We found a usage for a Solar Power System
We found a usage for a Solar Power System
I have for a long time been following the growing usage of solar panels and solar power systems, a couple of years ago I had a friend who had a problem with needing to secure a remote building (lock up).
The lock up container was used for storing diesel and tools and adjacent to it is a fenced area with a large gate and lock with which it contained some expensive machinery.
I was actually fixing his computer one day when we got chatting about his problem of security, besides his heavy duty locks that was it.
Every year near to us, there is a bi annual gypsy fair and far from being racist, crime rises and things do go missing (tho I believe this nothing to do with the true gypsies but more the travellers who tag along).
Needless to say crime rises.
So he asked what we could do for extra protection and security, electricity was to expensive he was to far from the mains and it would cost £20000 to be installed – Yikes!
So I put my thinking hat on and thought about how I could power a small alarm and maybe a light for those dark winter months when extracting diesel from the container.
Answer
Build a Solar Power System.
I probably went over the top and purchased a 40 Watt solar panel; along with it I then bought a regulator which converts the power from the solar panel to a steady 12V, a small 12V Battery, some cable oh and an alarm of course.
A 40 Watt solar panel
My friend who was an alarm installer got invited to stay overnight and yes help install and setup the alarm. We mounted the solar panel on top of the container, positioned for optimal sun, cabled up all the elements, setup the alarm.
Hey Presto!
A miniature Solar Power System powered alarm, we are in business, the alarm tested would phone up to six people if set off, we went for the silent alarm approach so if engaged it would give plenty of time to sneak down and catch them at it.
So in essence for about £200 we were able to use the Solar Power System to replace the need for mains electricity and accomplish something that before was just far to expensive.
