Archive for May, 2009

Portable Solar Generators 101

If you’re new to solar power, you may want to start with building your own portable solar generator - even if you have no experience, it’s easy to figure out and it’s certainly easier to build and maintain than a full-fledged system. Plus, if you go on a lot of camping trips it can be quite convenient.

300A 1000V DC RED LED Solar Panel Generator COMBO Meter
US $35.99
End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 0:48:59 PDT
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85 AMP 600 VOLT BLOCKING DIODE WIND/GENERATOR/SOLAR
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End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 6:18:22 PDT
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SOLAR WIND GENERATOR TURBINE ENERGY DIY ON CD EBOOKS
US $5.25
End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 7:01:40 PDT
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solar wind turbine generator charge load controller
US $54.95
End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 7:15:13 PDT
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Solar/Wind/Turbine/Generator Charge Load Controller
US $144.46
End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 7:18:28 PDT
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solar wind turbine generator charge load controller
US $54.95
End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 7:19:24 PDT
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You can spend under $200 to create your very own portable generator - and it can pay for itself within only a few weeks.

Try to make your parts as small as possible, because this is supposed to be a portable generator. You’ll need 1) Solar Panel 2) Charge Controller 3) Battery and 4) Inverter to create your first system.

Try to get a small, 12 Volt solar panel - that’s all you need for camping trips and for miniature appliances. Once you attach the charge controller, the power drawn will be greatly limited as well and your battery life will be extended.

The battery stores energy that your solar panel collects, and lets you use it when you actually need it - and the inverter converts direct current on your solar panel into the alternating current used by appliances.

You need 4 steps to make this device: first, connect the solar panel and charge controller. Then, connect the controller to your battery, and then connect your battery to your inverter. Finally, your appliances should be directly connected to your inverter.

To get these parts, you could go to your local hardware store, or just find someone who’s giving them away or selling them for very cheap.

To add even more, start with a “battery box” to protect your batteries from the elements and from outside threats. You could also get a system meter to see how full your battery is and to point you to problems early on.

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Honda Portable Generator: Installing Emergency Generators

In order to avoid as much damage as possible in the aftermath of a power outage, installing emergency generators, such as the Honda portable generator, helps to reduce the risk of creating dangerous situations, as even with intermittent outages, the possibility does exist. Installing this type of generator allows you to be fairly confident that your peace of mind will continue through the emergency situation.

WINCO 4,500w INDUSTRIAL Portable Generator Honda engine
US $490.00
End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 9:33:28 PDT
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GENERATOR Portable Industrial - 18.1 Hp Honda - 12 kW
US $3,423.00
End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 15:45:47 PDT
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NEW! GROBAN PORTABLE GENERATOR W/ 5HP HONDA ENGINE
US $425.00
End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 7:43:19 PDT
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GENERATOR Portable Industrial - 4.8 Hp Honda - 3 kW
US $1,048.00
End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 11:20:38 PDT
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GENERATOR Portable Industrial - 8 Hp Honda - 5 kW
US $1,993.00
End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 11:20:45 PDT
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GENERATOR Portable Industrial - 9.5 Hp Honda - 6 kW
US $2,286.00
End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 11:20:52 PDT
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This type of portable generator power is wired directly into the electrical system that is already in the building and normally they get their fuel from city propane or gas lines. The installers will usually check out the location in order to determine the type and size of generator that will be needed. Reputable dealers will usually offer not just installation, but maintenance and delivery services as well. Since these emergency or backup generators become directly connected to the wiring in your building, great care should be taken to ensure that it is installed properly. Below standard installation runs the risk of the generator overheating or failing, which in turn may damage the existing equipment and wiring.

A level and hard surface, such as a concrete pad is important to the operation of the equipment. As well, there is likelihood that you will also require the services of a plumber in order to connect the propane or gas lines if necessary. If connecting your Honda portable generator to any existing wiring, then a device called a transfer switch will be needed. This keeps the generator from taking that power and feeding it back into the neighborhood power grid. If a power failure occurs, then the switch connects the electrical system and the generator in order to provide power. When electricity is restored, the setup disconnects.

Advice from the SBA (Small Business Association) says that the way to lessen the chance of creating a dangerous situation is to be aware of it and the potential impact before it ever happens. If you wait until you actually see the problem developing it may be too late to take appropriate steps in order to protect your home or business. Having emergency, standby generators installed as well as a plan is of the utmost importance. Of course, an emergency plan should first and foremost consider employee and/or family safety, followed by protecting equipment and facilities and following up with a way to get back on track after the crisis.

Once again, Honda’s renowned overhead cam engine makes the Honda portable generator one rugged and dependable machine. All of the features show that Honda takes pride in their work and the result is above average products. Its low fuel consumption and quiet operation will quite possibly make it one of the last business or home generators that you will ever need.

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