What can I power with a 100W solar panel?

www.altestore.com/store/Solar...
In this video, we explore how to determine how much power a 100W solar panel will generate, what size battery and charge controller you need to store the power, and some ideas of what you can power with it and for how long. We also show you how to do the calculations for yourself to figure out what you could do with off grid solar. Note that at minute 7, we included a deration for the inverter losses. Since we are talking about what size battery is needed to put power in, not taking power out, we don't need to do that step. The battery can be 5% smaller than we calculated.
#SolarPower
#OffGridLiving
#RenewableEnergy
#SustainableLiving
#SolarPanel
#BatteryStorage
www.altestore.com/diy-solar-r...
www.altestore.com/blog/2023/0...
www.altestore.com/blog/2022/0...
www.altestore.com/store/solar...

[@AltEStore]

If you just want an answer and don't care how to figure it out for yourself, watch our "Math Lite" version of this video at kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHyYpKiknq2ila8

[@raulrosario5880]

If I wanted to charge a outdoor speaker what size USB panel I need trying not to spend 250 on a solar power outdoor speaker

[@AltEStore]

@Chang Lee Some people want to know how to do the calculations themselves. This channel is here to educate people. If you don't want o do the math, watch the math-lite version, kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHyYpKiknq2ila8

[@heidymatinez7356]

*Absolutely perfect for what we use . **Generater.Systems** for Our 500wt power station! Love it!!!!*

[@marcelahurtado4100]

This panel can put out close to 100 watts kzbin.infoUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.

[@junaidgt90]

2 things my brain begs me to believe: 1) This Was recorded on a VHS 📼 cassette. 2) the lady’s hairstyle 🦁 😊 Btw i liked this technical explanation. 👍

[@saffloweroyl3663]

That hair, ALL THAT GLORIOUS HAIR.

[@ianjacob1955]

That hair is solar powered

[@monanolen4066]

😅😅😅

[@abuelafromhell]

I think she did a really good job of explaining it - the one I've understood the most so far. She's got a reply to all of you who are making unkind comments at 07:36

[@rockoyouthman]

This is hands down the best solar video out there. Thanks for the real info!

[@patrickkelley3408]

This is a really really good video. I'm an electrician and this is the very info that I tell people when they ask me about solar. I will be directing them to your video for now on. Thanks

[@chrisanderson9276]

Finally a simple way to figure what I need. Thank you

[@theround3903]

The series of videos have been incredibly helpful, thank you so much

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for this video Amy. Definitely not a math hater here everyone should understand it, especially since the math was on an Elementary School level. Thanks for sharing I'm for doing such a great job. Julian

[@AltEStore]

You can find some of the sun hour maps at www.altestore.com/howto/reference-materials-from-solar-maps-to-wire-sizing-c7/ .

[@SuperDave-vj9en]

altE Wow! Very well explained and I already know about Solar!

[@richardgewin2282]

altE p

[@SouKube]

beautiful explanation! thx!

[@ElmwoodPkILBuschFraudulentexCo]

altE awesome

[@mukeshanand4372]

Behud 2july

[@samspencer7765]

I love the enthusiasm and the balance between super informative and easy enough to digest :)

[@RadioChief52]

This is great information. Concise and professionally delivered without so much of the wasted time and poor editing I get on some other channels. I will be referring to this video many times I am sure. Thanks Amy.

[@KVUSMC-KU4SMC]

Very Good Video And Information Solar Queen Keep The Videos Coming The Alt E Store Rocks

[@BradM73]

The calculation at about 7 minutes into the video seems incorrect. If you're losing 5% of your energy via conversion, you multiply 41.3 amp hours by .95, not divide. By your incorrect calculation, the conversion INCREASED the amp hours to 43.4, not reduced it like it should have.

[@AltEStore]

You are right. I am so used to calculating the other way around, based on how much power you need, I added that loss due to habit. I would actually eliminate that step all together, because it is for when we are taking the power out of the battery, while we are just figuring how big the battery needs to be to hold the power we are making. I may have been able to squeak by with a group 24 battery instead of group 27.

