skip to main content

Northern Gardening

Solar Powered Generator

15 years ago

I moved and am setting up a new garden/small produce farm in New Jersey. I have 2 acres to work with and I want to take my organic gardening to a new level.

But my location is not near an outlet or a faucet.

I want to create a solar powered generator that will charge a car battery. I want to use that battery to power a fence and a pump (my location is close to a big stream). The fence I want to use that portable cattle fence that looks like nylon rope.

Has anyone else done anything like this? I have minimal experience as an electrician. I'm not even sure what types of measurements (amps, watts, volts) I should apply to what. I've found some videos that help show how to build one but I'm not sure if they will sufice.

Can anyone out there help me out or point me in the right direction? Thanks! Cheers!

Craig Potter

craigpotter18@gmail.com

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

wulfe
15 years ago
That's a fairly large subject area. Look up "The Renewable Energy Handbook" on Amazon ... the book is great value and contains a ton of information on a variety of energy sources.. it makes things seem easy.

You're basically looking at buying 1 - 2 deep cycle batteries, a solar panel (50 watts or more), a charge controller, and an inverter (unless you can find a pump that runs on DC)... you may want to look at a sturdy means of mounting your panel as well.

Reading the book is my best advice though.

Here is a link that might be useful: My Homesteading Adventures
Related Professionals
Sarasota Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Frisco Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Alexandria Landscape Contractors · Greensboro Landscape Contractors · Chambersburg Landscape Contractors · Aiken Landscape Contractors · Tyler Landscape Contractors · Greenfield Landscape Contractors · Chula Vista Landscape Contractors · Cornwall Landscape Contractors · Richmond General Contractors · Saint Joseph General Contractors · Clearlake General Contractors · Boise General Contractors · Eugene General Contractors

Related Stories

DISASTER PREP & RECOVERY More Power to You: How to Pick the Right Generator

By Marianne Lipanovich

If your home's electricity goes, don't let it take your necessities with it — keep systems running with this guide to backup power

GREEN BUILDING Sunlight Used Right: Modern Home Designs That Harness Solar Power

Embracing passive heating principles through their architecture, siting and more, these homes save energy without skimping on warmth

HOME TECH Small Solar: Big Home Tech Trend in the Making

New technology enables everyday household objects to power themselves by harnessing natural light

GREEN BUILDING Houzz Tour: An Energy-Efficient Home for 3 Generations

By Lunchbox Architect

This Australian house takes sustainability and accessibility to a new level

ARCHITECTURE Meet the Next Generation of Incredibly Adaptable Homes

By Robyn Lawrence

Move a wall or an entire kitchen if you please. These homes scale down and switch it up with ease as needs change

GREEN BUILDING Going Solar at Home: Solar Panel Basics

By Christine Tusher

Save money on electricity and reduce your carbon footprint by installing photovoltaic panels. This guide will help you get started

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Solar-Powered Gadgets

Soak up the sun with solar-powered lighting, chargers and clocks

0

ARCHITECTURE Architect's Toolbox: Solar-Powered Design

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

See how your home's design can take advantage of the sun's natural energy all year

GREEN BUILDING Let’s Clear Up Some Confusion About Solar Panels

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Different panel types do different things. If you want solar energy for your home, get the basics here first

LIFE How to Prepare for and Live With a Power Outage

By Lisa Frederick

When electricity loss puts food, water and heat in jeopardy, don't be in the dark about how to stay as safe and comfortable as possible

Sponsored