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Question for you solar experts.
cbxjeff
Member Posts: 17,597 ✭✭✭✭
My son is interested in solar panels. I see that some solar panels quote XXX watts of output. I don't know what that means w/o them offering a voltage number also. I'm a slow learner anymore so please answer slowly. Thanks guys,
It's too late for me, save yourself.
Comments
I am in the same boat i know nothing about them but will add Google is a good source to get some info
Maybe youtube also
think of watts produced/output as the power produced/output
Solar panels in what context? A permanent household type installation or a portable temporary use?
I'm guessing that is the watts output at the rated voltage. The small solar panels we use to maintain electric fence charger batteries have a regulated 12-13 volt output. The solar panels require a 'controller' to limit or regulate output or they could/would fry the battery of whatever they're hooked to or damage the electrics of whatever device they power with high/low voltage or amps.
FWIW That rating is usually optimistic at best.
Check with his insurance company too! The ins companies have started dropping coverage for houses in FL if their solar wattage output is too high. They claim it's a fire hazard. Gotta love insurance! SMH
As stated, watts are a measurement of power. Think horsepower. As a matter of fact, there are 735.5 watts in one horsepower.
I always thought of it as, a 100 watt light bulb draws 1 amp of power.
watts = volts x amps
So there still are insurance companies doing business in FL, Mike? 😉