Low-Power Solar? - Page 3

 On 1/25/2012 4:50 PM, (PeteCresswell) wrote:

   Nice analysis by John about solar collector and battery sizing.
  BTW, I like this "Unencumbered by any knowledge or expertise"
Can I use it?  Never mind I'm stealing it. :-)
                         Mikek

    <  snips  >



  ... me too  !        :-)    
  John T.



---

 
"(PeteCresswell)" wrote:

Do not try to do this as an AC project, it will cost more than running
normal AC power to the outbuilding. The IP camera most likely takes
12VDC or perhaps 5VDC input so you should be looking at a DC setup.
Since there are solar shed lights with motion detectors readily
available, look at one of those and see what voltage it runs at. Since
they are probably spec'd pretty tight, look to using two setups, one for
the motion detector light and another to hack and replace the motion
detector light with the IP cam. Don't try to change batteries since the
panel included is only spec'd to charge the battery included.

 Thanks John.
Thanks Winston.
Thanks Gordon.
Thanks Pete

In light of the abovementioned wisdom, here's my plan:
----------------------------------------------------------
1) Run Cat5e to the shed and just leave it laying on the
   ground pending proof-of-concept.


2) Use a POE-compliant IE camera or power the camera with
   a POE splitter.


3) If things work out with just the cam, get some of that
   Cat5e with the goop inside that's meant for burial
   and bury it any way I can.


4) If the cam still needs a light, try the solar-powered
   flood, but don't get my hopes up capacity-wise.


5) If the combo solar-flood/cam is still not getting it,
   call an electrical guy for an estimate - stipulating
   I bury the cable per his specs and his job is limited
   to terminating said cable at each end.


6) Bury the Cat5e and whatever the electrical guy specs
   for the 120v in 2" PVC pipe (or whatever is acceptable
   to him) leaving a few pull strings against future bright
   ideas from Yours Truly.

   Use a DitchWitch, try for 18" deep and settle for 6"
   if necessary (we are on a shale ridge)
----------------------------------------------------------

Anybody see any problems there?
--
Pete Cresswell

 On 1/26/2012 12:52 PM, (PeteCresswell) wrote:

  If you go to the work of burying Cat5 in conduit, pull a couple of
stranded 12 gauge wires and run 12 v DC for the light. Save the expense
of the electrician.
  On the other hand, is 120vac useful in your outbuilding?
                            Mikek