[@BradM73]

It's usually good to go with a larger battery in case you need the extra capacity, but I just had to point out the error of your math. In today's era of misinformation, even though yours was probably an honest mistake, it may be worth putting an annotation over that portion of the video noting the math error. Wish you guys the best!

[@amyrbeaudet]

Thanks, I'm planning on fixing it on Monday. Thanks again.

[@ashurroth6585]

If you're taking that loss youll want a bigger battery so you would increase the amount it can hold by 5%. That way on good days you'll have the option of storing for that loss.

[@gofukursef]

BradM73, she's talking about compensation for that 5% loss. where she went wrong on the calc in determining how much power she needed for two days. her calc appears to be for 2 hours.

[@marksanne7565]

Great video and explanation! Finally I think I understand how to calculate for real world application of solar and battery storage!

[@larrybland007]

Great information, it makes us aware of how much power we consume regularly without thinking about the huge “what if” that is looming.

[@thomas5714]

Great presentation. You're an excellent teacher. Thanks. I watched the design series and I'll definitely be viewing more as it looks like you guys are all over the different products out there. Again, thanks.

[@chronobot2001]

I am very impressed with my 100 watt system. I use a mppt controller and s 100 amp-hour lithium battery. It powers my cpap machine and a DC light fixture. I use about 10 amp-hours a night and even on cloudy days the solar panel puts about 7 amps back. I'm wiring in an inverter, so we'll see how long I can watch TV on solar. Having lots of fun !!!

[@Chickengunny45]

Thank you for such a well built informational video! Super awesome, and essential for any beginner.

[@MrBearfaced]

Best explanation I've seen so far, thanks!

[@dezertraider]

Thank you ,Great job on this video,I lived 3 years RV and solar,350? Watts,It was cool waking to a 12.8 V battery,Then by 10 am see the charger cycle at 1.7?Volts,Then you can make 1 toast.lol.Great job!TY73s

[@ropegang4184]

i am mesmerized by her hair goddamnit i had to watch this video 3 times

[@monanolen4066]

It's the Aqua Net holding it in place 😅😅😅

[@valeriewolfset214]

Probably the biggest variable is number of days without the sun plus your location and what type of solar panels you buy with the inverter system and batteries. I see a host of problems not mentioned that can go wrong and the cost. I do like the off grid idea but major improvements are needed before I crack open my wallet. I enjoy the video for the explanations. Well done ma'am.

[@aaronthero194]

Killed it! That was fantastic. I really like how you explain the maths. Gets me on a better direction than most of the other videos I'v seen. Love the hair!

[@Thehandsomeliberal]

This video is incorrectly titled. It's titled what can I power with a 100W solar panel. It doesn't tell you that. This video should be titled, How much power will a 100w solar panel produce under various conditions.

[@AltEStore]

The video gives you the tools to answer the question for your location. I say what I can power with it in the winter in Maine, but that answer is wildly different for what you can power in the summer where you are. With the few math equations given, you have the power to get the answer.

[@andrewyek]

@@AltEStore hii Miss Solar Queen, good video you have got there. thx. i am confused.. what do you meant by 100w panel ? isn't panel due to series configuration of the array of small little sonal chips.. which when sun comes to it.. it will produce certain amount of voltage ? for example 34 of those little solar chips in series produces 34x0.5v= 17vdc ? how then power wattage comes to play apart? why solar panel called 100w panel instead of 17vdc panel (for example) ? thx andrew

[@cjaquilino]

altE Store Thanks for the video. But a sizable amount of the audience (judging by the dislikes) wants a video generally describing what kinds on appliances and electronics you could power and for how long. I think that kind of video would be appreciated.

[@lucidbarrier]

@@andrewyek If you watched the video, she explains what a 100w panel is in the very beginning.

[@ive9th]

Agreed @ Jonathan. I was expecting something else especially with the thumbnail.

[@Chico69ers]

I think they got the date wrong for this video.....1985?

[@TTMF]

😂

[@jaygrenham]

Its like back to the future with this woman’s hair do !!!! Wtf

[@antoniosolis9172]

Hahahaha just think the same!!!

[@suziezahn]

That was awesome. Most of the time I get LOST when watching solar video's. You're GOOD!

