40 Watt Do-it-Yourself Solar Energy Kit

40 Watt solar kit for do-it-yourselfers. Includes all the parts to build your own system to solar power lights, radios, laptop computer, fan, small tv and lots more.

We've made it very easy to put together with complete instructions.

Upgrades: Add a second 40 watt panel for total of 80 watts of power. Add a hard plastic battery case. Add flat roof mounting brackets (RV style). Add pole mounting hardware for panel.

Includes:

* 40 Watt Framed Solar Panel
* SunSaver 6 amp charge controller
* 55 Amp-hr sealed lead-acid AGM battery
* 300 Watt DC to AC Power inverter
* Voltage meter
* 12V DC outlet with fuse

Module Dimensions: Length 20" X Width 26" X Thickness 1.4. Weight: 13 pounds

What could you power?

If the 40 watt solar panel received 5 hours per day of full sun: 2.3 Amps X 5 hrs = 11.5 amp-hrs per day. 11.5 X 12V = 138 watt-hrs of solar energy in your battery. Double your daily power by adding a second solar panel.

If you were using a 20 watt compact fluorescent bulb with the inverter (we'll call it 25 watts because the inverter uses some energy) then you could light the bulb for about 5 1/2 hours with the energy you produced that day.

But you have a battery! Since the battery holds 55 amp-hours or over 660 watt-hours of energy, you could light the light for 26 hours before you need a charge, but it's better to charge it sooner. Batteries last much longer if you limit the discharge to 50% of it's capacity and then charge it up.

You get the idea - the sun puts watt-hours into your battery and then you use it to power stuff that uses watt-hours. Energy in, energy out.

The charge controller prevents the 12V sealed lead-acid battery from over-charging, the inverter converts the 12V DC to 115V AC (standard household-type power). The GoPower 300 inverter is limited to loads of 300 watts or less.

Perfect for beginners that want to get started in solar but don't know where to begin.

Customize your own system. House the battery and components in a cooler on wheels or build a wooden box. Cut a hole and mount the panel voltage meter, and weatherproof with silicone sealant from the hardware store.

Makes a great demonstration system to show how a basic solar home works. Teach your kids and other people's kids about solar power - they're the future!