On 2/27/2009 12:27 PM Pete C. spake thus:

David Nebenzahl wrote:

On 2/26/2009 11:26 AM David Nebenzahl spake thus:

Told a guy I'd do some research for him into a small simple solar system
for use in maintaining the charge on a 12 volt automotive battery.

Update: I'm going to recommend this small charger from Harbor Freight to
the guy:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=41144

It's a 5-watt[1] panel for $37. Should be good for starters to see how
he likes the idea, and to figure out how to mount it, etc. (The vehicle
is a truck with a camper shell.)

You should really get a meter on the battery in question and find out
what the standby load on it is. Then you can get a better idea of what
sized panel would be needed to keep up with it.

I can tell you that he wants to be able to run a small portable TV, a
radio (not at the same time) and maybe a small light or two (this is at
night). I have no way of actually measuring the actual power draw, as he
doesn't have this stuff at this time. As I said, close enough is close
enough. Plus, $$$ is limited.


--
Personally, I like Vista, but I probably won't use it. I like it
because it generates considerable business for me in consulting and
upgrades. As long as there is hardware and software out there that
doesn't work, I stay in business. Incidentally, my company motto is
"If this stuff worked, you wouldn't need me".

- lifted from sci.electronics.repair