[@poornimarai6130]

You make the math really easy to understand . Thank you very much !!!

[@cellblock776]

Reality's a bummer. Thumbs up for that quote right there.

[@MiniDevilDF]

that was hilarious lol

[@GeorgeGardinier]

i think very good, the math is refreshing at the least more more. now i need a coffee ha ha. your the woman for sure. thanks so much

[@TWBrit65]

Other than using a different rectifier, is there any other difference to note to these equations in 240v 50hz areas vs 110v 60hz ares?

[@christinesutton6507]

Oh my gosh, I love this video! The math charts and formulas are so helpful. Thank you!!

[@davel8n]

cut to the chase is around the 8:00 min mark. Prior to that, its a lot of math, well explained details of how to calculate watts and usage in different climates.

[@CrystalsandCandles]

Thanks. This was starting to give me a headache. It reminded me of listening to a politician running for dog catcher. Glad I paused to read the comment section

[@johnmadsen37]

James Travers damn i read this too late. I just started eating batteries.

[@e.t.phonehome6134]

1 yr later and she still hast gotten to the point

[@sassan2010]

This was one the most informative clips I have seen, in regards to the topic with great idea, presentation and clear passage of idea that is only inspiring. You have done a great job and I am surprise by the nasty comments of some imbeciles that are to be only ignored. Please continue your great job with production of such a valuable clips that literarily through the light into darkness and more power to you. You have one more subscriber here with passage of word for potentially many more!

[@AltEStore]

Thanks for your kind words. We appreciate it. Let us know if there is a topic you'd like us to cover.

[@pauls0416]

Amy, I saw your other videos but I really loved this one! I like how you took a worst-case solar scenario and put it in real-world terms on what you can power on cold winter days. Now let's figure out how much solar power / battery capacity is required to keep that Christmas tree (with LED lights) lit and some LED lights on the house in Maine! :)

[@davidkrasowski6265]

enjoyed the video....now have a mild headache ...always learning thanks

[@markjob6354]

Dear Amy, may I suggest you do a video or two on the subject of hookup wire in solar systems, the American Wire Gauge tables and how to use them. In designing and extensively testing my RV off grid solar system, the single biggest factor which jacked with my system's overall efficiency and performance was wire based voltage drop and current loss under various typical AC current loads from my 1500 Watt inverter. Inverter company Manila really don't tell you the whole story !!! They really don't !!

[@AltEStore]

We did a video last year talking about how to size the wire for an NEC compliant solar installation. It may be a bit of overkill for your small system, but still applies. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmrYaYWVlrp5hZY

[@corholiozoidberg]

Finally I've got the answer I was looking for, thanks!! , cheers from DR.!!

[@andrewford80]

Well presented video, thank you for breaking it down. Turns out I'm gonna need bigger panels :p

[@bluenetmarketing]

What a fantastic video! You answered so so many questions. Thanks very much.

[@jamesevins800]

Great lesson. Excellent information. Oh by the way...your hair is magnificent.

[@hart796]

Awesome breakdown of solar power and choosing the right battery size!!!!

[@topclass2008]

really useful and perfectly explained thank you

[@drglnc69]

So what your saying is... I need a Generator... THANKS!!!

[@lightfoot1Juke]

LOL

[@THEJOKEYJOKER]

drglnc69 nah...it says move out of Maine lol

[@RadekZielinski.]

a diesel one... and use Colza oil :) or a petrol one... modify it for using gas... what gas? you can even try wood gas.

[@saffloweroyl3663]

Get a EcoFlow.

[@bisayakangdako3197]

😆😆😆😆

[@JoseyOaks]

"Pepperidge Farm Remembers"

[@davewestner]

haha! I was looking for a comment just like this!

[@SuperHappyhal]

such a clear and easy to follow explanation of all the variables and complications. Thank you...

[@user-vv4ii2gw9q]

This is one of the best explanation of solar power video ever. but after understanding it i know my budget is not enough for the system.

[@MartyD4u]

1st great hair, 2nd very informative.

[@sdqsdq6274]

hmm more like bad hair day, haha

[@GeraldFranks]

Marty Dufour The big hair is meant to match the big hands and detract from the Adam's apple.

