View Full Version : Solar panels
andywoodward
Apr 21, 2012, 12:26 AM
Been looking at a 12 volt solar panel that gives a rating of watts ‘per hour’, so first question, is a solar panel that produces 10 watts per hour the partner for a 12 volt 10 watt electric motor?
Second question, two 12 volt solar panels of 10 watts if connected in series produces 24 volts, but does it produce 20 watts.
Thank you
ebaines
Apr 21, 2012, 02:54 PM
Actually the term "watts per hour" doesn't make sense - are you sure that the panel is advertised that way? "Watts" is a measure of power, and "watt-hours" is a measure of energy, but "watts per hour" is not a measure of anything. It should advertise as simply X watts output at y volts. See for example this article explaining solar panel power output: BatteryStuff Articles | Everything You Need to Know About Solar Chargers (http://www.batterystuff.com/kb/articles/solar-articles/solar-info.html)
As for question 2 - you are correct that 2 panels in series produces twice the voltage, and yes, it's twice the power output.
andywoodward
Apr 22, 2012, 11:01 PM
Thank you, the 'down low on everything up high' (link) covers a lot.
Andy