Using a Brushless Motor to Generate Electricity
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Using a Brushless Motor to Generate Electricity

Brushless Direct Current (DC) motors are quiet, light, and quite versatile. They are used in a plethora of devices and situations, from electric cars and wind turbines to hobbyist experiments.  A brushless motor can generate electricity. When generating power from kinetic sources, there are many factors to consider: the speeds, power, variation, and ranges of…

Where Does a Solar Panel’s Power Go When It’s Not Connected?

Where Does a Solar Panel’s Power Go When It’s Not Connected?

Solar panels use natural energy to charge both large and small appliances and devices. The panels draw energy from the sun and convert it into usable alternating current (AC) with the help of inverter technology. However, when the device is charged, where does the excess power go? When a solar panel is not connected, the…

What Size Solar Panel Do I Need to Charge a 12-Volt Battery?

What Size Solar Panel Do I Need to Charge a 12-Volt Battery?

Today’s world comes with an increasing emphasis on renewable energy sources and a heightened risks of power outages. These realities give rise to an awareness of solar energy’s usefulness and the technical means to store this energy. But how much physics do you remember, or need to understand, to do this effectively? A “standard” solar…

Can You Use a Solar Charge Controller Without a Battery?

Can You Use a Solar Charge Controller Without a Battery?

A solar panel system generally has three components — the panel, a charge controller, and a battery. While the battery stores excess power, the charge controller mediates that power. But, can you use a charge controller without a battery?  A solar charge controller will not work without a battery. The charge controller’s purpose is to…

How Many Solar Panels Does It Take to Charge a 100Ah Battery?
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How Many Solar Panels Does It Take to Charge a 100Ah Battery?

So, you’ve invested in solar panels to power your house or RV, but now you’ve been plunged into a confusing world of amps, volts, watts, and sunlight hours. It can be confusing, but with some basic knowledge of how solar panels work, it’s possible to estimate how many you’ll need. The number of solar panels…

How Do I Know When My Solar Batteries Are Fully Charged?
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How Do I Know When My Solar Batteries Are Fully Charged?

If you are an avid camper or want to live off the grid, you would know that having a reliable power source just makes life more enjoyable. Solar batteries are a great choice for environment-conscious individuals, and they’re not outrageously expensive.  Still, once you have a solar battery set up and charging, how do you…