could affect your buying decision.

Another option. Not sure of the quality.

https://www.costco.com/Coleman...oduct.100350031.html

To have an effective solar system to run stuff when the sun isn't available will take a good battery bank. What you're running and how much power you can generate from your panels will affect battery bank.

For lights and charging phones and suck I would get a few LED camping lanterns, battery charger things for phones, and a box or two of Amazon basic batteries. Power tools will take some real power. I would just get some battier powered tool, some extra batteries and keep the batteries charged. Maybe add an inverter for your car.

The generator I think is the best option though.

Will the panels be out all the time or will you just put them out when needed? Will the battery bank get charged of you house current when you have the power to keep it up? Remember if your panels up all the time they could take damage from whatever it is that knocks out your power.

quote:

Originally posted by comet24:
To have an effective solar system to run stuff when the sun isn't available will take a good battery bank.

While the Tesla Powerwall is $5500, many are now building DIY versions of the powerwall using old laptop batteries that are fairly cheap and common. That route might be worth investigating.

Thanks to those with solar leads. I probably need to do some power draw figuring, and maybe forget about power tools. I'll keep looking.

https://www.wholesalesolar.com...nformation/diy-solar

These are the folks I'm going to work with/through I think. I'm working on a grid tie-in with battery back-up. Most of the local outfits have quoted me around $20K for what I need. I can do most of it myself and likely cut that cost in half plus rebates. With a decent battery bank and not much draw, you can last better than a week on batteries and use the panels, grid (if available), or a generator to recharge the batteries.