So instead of providing an answer, please help me by showing me how you got your result.
I have a 12v device that consumes 1W in idle mode, and 5W in active mode. How many "amp hours" am I looking at over a 24 hour period (always on). I am looking specifically for amp hours... I don't understand the relation between amps and amp hours yet.
posted by squirbel
on Apr 23, 2013 -
14 answers
If I buy solar panels for my home, what are things that I need to consider in the supplier and product?
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posted by gttommy
on Feb 26, 2013 -
10 answers
As a gift, I am looking for an "off-the-grid" charger thingy. I have read a bunch of posts and reviews on these things, but I'm a little in the weeds. Plus, it seems like this stuff is developing and changing rather quickly. Hoping you can help! Specifications after the jump.
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 4, 2013 -
9 answers
I'd like to heat up a rock or piece of metal to drop in my chicken's water source to warm it up. What should I use?
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posted by cda
on Nov 29, 2012 -
36 answers
We're building a new house and have a roof with plenty of space for number of solar panels, most likely photo-voltaic electric ones. But I'm hard-pressed to find a thorough *current* analysis discussing the pros and cons of various schemes for the systems.
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posted by wkearney99
on Nov 3, 2012 -
6 answers
Commercial landlords/property management: You are approached by a solar power company or a wireless telecom company that wants to lease space on your roof. Can you list in order of importance (to you and your firm) the issues that you want to be fully informed about and cover point by point in negotiations and any potential lease?
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posted by thewalrus
on Nov 2, 2012 -
3 answers
I have a home in Louisville, Kentucky that I want to possibly put solar panels on but I need to know the whole process for 2012. i have read where solar panels cost are lower now given the glut from China.
posted by usermac
on Oct 7, 2012 -
3 answers
Calling all electrical engineers! Need some clarity on how to figure out solar charging rates and consumption of a USB device...
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posted by griffey
on Sep 8, 2012 -
3 answers
Home energy advances. Are there any new developments I should know about as I'm about to move into an older single-family home after 13 years of living in an apartment? It is a gas/electric home with heavy tree shade.
posted by usermac
on Jul 13, 2012 -
6 answers
I'm torn between just putting up asphalt shingles or splurging on a metal roof. Hoping to get recommendations on materials with a mind to efficiency and environmental sustainability. Also, who should I contact to plan a more efficient roof/home in Hamilton/Greater Toronto Area? What would be the best roof for planning a solar MicroFIT project?
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posted by tronfunkinblo
on Jun 19, 2012 -
4 answers
Where can I buy glasses or such things to view the annular eclipse on Sunday -- at the last minute, for a reasonable price?
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posted by buckaroo_benzai
on May 15, 2012 -
11 answers
SolarPowerFilter2012: Is there a currently available somewhat affordable solar power rig of any worthwhile kind I could use to take advantage of my westerly facing, blasted-by-the-sun-for-7+-hours-a-day-rented-apartment balcony?
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posted by bitterkitten
on Mar 27, 2012 -
5 answers
How many kWh would be produced in a year in the south of England (roughly)?
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posted by sockpim
on Dec 13, 2011 -
5 answers
How do I install solar water collector panels on my (garage) roof without paying for fancy roof mounting hardware?
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posted by milkman
on Oct 22, 2011 -
10 answers
Should we lease our land to a solar energy company? We were approached by a solar energy company that wants to lease 5 acres of our family (3 generations) land in Ontario, Canada for solar collectors. We are having some lawyers and other folks make recommendations and look over contracts, etc. What sort of things might we be missing? Will our neighbors hate us? In 10 years, what will make us say, "didn't see that coming?"
posted by I'm Doing the Dishes
on Aug 14, 2011 -
16 answers
On a small solar system that trips out a lot, what's the most important rating on a replacement fridge to indicate efficiency: full-load amps, or kWh/yr?
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posted by TheManChild2000
on Aug 12, 2011 -
8 answers
Assuming an island with its own supply of power via generator and/or solar power, how much electricity is consumed to turn N liters of sea water into potable drinking water?
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posted by thewalrus
on Jul 27, 2011 -
11 answers
Are there decent small-sized, even portable solar panels that deliver safe, reliable (when the sun is out, that is) power? (enough to run, say, a stereo system/tv). I live on the top floor of a building, and have a small terrace; I can't install large permanent panels, but I get so much sun it seems a waste not to try and harvest it in some sense. But is installation tricky, and how do you actually connect it into your system etc.
posted by dearleader
on Jul 20, 2011 -
6 answers
I want to look into planning a solar panel solution for my home, as electricity has hit 50c/kwh and doesn't look like it's ever going down. Where are the best resources online to learn about the various options and techniques?