[@jmrichsonsr]

Bet she is a heck of a lot smarter than you are and looking at your picture ... well I'll pass on commenting on you vs her.

[@mattodom17]

im glad your not the only one who commented on this. lol

[@babbabli3095]

Gerald Franks loooooool I thought I was seeing things.

[@New-Sudan-Network]

very nice way to explain things. thank you very much

[@ACosmicCastaway]

Thanks for that amount of details. I'm still trying to put that stuff out my head and though I'm just looking for a computer to be pluged in that system as a first step, I never know whichbattery would fit best for when I'm about to update the system and keep building it forward.

[@AltEStore]

This video figures the other way around, from the panel. You need to know how much power you are using, and therefore need to make. The best thing for you to do is get a meter that measure the watt hours your PC uses, like a Kill A Watt meter. You can then put the watt hours into an off-grid calculator to find out how much solar and battery you need. Here's a calculator, www.altestore.com/store/calculators/off_grid_calculator/

[@rc3291]

Loved your video. The dislikes are probably people that were upset when they figured out their plans were nowhere near close.

[@oahukane]

Thanks Amy. You helped me to understand Solar a lot better.

[@richardsandwell2285]

Really useful information presented nice and clearly..

[@EyeintheSky999]

Nice to hear ALL the facts involved and what will cause you issues when going solar.

[@andygeorgiou2846]

Love your clear and informative vids. Thanks Amy.

[@theonlyonestanding6832]

SHE LOOKS LIKE MICHAEL J. FOX GIRLFRIEND IN BACK INTO THE FUTURE. LOL

[@wadeguidry6675]

OMG.....that's who she looks like. LOL

[@rumidom]

GREAT SCOTT!

[@pierrecastanets1974]

She favors MJF's daughter too.

[@AltEStore]

12,100,000 100W panels.

[@1fold1shepherd66]

1.21 Jigger-watts. Love it!

[@cream1566]

I'm ten. And now I know more science than my whole class.

[@elneneeserio]

what about if I implemented a sistem so the panels are almost allways following the sun ? does it really make a big difference since the sun shines more avarage from 11 to 1 pm ?

[@AltEStore]

There are pros (more power) and cons (cost and maintenance) to trackers. I wrote a blog on it, you can see it here, www.altestore.com/blog/2015/06/solar-tracking-tips-to-track-or-not-to-track/ . With the price of solar panels so low these days, it's often more affordable to just buy 30% more solar than deal with the mechanics of a tracker.

[@edwardbeaven7222]

Sounds an awful lot my engineering school days- keep up the great work dear girl

[@scottjenkins4613]

Here is the 10 second alternative to the 9 minute video that doesn't answer the question. For a single 100 watt panel and all the gear you need to mount it, control it, maintain it and use it, you will pay 100x more for the same electricity from the electric company, but you'll feel good about going solar. Short answer: You can keep a case of beer cold long enough for you and 3 friends to drink it.

[@williamjackson5942]

Whatever it is you think you proved, you just sadly killed a bunch of electrons for nothing!

[@Eangelisphere]

Electric is not always available. I’m moving off grid. I need this

[@absolutium]

@@williamjackson5942 "Killed electrons".. you are way dumber than you think.

[@VOOODOOO37]

didnt need the Einstein version, just some samples would have been great

[@Cams250]

You think this is complicated? haha.

[@scottjenkins4613]

Cams, if you know all, please tell us what one can power with a 100W panel. Do it 3 sentences or less. hahaha.

[@angieroyall1516]

AMEN!

[@Cams250]

+Scott Jenkins yes teacher..don't forget to post my grade so my mommy can see too. if I get an A minus I'll get grounded. here it is. roses are red violets are blue. this poem makes no sense refrigerator

[@saveenergysavingtips]

Its all thanks to this video, I got now the idea on what to make on my science project..

[@MrEdagarbi]

Great explanation and very helpful. Thanks.

[@newnotification30]

definitely not solar panels for dummies

[@AltEStore]

We have over 150 videos on solar on our channel. Some are more technical than others. We've got a playlist to step you through from the beginning. kzbin.info/aero/PLoHd6hGDqS06g0umrn4XO0Wk9JyZcTfMa

[@kevinjackson4464]

Actually it is, that is about as simple as you can make it and one of the best explanations/presentations I've seen.

