Systems
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Battery Capacity Calculator
What is Battery Capacity? Generally, battery capacity is the amount of electricity a battery can generate. It may also be defined as the amount of energy stored in a battery. Typically, battery capacity is expressed in amp-hours (Ah). However, other units like milliamp-hours (mAh), watt-hours (Wh), and kilowatt-hours (kWh) may also be used to represent…
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Can I Use a Higher mAh Battery in Solar Lights?
Most solar lights use lower mAh batteries, but you can use higher mAh batteries without causing any damage or going through unneeded stress. However, you must pay attention to certain factors such as output voltage rating and amperage. Factors to Consider Before Switching to Higher mAh Batteries Voltage Voltage is the primary factor to consider…
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A Complete Guide on Disconnecting Solar Panels
Disconnecting your solar panels may sound pretty simple and straightforward. Unfortunately, this is not really the case, and getting it wrong can have dire consequences. Many folks don’t realize that there are several “active” or “live” components in any solar system, particularly a hybrid solar system. This makes applying correct safety precautions when disconnecting a…
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10 Best Solar Battery Maintainer for Cars and RVs
Unfortunately, emergencies strike when you least expect it for many, but having a quick and reliable method to restore battery power can be a lifesaver. In many cases, when you can least handle it. Being out shopping when your car battery decides to die can be a massive headache. Out camping in the woods with…
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Solar Panel Specifications Explained
Solar panel specifications can seem like they are written in another language, but they aren’t that complicated. Not only are the terms easy to understand, but many solar panel specifications allow you to make better decisions for your needs and your home. It is important to understand solar panel specifications to maximize your return on…
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The 9 Best Solar Charge Controllers in 2023
To compile our list of solar charge controllers, we measured maximum output voltage, maximum input voltage, maximum charge current, and maximum input wattage. But peak conversion efficiency and manageability ultimately separate the best from the rest. A good solar charge controller is typified by high peak conversion efficiency. This is one of the reasons MPPTs…
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MPPT vs PWM – The Difference Explained (With Diagrams)
MPPT charge controllers can harness optimal performance from any solar array under a wide range of conditions, while PWM controllers are limited in their scope of application. But, against the backdrop of modern solar technology, MPPT charge controllers can do it all while PWM controllers can’t. Check out the difference between MPPT vs. PWM charge…
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10 Best Pure Sine Wave Inverters in 2023
The best pure sine wave inverters are the ones that can keep multiple sensitive electronics charged while protecting them from harm. Other important characteristics of the ideal pure sine inverter are solid warranties. If something goes wrong with the device, size, and weight, that won’t be too cumbersome for the intended use and comes with…
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8 Best Wire Strippers in 2023
A lightweight, versatile wire stripper with a sharp cutting edge and a solid grip is great. However, the best wire strippers stand out largely because of their broad wire gauge range. A versatile wire stripper does more than just wire stripping. Some brands design wire strippers and add extra features such as crimping and cutting.…
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Pure Sine Wave Inverter vs. Modified Sine Wave Models
The main difference between pure sine wave inverter vs. modified sine models is that the pure sine wave inverter outputs closely resemble AC mains power and are suitable for all applications. A modified sine wave model is choppy, less stable, and only suitable for more robust devices. The power from any 120-volt AC mains outlet…
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Why Do Solar Panels Have a Peak Power?
A peak power rating lets users estimate optimum Photovoltaic (PV) system performance. Still, as we find out below, industry experts tend to take this number poorly. Peak power for solar panels, rated in kilowatts per hour (kWp), is the maximum energy output that a panel can produce. The datasheet contains this information for each solar…
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5 Best Solar Power Meter in 2023
The best solar power meters measure broad ranges of solar radiant flux, have low measurement resolution, are highly accurate, are cosine corrected, and are easy to carry around in just one hand. Therefore, when buying a new solar power meter, look out for its measuring range, resolution, accuracy range, cosine correction, and portability. But beyond…
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Solar Combiner Box Wiring Diagram: Essential Installation Roadmaps
If you have a solar combiner box with a confusing or missing wiring diagram, you’ll have to find a better example, seek advice on deciphering it, or even draw one up yourself. We can help you do this by describing the different types of diagrams you may encounter and how to find, read, and understand…
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Solar Panels Series or Parallel: The Evergreen Solar Dilemma
Solar panel series offer good expansion potential and lower cost, parallel connections are less prone to shading issues, while hybrid options combine the best of both worlds. Series connected arrays produce higher voltages and low amperage, allowing for growth and low installation costs. In contrast, parallel wiring models produce low voltages and high amperage and…
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How to Size MPPT Solar Charge Controller Units
So, you think sizing an MPPT charge controller is hard? A job reserved for guys in horn-rimmed glasses and lab coats. Well, think again. Sizing a charge controller actually nowhere near as difficult as you imagine. And we are going to show you how to size MPPT solar charge controller units the easy way! Granted,…
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How to Install a Power Inverter in a Camper
Being able to power a 110v coffee machine in the morning without starting a noisy generator is a great comfort. However, you’ll need an inverter to convert electricity from a 12-volt battery system to 110-volt to enjoy this amenity. Inverter installation is a simple DIY task, but you shouldn’t take anything involving electricity lightly. That’s…
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10 Best Rechargeable Batteries for Solar Lights
While lithium-ion batteries have long been touted as the future of the solar battery world, some close rivals are giving them a run for their money. This blog post gives you a closer look at the best rechargeable batteries for solar lights currently available for solar light applications. We’ve covered several Energizer, Amazon, and Panasonic…
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How to Test Solar Panels – Tools, Terms, and Instructions
Testing solar panels is a fairly straightforward process, requiring few tools and little to no expertise. But one single false step or wrong connection can turn this ostensibly simple task into a stressful ordeal. You can end up damaging your panels, testing devices, or even getting shocked. Therefore, you’ll want to know how to test…
