Researching Solar, found this company

[Ghost]

I'll be the first to admit, I know very little about solar power, even less when it comes to harnessing said power. So today I was looking some of it up and found out about GoalZero. I have no experience with anything solar (stuff that's powerful mind you), and I was actually surprised at how awesome their products are.

Might be better stuff out there, but thats just what I found right now. Those of you who are more well versed in the solar power world, it might be a great idea to make a thread on Solar Energy 101, and cover how it works, to options for getting that power, using it, etc etc. That can also go with wind power if anyone knows much about that.


So lets get this discussion going!

Almost forgot to add this; http://www.goalzero.com/learn.html

Some good knowledge there for people who, like me, know jack sh*t about this stuff

[JohnyMac]

I was first exposed to solar when one of the boats I brought back from Hawaii had a solar system.

There were two 45 watt panels installed on the stern that could be adjusted to maximize the benefit you would get from the sun. The panels kept a bank of deep cycle marine batteries charged to the point we only used the "iron genny" to when the wind would die-off.

The juice stored supply every piece of electronics including a ice box and freezer!

Skip ahead 15 years: I installed a 45 watt panel on the side of our first cabin at the BOL. Our system has been up since 2006 and has been supplying our electrical needs till just recently. We are on our second set of batteries though, which is to be expected for an area of the country that the temp is below freezing 6 out of 12 months.

If folks want I will write a story on our system as a starting point for the forum. 

[crudos]

JM, please do a write-up on your system. The part that scares me most is the price (and replacement cost) and maintenance of the battery system.

[Ghost]

By all means JM, give us the lowdown on your setup!

[WhiteWolfReloaded]

I've heard good stuff about Goal Zero, but I've no experience with their products. Solar in general is something I've been wanting to do, but haven't had the budget for. Mainly because I focus on food, gardening, and seeds.  Ideally I'd like to run everything in the house off of solar, but I'd also like to build a setup into my truck's bed cap.

[Deathstyle]

http://www.youtube.com/user/MzLoneliness/videos


This channel has a video review of GoalZero products from a prepper. She plans to use it to power her crazy ass field comm radio in bugout/shtf situation.

[Ghost]

http://www.youtube.com/user/MzLoneliness/videos


This channel has a video review of GoalZero products from a prepper. She plans to use it to power her crazy ass field comm radio in bugout/shtf situation.

Bummer, her account was terminated.

[RONSERESURPLUS]

Hey all, thanks on the Thred, Solar I have played with only on the small sales side and I really do want to learn more? I know a Lot of U Tube vids and all I need to get off my ass and check it out, thanks for the post, Motivation is new area's is always welcome

Ron