[@dougmc666]

A bunch of people have tried to post a video on solar panels for dummies but their cameras keep dying.

[@ktimo100]

hmm im not gonna have nearly enough power in winter to keep my air conditioning running ....

[@williamjackson5942]

LOL!

[@gpecaut1]

But you might make enough for a slice of toast!

[@nonyabizwax5892]

Finally someone that explains it where I can understand

[@flipperbear9]

Great video and informative, thanks for posting.

[@Zayfish120]

Pause exactly at 7:21. Thank me later.

[@pbkayakyer]

Thanks!

[@andiestone]

7:48 is her reply to your 7:21

[@patjackmanesq]

American hair styles are hilarious...

[@pachamamaireland]

Thank you for the explanation.

[@CommonSense111]

What would be the expense of putting a 100w system in with battery verses running my laptop from the mains for 6 hours?

[@innomind]

She should fire her hairstylist, immediately!

[@WelcomeToMyDream]

+innomind You should fire your personality stylist, immediately.

[@DavidAdiv]

That comment is just not necessary at all.

[@nofuture6881]

The 80's called , they want the big hair look back...

[@bike4peaceRTW]

Is that an adams apple and a manly chin? Hmmmm.

[@briandunn2607]

Eeesh bitchy

[@vestel777]

You NEVER did say what I could power. Maybe next time you make a video GET TO THE POINT!!!! Or have someone else do the video. I'll just have to contact a Solar panel company that actually knows more.

[@AltEStore]

Because the answer can be at least two or three times different depending on area and time of year, I teach you how to figure it out for yourself. At 7:48 I list exactly what I can power in Maine in the winter. If you want to figure out what you can power in your area, watch the video, do the math, and see for yourself. Or go to our calculators to figure out how much power what you want to power will need, and how many solar panels and batteries are needed to power it. www.altestore.com/store/calculators/load_calculator/

[@kevinjackson4464]

You can run a 9 Watt LED light.

[@AltEStore]

To clarify Kevin's comment, you can run a 9W light for 24 hours.

[@vestel777]

Kevin Jackson - Ok what if I want to run EVERYTHING 24/7 365 days a year?

[@kevinjackson4464]

Steve Vestel As altE says, it depends. But if you want the stupid answer; my house has a 200 amp main breaker and 240 Volt service, that is 48,000 Watts, so you would need 4,800 panels. Which you will NEVER see at a residential installation - that's why it is the stupid answer. Now, no home draws the full main breaker current (have you ever tripped your main breaker? - no, if you have you had better call an electrician RIGHT NOW!). In reality you home draws a tiny percentage of that and a little more when you use your electric; water heater, range/oven, clothes dryer or central heat. If you look at your biggest electric bill, you will find a kWh number for your consumption. That number along with the number of hours in a month and, sorry, some math, will yield a far, far smaller and more realistic number. And if you are lucky enough to be able to use net metering (being tied to the grid) the number of panels will be even smaller. My biggest electric bill is about 3,000 kWh (I have an all electric home) which comes out to around 4,200 Watts or around 420 panels if you are off the grid. My smallest bill is one third of that so the average is around 2,000 Watts or about 280 panels and, again, less on the grid and I'm in Texas, which has a lot of sun, so I would need even fewer (hmm, maybe I should go solar!). So, there is a big difference between 4,800 and 280 panels, that is why it is worth the trouble to do the math! All these numbers are far out in left field. If you are serious about solar power, I suggest you give altE a call with your biggest electric bill and your location and I am sure they can give you a pretty good estimate. If you buy from them I am sure they will be willing to do ALL the math for you.

[@jaythomas7736]

Great video! all of your videos are very informative. Thank you. I am hoping to put something together soon!

[@georgedcosta4356]

Sir I really don't understand the calculations but I do get your points. Thanks for the info you share .it teaches me a lot .thank you sir Regards George

[@47ravenlord]

Jesus Christ....just answer the title question.

