Residential Solar Panel

Want to a setup a residential solar panel? We've found a great 40 Watt solar kit for do-it-yourselfers. The Kit includes all the parts you need to build your own solar energy system to power lights, radios, laptop computers, fans, small tv and lots more.

Sundance Solar has made it very easy to put together with complete instructions. The Kit Includes:

• 40 Watt Framed Solar Panel
• SunSaver 6 amp charge controller
• 55 Amp-hr sealed lead-acid AGM battery
• 300 Watt DC to AC Power inverter
• Voltage meter
• 12V DC outlet with fuse

With a system like this, what could you power?

If the 40 watt solar panel received 5 hours per day of full sun: 2.3 Amps X 5 hrs = 11.5 amp-hrs per day. 11.5 X 12V = 138 watt-hrs of solar energy will be stored in your battery.

If you were using a 20 watt compact fluorescent bulb with the inverter (we'll call it 25 watts because the inverter uses some energy) then you could light the bulb for about 5 1/2 hours with the energy you produced that day.

But you have a battery! Since the battery holds 55 amp-hours or over 600 watt-hours of energy, you could power the light for 24 hours before you need a charge, but it's better to charge it sooner. So the sun puts watt-hours into your battery and then you use it to power stuff that uses watt-hours. Energy in, energy out.

The charge controller prevents the 12V sealed lead-acid battery from over-charging, the inverter converts the 12V DC to 115V AC (standard household-type power). The GoPower 300 inverter is limited to loads of 300 watts or less.

This kit is perfect for beginners that want to get started in solar but don't know where to begin.

Customize your own system. House the battery and components in a cooler on wheels or build a wooden box. Cut a hole and mount the panel voltage meter, and weatherproof with silicone sealant from the hardware store.

Makes a great demonstration system to show how a basic solar home works. Teach your kids and other people's kids about solar power.