Re: [Amc-list] Solar chargers, Hey Joe!

[Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>]

Solar panels are tricky. I had a pair of "30 watt" panels on the roof of 
my Classic for 15 years. They were expensive Solarex panels, not junk. 
They were amorphous cells on a flexible aluminum backing (boat type). 
The silicone coating finally cracked, water got in and corroded the 
inter-cell straps.

They put out, each, 1.5 amps in full sun, in So Cal, from like 11a - 3p, 
maximum. They were 17V panels, so that tied to a 12V (really, around 
14V) battery maximum current was OK for all components. They did keep 
the battery up though.

They always rate maximum output, which means clean, aimed broadside to 
the sun, and peak sun output. Fine in Phoenix, useless in Boston.


Ohm's Law says current = power / voltage

5W panel is 5 / 12 = 0.4A peak
1.5W panel is 1.5 / 12 = 0.125 amps peak

Worthless. Good for charging C or D cells.
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