How to connect a solar panel to an outlet?

Question

I have a cabin in the woods and need more light. I do have enough sun but I was wondering how or where do I get a solar panel to lead to a power outlet? In a perfect world I would like to get a solar panel with a connecting wire to an outlet or something so I could power a small TV. I know its hard enough but can I get that pre-made? Or even lastly should I look at wind power consider I would like this to be under $500? Thank you for putting up with this bundle of questions.

Answer 1

A typical solar panel will deliver 50 watts of power in the form of 24 volts DC. You need 120 volts AC. So here is what it takes:



Since you will need at least 200 watts to do a small TV, you need four solar panels, and a solar controller. Then you need a 24 volt solar type battery to load the output of the panels.



Next you need an inverter. This is a device that changes 24 volts DC into 120 volts AC, which you can wire to a standard outlet for the TV set.



Solar panels cost around $6 per watt of power. 200 X $6 = $1200

Solar Controller will cost around $150

The battery will cost around $100

The inverter will cost around $200



You could get by with less than 200 watts of solar panels if you just let it charge the battery all day and only use the TV for an hour or two in the evening with the TV running on the inverter which is powered by the battery.



The link is for a similar system ready to go.



Wind is not a viable option.

Answer 2

First Question: "how or where do I get a solar panel to lead to a power outlet?"



Answer: http://www.solarelectricalsystems.com/residential/residential.shtml



Second Question: Wind power



Answer: Not really viable for this generations power needs, but if needed:

http://www.skystreamenergy.com/skystream/product-info/

Answer 3

Wow. I couldn't tell you how much something like that would cost, but I would expect it to be pretty high. I don't think you are going to find a panel out there that is going to pump out enough juice to provide 110ac. It would involve a battery system and a DC to AC power inverter. You would have to let the system charge for a time and then you would be able to use if for a little while.

Answer 4

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