From: dannyb@panix.com   
      
   In  "vaughn"  writes:   
      
   >In the real-world, expect about half of the advertised panel output.  Why?    
   That   
   >"50 watts" only happens with a perfectly matched load, in full sunlight, and   
   >with the panel tracking a perfectly full sun.  You won't have a sun tracker   
   >(derate) and at that price-point you won't have an MPPT charge controller   
   >(derate).  Also, your battery only gives back about 80% of what you put into   
   it   
   >(derate).   
      
   >Still, from my own experience, I think that panel will likely do the job you   
   >describe.   
      
   Thanks. As you could see in my earlier description, I figured   
   that their advertising claims were about as valid as EPA numbers...   
      
   But it still looked practical.   
      
   - the reasoning behind using solar power / battery for this   
     is that running an up-to-code power line outdoors would   
     be a Big Pain and Expense. A stanalone unit would be simpler   
     and might even be cheaper.   
      
   - I was considering doing it all with a 12V circuit, thus   
     letting me set up wiring without Code issue. At 20 watts   
     the cable size wouldn't be an issue... Might yet do it   
     that way with a transformer inside the building.   
      
     But being able to put up a placard saying "solar powered"   
     is kind of cool...   
      
      
   --   
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   		     dannyb@panix.com   
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    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)