Alternative energy: would this work?

[Dogmeat]

I ws thinking anout generating energy in a post shtf scenario and have been looking at 12v trickle solar chargers for a car battery. Then using a power inverter to power small appliances such as maybe a portable heater or charging electronics. Im not electronically minded at all so i dont know wether this would be efficient or even practical. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[northern bloke]

I could be wrong someone might advise better but as far as I gather a car battery basicly is good for a short boost to start a car but not good over a long period whereas gel type batteries used on mobility scooters or leisure type batteries used on caravans are better as they are designed to give a constant amperage over a long period.

I have a mobility scooter I got given that I was intending to use parts from for the grandchildren making a car/go-kart it was supposed to be knackered but it was just the electric brake was stuck on which is apparently common on scooters stood outside anyway it works fine but the batteries didn't seem to hold charge for long and I was told if I ran them totally flat then recharge it would give the batteries a new lease of life.

I ran them flat on the scooter until it wouldn't pull any longer then choked the back wheels off the ground and tied the control to drive to really run the batteries flat and I kid you not I was totally amazed the wheels although under no strain still turned for another 6 hours at a constant pace before the batteries were totally dead thats 6 hours from being regarded as flat for the purpose of being able to power the scooter that has a range of 24 miles when fully charged, my first thought was if I need batteries for lighting in a power cut I know where they are coming from.

[lightningxl]

Deep cycle 12v Bat best - inverter ok for low wattage appliences laptop etc

Heating too hungry - woodburned/parraffin/gas heater better be aware of ventilation and carbon mono poisioning v dangerous.

Use led interia car lights 5 quid on web auction site onboard boat

good luck

[Dogmeat]

I did look into caravan batteries but assumed they were just the same as a car battery! Thanks for that though, i will refine my search

[Leo1]

i will refine my search

Check out something like Rolls deep cycle batteries.

Leo

[Dogmeat]

Doesnt a car battery run the headlights, blowers, stereo etc tho?

[tom2tom]

Interesting if you try this let us know how it goes =)?

[Pasty_pete]

ive read all the posts on this subject i work with electrionics and the jell batterys are sound i use 210amp hour batterys and eith the equipment we use we get around 8-10hours of use but i cant say what we use them for if you have a car you can wire a split charge system from the aulternater that will send a trickel charger to your aux battery while your driving it the circuit is quite simple and you can easily charge a 210 battery and as was said inverters are only good for small stuff like laptops
i havent looked but you might find dick strawbridge on youtube hes fantastic on alternative power sources hope this helps

[Bilbo]

Hi,

This link may be of use to you, i'm looking into this as well not just for a SHTF scenario but I think everyone needs to start thinking about it as very viable alternative as energy prices are going to continue to increase.

http://offgridsurvival.com/cheap-solar-panel-system/

cheers

Bilbo

[northern bloke]

"Doesnt a car battery run the headlights, blowers, stereo etc tho?"

Yes that is true but under normal car conditions the engine would be running and your alternator puts out about 14.5v to the battery therefore it keeps up but stop the engine whilst leaving everything turned on and the battery will drain fast