Solar Panels

Solar Panel battery capacity is measured in Amp Hours or AH. You need to convert this to Watt Hours by multiplying the AH figure by the battery voltage. For a 17AH, 12V battery the Watt Hours figure is 17 x 12 = 204WH. This means the battery could supply 204W for 1 hour, or 102W for 2 hours. The more energy you harness, the faster the battery discharges. The power consumption is indicated in Watts. To calculate the energy you will use over time, just multiply the power consumption by the hours of use. The 13W light fitting, on for 2 hours, will take 13 x 2 = 26WH from the battery. Repeat this for all the appliances you wish to use, then add the results to establish total consumption.

The power generation rating of a Solar Panel is also indicated in Watts. To calculate the energy it can supply to the battery, multiply Watts by the hours exposed to sunshine, then multiply the result by 0.85 (this factor allows for natural system losses). For a Solar 10W panel in 4 hours of sunshine, 10 x 4 x 0.85= 34WH. This is the amount of energy the Solar panel can supply to the battery.

As well as a broad selection of Solar Panels, in this section of Gardener's World you will also find useful accessories including mounts, cables, stands and bonding agents. Whether you required a free-standing/temporary panel or a more permanent fixture, you are sure to find something to meet your requirements.