Solar Panel on Pete

Many people have asked me tons on questions about my solar panel. Most people have just said its a stupid waste of money.
First of all it cost about $650 for everything!

I posted the pictuce below.

The panel: 90 wp. 200w Max.

I connected it to a battery under my bunk. I also installed an overload switch. It gives me enoung power to run my cell phone(constant charge), GPS, computer as needed, I run my cooler on it all day if I have many stops and i always leave the cooler plugged in all night, at night I either run a fan or an electric blanket. Since you lose energy in the conversion I try to keep everything DC.
This may not be for everyone but I love it. Next step is wind turbines!

I DO REALIZE THE MAKING OF A SWAMP COOLER AS DESCRIBED BELOW IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. YES, THE ICE WILL COST YOU SOMETHING. THIS IS A CHEAP COUNRTY BOY WAY TO STAY COOL. YOU CAN RUN THIS COOLER AND A FAN OFF THE SOLAR PANEL AND HAVE ALMOST NOTHING SPENT ON MATERIALS.....ZERO MAINTENANCE AND COOLER TEMPS. IN THE TEXAS HEAT.

To compliment this you can take two small computer fans (these can be ordered from any computer parts store) . Well, you start with a cooler (plastic beer cooler) --place the foam door sealer along the top around the lid.
Then you will need to attach some form of latches that will hold the lid down tight. (Much like hood straps on some trucks) ---
NEXT buy a small L shaped rabbit feeder ----then cut a hole in the top of the cooler that one end of the feeder will fit snugly into. Seal it in.
NEXT attach the fans into the other end of the feeder with the forward air going into the cooler. PORT the other side of the top of the cooler (later you can install a panel for adjusting air flow.
The wires coming off the fans need to be connected to a 12v plug. Make sure to put an inline fuse.
SWEET NOW ADD FOUR BAGS OF ICE AND YOUR 10 HRS. OFF IS SPENT COOLER THAN BEFORE.

 

Like I said I paid a bit more for mine to get the extra power. What the best idea I think is to have the generator set up to come on when the battery power drops below a certain point. I think its best to have this charging while your driving this way there is less noise epwhen you sleep. I'm still researching the best way to connect all mine. I believe once we get the wind, solar and generator power working together we will be the envy of everyone. I love doing this as a hobby.
Always fun to sit and think!