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posted by Static Vagabond
on Jun 29, 2011 -
10 answers
[PythonFilter] How can I create a location-based web application using Python? Or, what are some good resources to help me get started with this specific task?
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posted by Rickalicioso
on Jun 8, 2011 -
5 answers
I have a bunch of thin, old, south- & west-facing windows that need energy-efficiency treatment. I got estimates for both solar film and solar screens, and the cost seems pretty comparable, although I may be able to get the screens a bit cheaper. What's my best option, bang-for-the-buck-wise? And is direct sunlight-blocking actually the most important factor, or does heat leak in/out through thin windows regardless of the light striking them?
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posted by crookedgrin
on Apr 5, 2011 -
4 answers
Have Casio Exilim G camera and iPhone. I want to purchase the least equipment needed to make both recharge using the sun. Oh, and I'm in Seattle need to buy everything Tuesday before getting on plane to New Zealand Wednesday.
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posted by DetonatedManiac
on Apr 5, 2011 -
4 answers
I'm building a system to heat a hot tub in Minneapolis, MN. I'm pretty handy, have worked as a solar installer (though mostly photovoltaic), have a good sense of how the system will work, have acquired the hot tub itself, and now all I need is the solar collector.
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posted by milkman
on Jan 23, 2011 -
2 answers
I want to install solar panels when I replace my roof next summer. What do I need to know about manufacturers, incentives, and costs? I am in Washington state.
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posted by bq
on Dec 14, 2010 -
10 answers
Is solar water distillation not economically viable for a whole home water supply? Some friends live outside the city limits and don't get city water. They have a well, but it produces smelly, sulfur (?) water that isn't potable (or at least that isn't desirable). I figured solar distillation would be the way to go, but most stills I've found only produce 3 liters a day. Is there anything that can do 400+ gallons a day that the average US home uses?
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posted by willnot
on Oct 19, 2010 -
19 answers
Comparison of carbon reduction/energy efficiency/ cost-benefit of rain water tanks V solar heating V waste water reclamation?
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posted by parryb
on Oct 17, 2010 -
4 answers
What's the best way to string a tree with Christmas lights? Oh yeah, it's out in the middle of nowhere.
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posted by niles
on Oct 11, 2010 -
9 answers
Can I position a solar panel a distance from the lights it powers and still have an effective power source?
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posted by arnicae
on Aug 17, 2010 -
10 answers
I'm doing some preliminary research into what it would take to run a garage on solar power. This, of course, means using a solar array to power the heavy duty shop equipment that runs on 220.
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posted by Jon-o
on Aug 1, 2010 -
7 answers
I have a mini solar-panel (it's about 2sf) and claims to good for about 75w. In full sunlight it outputs about 19v. Of course when the light fades, the output voltage drops. There doesn't seem to be any 'electronics' built in - it just the silicon panels and output wires (with a female car charger socket soldered on actually). I want to use it to charge a mobile phone and laptop. But ... what seems to happen (with the laptop) is that is actually drains the battery somehow.
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posted by Xhris
on Jul 26, 2010 -
10 answers
Why are solar panels for the home so expensive? What makes them out of reach for most consumers-the technology, the difficulty of installation, or the parts needed to build them? What would be the key to making them as cheap as buying a microwave for example?
posted by ~Sushma~
on Jun 27, 2010 -
14 answers
I want to build a giant (20x20) greenhouse. What things should I keep in mind? Do you have any good books or websites to recommend?
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posted by stoneweaver
on May 19, 2010 -
8 answers
I'm trying to find a particular solar-powered toy/gadget, which I saw a few years ago. It consisted of four very light blades within a glass bulb, spinning under the pressure of the sun on one side.
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posted by tawny
on Apr 16, 2010 -
12 answers
I purchased a junction box for solar panels off ebay and need help figuring out how to properly connect it to a 12v battery.
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posted by meta87
on Jan 24, 2010 -
15 answers
Solar power question: What is the pricing of thin-film solar panels like per watt, compared to standard PV cells? I'm comparing 80W thin-film panels in the 6% efficiency range to 135W, 185W, 210W sized Kyocera panels. Also questions about sourcing from China and thin-film solar manufacturing.
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posted by thewalrus
on Oct 5, 2009 -
3 answers
i'm fascinated with the solar chimney concept for electric power generation. i'd like to build a small, fabric-based model, see if it might be able to provide enough power to charge a couple of car batteries. does the mefi hivemind want to help me brainstorm?
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posted by kimyo
on Sep 27, 2009 -
18 answers
How can we present instantaneous stats on our energy consumption and generation in a site with a windmill and possibly other forms of energy generation?
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posted by advicepig
on Sep 18, 2009 -
3 answers
