brindledog
New Member
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2020
- Messages
- 4
Hi,
I set up a portable poly tunnel for the winter. I live in a very mild climate that rarely gets below the low 40's even on winter nights. I don't need a heater, but I do need grow lights to keep my vegetables and fruits producing. I was hoping to power 300 watts of grow lights for 2-3 hours each night. Even 200 watts might suffice.
I bought an Awanfi 505Wh solar power station and initially tried charging it with a TP solar 100W 12V flexible panel, but it took forever to charge. I know the power station requires a higher voltage, but the panel description actually states a higher voltage. I returned the TP for a foldable 120W panel that was geared towards these power stations, but again it took forever to charge. I am limited in space and this polytunnel is only for the winter, so I am not interested in permanently affixing anything. That said, I'm confused about the difference between the portable power stations and the 12V marine battery systems. I had 2 100W panels on my old RV, and they powered many of the small lights and fans, but I didn't set that up and have no idea how it worked. I do know that there does not appear to be any DC or 12V powered full spectrum grow lights available, so I have to use a 120V outlet. I hate the loss of power that creates, but can't do much about it.
So I'm hoping to find some advice on here about how to create a system with enough power to run my 200-300 watts of grow lights for up to 3 hours per day. More, if possible. It is not clear to me how long a deep cycle marine battery would last running the lights or how much solar panel I need to charge that battery.
Finally, someone offered to give me some used rooftop panels that are 300 watts/ 35 volts each. They are also standard size. Could one of those be used to charge a 12 volt battery quickly and provide sufficient energy to meet my power needs?
I set up a portable poly tunnel for the winter. I live in a very mild climate that rarely gets below the low 40's even on winter nights. I don't need a heater, but I do need grow lights to keep my vegetables and fruits producing. I was hoping to power 300 watts of grow lights for 2-3 hours each night. Even 200 watts might suffice.
I bought an Awanfi 505Wh solar power station and initially tried charging it with a TP solar 100W 12V flexible panel, but it took forever to charge. I know the power station requires a higher voltage, but the panel description actually states a higher voltage. I returned the TP for a foldable 120W panel that was geared towards these power stations, but again it took forever to charge. I am limited in space and this polytunnel is only for the winter, so I am not interested in permanently affixing anything. That said, I'm confused about the difference between the portable power stations and the 12V marine battery systems. I had 2 100W panels on my old RV, and they powered many of the small lights and fans, but I didn't set that up and have no idea how it worked. I do know that there does not appear to be any DC or 12V powered full spectrum grow lights available, so I have to use a 120V outlet. I hate the loss of power that creates, but can't do much about it.
So I'm hoping to find some advice on here about how to create a system with enough power to run my 200-300 watts of grow lights for up to 3 hours per day. More, if possible. It is not clear to me how long a deep cycle marine battery would last running the lights or how much solar panel I need to charge that battery.
Finally, someone offered to give me some used rooftop panels that are 300 watts/ 35 volts each. They are also standard size. Could one of those be used to charge a 12 volt battery quickly and provide sufficient energy to meet my power needs?
