I just took this photo as an example. These solar panels are attached to the street poles and can be found all over (at least in my area).



First time I saw it in front of my home, I thought they were installed as an alternative source of electricity for the street lights. Then Superstorm came, we lost power and all was dark. No street lights. So, my first question was why the solar panel didn't provide energy to the light bulb. But that's not the main reason I'm posting this.

I wonder if is possible in CASE OF EMERGENCY, and you find yourself and family isolated with zero chances to evac, run a wire from the solar panel terminal to the house. If that is possible, maybe skilled members here can provide details of how this can be done.

I know that under regular circunstances it may be considered a crime, but it also seems totally stupid to have a source of energy available right in front of you and stay without electricity and heat for many days in winter.

Short answer is no. Research AC and DC electricity. Long answer is yes, BUT.....

That is very small solar panel, you could maybe use 1 light bulb with that

The panle looks to be 145 to 200 watts, depending on if it's polycrystalline or mono...

But yeah, You hae to have a charge controller to modulate the power.

Originally posted by Thebel
That is very small solar panel, you could maybe use 1 light bulb with that

This is just a WAG(wild a$$ guess), but going by the pic I would guess it is a 145 watt panel. Depending on your location and time of year etc... you could charge a couple 12v batteries with it and use that with an inverter to recharge your laptop, some LED lights, and other things.

Originally posted by Thebel
That is very small solar panel, you could maybe use 1 light bulb with that

Under extreme conditions, that could make the difference. One bulb light in the middle of the dark can be spotted by rescue teams.

In case you don't notice-that panel is lighting up the Pole Lamp. We have them all over the place in my subdivision.
You could probably run at least a few lights in your home off that for sure.

Originally posted by samlf3rd
In case you don't notice-that panel is lighting up the Pole Lamp. We have them all over the place in my subdivision.
You could probably run at least a few lights in your home off that for sure.

edit on 4-11-2012 by samlf3rd because: more info

Yeah, I noticed that. That was the reason of my first question. Why the lamps didn't turn on ?

Originally posted by samlf3rd
In case you don't notice-that panel is lighting up the Pole Lamp. We have them all over the place in my subdivision.
You could probably run at least a few lights in your home off that for sure.

edit on 4-11-2012 by samlf3rd because: more info

He said the lights didnt light up when power was off. So what the hell?.

Originally posted by davjan4
The panle looks to be 145 to 200 watts, depending on if it's polycrystalline or mono...

But yeah, You hae to have a charge controller to modulate the power.

Doesn't it suppose to have one already?

here in Australia we have these on school speed zone signs.

In a SHTF situation I plan on using these, if they are undamaged.

Originally posted by amraks
here in Australia we have these on school speed zone signs.

In a SHTF situation I plan on using these, if they are undamaged.

I think one day I could say I'm so lucky to have one right in front of my window.

When the SHTF all those panels will disappear quickly so get them while the getting is good when you need it. But you need to have a battery array charge controller and inverter too or it will be useless to you except as barter.

In fact part of preparedness should be to note where several of these panels are located near you so you can get them while the rest are down at the grocery store fighting each other over cans of beans...

Originally posted by hawkiye
When the SHTF all those panels will disappear quickly so get them while the getting is good when you need it. But you need to have a battery array charge controller and inverter too or it will be useless to you except as barter.

In fact part of preparedness should be to note where several of these panels are located near you so you can get them while the rest are down at the grocery store fighting each other over cans of beans...

I didn't considered the battery array charge controller, hmm....I might need to find an answer for that.

Maybe it's a way to calculate the time needed to charge a battery based in the input capacity of the panel?

Then, all we need is to plug the inverter to the battery.

It's powering surveillance equipment...