johnson@nuhub.acs.northeastern.edu (10/17/90)
Hello.
I'm posting to these groups. Not really sure where else this
should go.
I'm interested in solar electricity generation. My slightly
ambitious idea is to reduce the amount of power I use from the power
company. Much electronic equipment exists that runs very well on 12V DC.
Most of it is for cars and RVs. The necessary 12V DC can be obtained
from car and trailer battery systems. The occasional 60 Hz house
current used in North America can be pulled from the odd 12V DC to
110V-125V power inverter. Lower voltages can be had using NiCad
batteries. What I need is a way of recharging the batteries. This would
require high output solar panels, voltage regulators, and circuitry to
avoid over charging of the various battery systems.
What I need is pointers to any manufacturers that might produce any
of the equipment I need. I've been poking through the latest yuppie
catalog from Edmund Scientific. They have some of the kind of thing
I'm looking for but unfortunately they don't include any information of
who makes what.
Any manufacturer info like names, addresses, phone or Fax numbers
etc much appreciated. Please send any responses to my e-mail address as
I'm not on any of these lists with regularity. My e-mail address is
johnson@northeastern.edu
Thanks much.
Chris Johnson
Northeastern University
USAjeffr@hpnmdla.HP.COM (Jeff Roberts) (10/19/90)
A good place to start is by ordering a catalog from:
Real Goods Trading Corporation
1-800-762-7325
966 Mazzoni St.
Ukiah, Ca. 95482
After you get the catalog you might think about buying their
"Alternative Energy Sourcebook". This is their "expanded" catalog.
Lots of good reading and information. I am a satisfied customer.
I am currently reading a book I got from them called "Living on
12 Volts with Ample Power. I have already learned a lot from the
first few chapters.
Regards, Jeff
karn@envy.bellcore.com (Phil Karn) (10/23/90)
Another "alternative energy" supplier I've dealt with is Backwoods Solar Electric Systems 8530 Rapid Lightning Creek Rd Sandpoint, ID 83864 208-263-4290 They're much smaller than Real Goods, but their catalog is still worth having. Phil