MWTMar 2

I find myself in possession of a solar panel. It has a plug outlet that is round with two round holes in it. Does anyone have any idea whether this connector has a name, and/or what I could plug this into (other than the out-of-production system it originally belonged to)?

#solar #solarpanels #solarpunk #electricity #offgrid #helpmethinkofbetterhashtags

Show threadMx. Luna Corbden 🐸Mar 2

@mwt I'd like to know too.

Is it a smallish plug? Do you have a pic? [I see the pics now; it hadn't loaded — that does look about like mine, except mine are plastic.]

I got a portable Ampace generator with panels and that's what its plugs look like. I haven't set it up permanently yet, but when I do, I suspect I'll need some extensions. I would like to know what it's called as well.

Show threadMWT
@corbden mine came with a portable generator. The generator sat around unused too long and went kaput though, so the original owner has recycled it (and left me with the panel which still works fine). I too am hoping to find a battery/inverter/thingy to plug it into so I can benefit from solar power while stuck being a renter. :)
Mar 2 at 8:10amWeb
Show threadMx. Luna Corbden 🐸Mar 2

@mwt The battery/generator is the most expensive part unfortunately. I've been wasting my investment. On the upside, the prices have been coming down. It looks like you can get a little one for under $100 US, but I don't know if those will work. They won't store much.

It's good to know they break after being unused. I haven't used mine in a year other than testing it. I'm planning to set it up soon!

Show threadMWTMar 2
@corbden well in mine there was a tiny fuse, and the instructions said to not leave it in if not using, because it would degrade the battery. Well, it was in there when I got it, so that's probably why it died.
Show threadMx. Luna Corbden 🐸Mar 2
@mwt mine has a standby mode I put it in so hopefully that's enough.
Show threadMWTMar 2
@corbden my current idea is to just get a small portable battery/inverter with household plug outlets avaliable, to plug in my one solar panel. We could put it outside in the garden, run a cord through the window, and power the TV. So far I'm still digging around for the Internet to explain how to do that without installing ten more panels and equipment on the house... I guess I should look into generators.
Show threadHumphrey Archer11h ago

@mwt

Do you have any idea what the panel specs are?

Depending on Wattage and its open circuit Voltage you might be looking for either a regulator or invertor, and have different aims for it.

If it is a 100W panel, getting an inverter to run your PC might be an option
If its a 20W panel, getting a regulator to charge batteries might be a more useful goal
Etc

@corbden