For your mobile home, recreational vehicle or boat, a 12 volt solar panel can be a really great way to generate some extra juice. Solar panels are reliable and virtually maintenance free as power supplies go, and convert sunlight into electricity in a very efficient way. In this article we will discuss how these panels work and how you can make the best use of them.
Solar Cells And Their Function
18 Volt Power Tools
A solar panel is a large assembly of individual cells, and in order to understand the whole, it is important to understand how each part works. An individual solar cell works on something called the photovoltaic effect, which is where a voltage is created in a material when it is exposed to light. Any light source can work, but since we are talking about saving energy it only makes sense to consider the sun, and therefore we refer to them as solar cells. The photovoltaic effect was first discovered in 1839, but it has not been until quite recently that we have been able to produce genuinely usable solar cells at a reasonable price.
One of the main problems with getting energy from the sun is that the energy available is directly proportional to the size of the panel. As a result, only very large panels can produce large amounts of electricity. Smaller panels produce less, but can still provide enough power to usefully reduce a household's electricity bills, and the sheer convenience of cheap and maintenance free power is hard to deny. Because of the issue of size, there is a strong drive towards making solar panels more efficient, but this is something of a losing battle; as the efficiency approaches 100% the law of diminishing returns comes into effect and progress is slow.
Using Solar Panels
A 12 volt solar panel is very common on boats and other mobile applications. They are commonly used as a convenient way to charge the batteries on sailing boats during the day as an alternative to running a generator. This produces a very liberating feeling as you can feel as though you are in control of a genuinely free-energy vehicle - motion from the wind, power from the sun.
You will also commonly find solar panels on urban roof tops. The idea here is usually not to replace grid power entirely, but to supplement it, taking some of the load off the power stations and reducing the homeowner's electricity bill. In many areas you can apply for financial support if installing solar panels, such as a lower electricity cost per kWh.
Buying 12V Panels
You should carefully consider the amount of power you will get from a 12 volt solar panel before you buy. As mentioned before, the size is directly proportional to the power, and you should be able to find simple equations to help calculate the power produced from the size combined with the time in the sun in your part of the world. So long as you shop carefully and do not expect miracles, these types of panels can be a great addition to your home or mobile vehicle.
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Black & Decker HPB18-OPE 18-Volt Slide Pack Battery For 18-Volt Outdoor Cordless Power Tools Feature
- Compatible with models NST2018, NST2118, NST1810, NHT518, NS118, NPP2018, NPT318, CCS818, CCC3000, GC818.
- Easy to install and remove
- Powers your yard tools for efficient, wireless operation
- Weighs 1.7 pounds
- Includes a 2-year warranty
Black & Decker HPB18-OPE 18-Volt Slide Pack Battery For 18-Volt Outdoor Cordless Power Tools Overview
18V slide battery pack for use with all Black & Decker 18V outdoor power tools; for interchangeable convenience and value.Black & Decker HPB18-OPE 18-Volt Slide Pack Battery For 18-Volt Outdoor Cordless Power Tools Specifications
Compatible with Black & Decker models NST2018, NST1810, NHT518, NS118, NPP2018, NPT3118, this powerful 18-volt battery lets you complete all your yard clean-up jobs without the mess and stress of wires. Longlasting, reliable, and a snap to both install and remove, the HPB18-OPE is ready to go when you are. For added peace of mind, it also comes with a 2-year warranty.SAVE NOW on the special offers below!
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