[@AltEStore]

It's not a black and white answer. The answer depends on a lot of variables like location and time of year. We teach you how to answer the question for yourself, as the answer for you will be very different than the answer for someone else.

[@chriscasseday7707]

@47ravenlord -- To answer your question, you can't really power anything off a solar panel. All they're good for is recharging your energy cells. Be they battery or capacitor. Your power inverter determines what you can power. Your storage cells determine HOW LONG. Higher capacity = longer run time. And the solar panels rating = how fast the batteries recharge. 100W = SLOW. I figure 6 hours in the sun will give me about 2 hours of run time on my 75w laptop. Which is why I bought cheap yet surprisingly well built chines tablet.

[@GAMINGFOREXPERTS]

+chris casseday Sir, high quantity solves thus issue. Tesla Solar roof is proof of concept. basically big azz battery and whole roof made outta panels.

[@kevinjackson4464]

You can run a 9 Watt LED light.

[@supercooled]

that's a lot of hair.

[@1fold1shepherd66]

Refreshing to see a mane like that, actually. Kept me glued to the video better. :)

[@tracyscott3261]

Thank you. Honest easy to use information. Thank you so much. This is going to be handy.

[@ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

Very well done Amy...great presentation/information.

[@johneosmaniii3915]

Anybody else think that this lady has an Adam's apple?

[@AltEStore]

Where have you been? #AmysAdamApple has been trending online for years....

[@StanleyKubick1]

many women do

[@coryboy345]

I'm buying the biggest gas hog generator after watching this dribble... Oh, btw..... Trump 2020!!!!

[@texaswalkerwoman9875]

I have a small RV Park and want to put in a Laundry Room( two washers and two dryers) maybe a soda machine and A/C window unit. the building is a 16x30...do you think I could use Solar to do this?

[@MrKelseyB]

"Reality's a bummer!" My kids are going to be hearing this a lot going forward! LOL

[@jeanJenner]

Really helpful - I'm a ham radio and just purchased a 100 Watt solar panel which I plan on using should Irma hit us in Florida. Was not sure about the math, now I can figure it out.

[@MattLearnsHow]

Thank you for making this, very helpful

[@Minispeeder88]

Great information, thanks for explaining in detail

[@The10thManRules]

So In an extended emergency loss of power.would it be fair to say that if a person acquired a 200w solar panel kit with a 20A charge controller and (2) 35Ah (or 100Ah) SLA batteries, they'd be fine to fully recharge during the day and keep basic electronics (radio/cell phone/tablet charger, box fan OR personal heater, stuff that's less than 320w going at night?

[@AltEStore]

You caught me as I was writing the script for how much do you need for a heater. Even a small 250W heater on for 12 hours needs 1500W of solar and 7500Wh of battery (per day). So yes for your list EXCEPT the heater.

[@JohnPalmer]

Well though out, great advice and finally someone that explains it ALL in a simple way to understand! Thank you! I can now better guesstimate how many batteries / solar panels my summer house will need. x

[@AnarchicImage]

Excellent info, thanks!

[@YouMockMe]

I came back after months......great video!

[@AltEStore]

Welcome back!

[@yayforgreentrees]

This is super-helpful and really clear. Thanks, from Cambridge!

[@basilabedallah5797]

you're way in explaining is fun thank you

[@jpbeck825]

LOL--- "Realities a bummer" LOL-- perfect line!

[@12vLife]

is it normal for a 100 watt 12v solar panel to read 18v in direct sun, then when I connect it to a solar charge controller it reads 12.8v?

[@AltEStore]

18V is a little low when not connected to anything, in perfect conditions, it should be closer to 21V. But if it isn't at the ideal angle, it is probably fine. If you are connecting it to a PWM charge controller, you are reading the voltage being pulled down to the battery volts as they are connected. That's normal. If it is connected to an MPPT, it might be a little low.

[@richardsonantoine8043]

Love your video. Good information. Thank you

[@KateInTheCity]

Great great great video. Comprehensive but still giving the math I was looking for!

[@sirajhussain791]

Very good and practical way to explain step by step.

[@harley515]

Awesome video it all makes sence now cheers!

[@1makirah468]

Very informative and direct presentation. Good Job