Beginner Reference Material

[Lee O.]

Hi Guys,

I picked up a small PV panel at a garage sale the other day, it contains
36 2" square units in a 4 x 9 array. I'd like to find a beginner
reference manual to find out what I might be able to use this for. Most
likely recharging AA, C & D batteries for home use.

Any suggestions for a book to look for? Please recommend something
BASIC, so even I could understand it. Thanks.

Cheers Lee O.

Oh, how do I test it for output specs? L.

 

[Ecnerwal]

Any suggestions for a book to look for? Please recommend something
BASIC, so even I could understand it. Thanks.

Go to homepower magazine's website.

Order the CDs with all the back issues.

A better resource than most books.

 

[Hank McCall]

The maximum power point (MPP)of the solar cell is not achieved that way
at all. The formula you give is only true for LINEAR systems and the
solar cell is decidedly non-linear. For a wide range of currents the
voltage output changes very slowly, and current beyond a certain level
makes the voltage drop very quickly. Somewhere in the area where this
change occur s, the output power is maximized. you could multiply
voltage times current for several current values to pin down the MPP.

 

[Lee O.]

Hey,

Thanks for the help guys. This should get me started in the right
direction.

I don't even know what I've got but it was so cheap I couldn't resist
it, and it gives me something to tinker with, then, who knows.

Thanks again, Lee O.

 

[Hank McCall]

OK, you are right. I was right if trying to 'match the output
impedance' of an amp to a load resistor. What that has to do with solar
cells is a pretty long stretch I guess. They both have to do with volts
and amps. Is that ok?

Bob, I have no problem with anyone (such as yourself)who honestly tries
to help an OP. Sometimes we are wrong and need to be corrected, and
that's ok too. I learn a lot when I am (often) corrected.

 

[Landline]

Perhaps George Ghio may like to be philanthropic and e-mail the gentleman a copy of
his book.
We all know what a big heart George has.
George this will be a most gracious act on your behalf and appreciated by all.


| BobG wrote:
| > OK, you are right. I was right if trying to 'match the output
| > impedance' of an amp to a load resistor. What that has to do with solar
| > cells is a pretty long stretch I guess. They both have to do with volts
| > and amps. Is that ok?
| >
| Bob, I have no problem with anyone (such as yourself)who honestly tries
| to help an OP. Sometimes we are wrong and need to be corrected, and
| that's ok too. I learn a lot when I am (often) corrected.

 

[George Ghio]

And who knows, maybe Landline will answer the question.

Remember this one.

I asked you a simple industry related question. If you are an accredited
installer you should be aware of the "Underpinning Skills and Knowledge
for Accreditation Endorsements".

So, are you an accredited designer and installer and do you know about
the "Underpinning Skills and Knowledge for Accreditation Endorsements"?

I answered your question.

It really is quite rude not to answer mine.

 

[Landline]

Yes George I do know
Hopefully that will make you happy.

 

[George Ghio]

Well that's half the question. Although after I had already posted the
info is a bit weak, Eh