Electric Solar Panels -- Power From the Sun

Electric solar panels, technically known as photovoltaic -- or pv -- panels, are a very clever way to harness the power of the sun to provide direct current power for home and commercial use. Large arrays of electric solar panels are used to completely power a residence or office. Smaller pv panels will easily charge batteries for cell phones, media players, or emergency lights. Electric solar panels make clean, quiet dc power for homes (with the inclusion of an ac inverter), recreational vehicles, or outdoor adventures. Additionally, there may be -- for permanent pv panel installation -- substantial tax rebates at the local, state, and federal levels. Check 'em out.

Chicago Electric offers their 45 Watt Solar Panel Kit -- a stand-alone unit with three panels, hardware, dc cabling, battery clamps (you provide the 12 volt battery) and a pair of lamps. The weatherproof panel (with its LED charge indicator) will easily charge the battery to run low-voltage devices. If you want to run 120 volt items like refrigerators or computers, you will need an inverter. This panel setup is ideal for an RV or an isolated cabin that may be subject to power interruptions.



Solartech's 40 Watt PV Solar Panel is a multi-crystalline electrical solar panel that may be used in 12 v dc format or ganged to provide 24 v power. For rigorous industrial or commercial use, the panel may be used in operating temps between -100 and +185 degrees F. 10 years of 90% power and 25 years of 80% power is warranted.



For the casual outdoor user of electric solar panels -- backpackers, ranchers, and the like -- the Tactical Solar Portable Panel Battery Charger. Light in weight, at 8 ounces, and small enough to carry in your pocket, the pv panel will fully charge the 4 (included) AA batteries in 7 hours, and will accommodate either LI or NiMH batteries. The panel features grommets for you to attach to your rucksack or top of your vehicle. Good stuff.

Electrical solar panels -- for when you want to get "off the grid".

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