photovoltaics?

Right, so if you had some photovoltaics(solar panels) sitting around, would it make sense to put them in the grow room somewhere to power an exhaust fan or something else?

I'm not a solar energy guy yet but just curious if anyone else had ever thought of or tried something like that? Unless you wanted to get into the mess of storing energy in batteries you'd have to immediately use the power, which was why I was thinking of an exhaust fan.

And I know you should use mylar/white paint to get most of the light reflected back off the walls, but there's still light that's shining down onto the space around my 2'x4' tray and not being used.

I could be insane...hell I am insane...but let me know what you think.

Interesting, can a solar panel even use light from an hid?

dunno. I've got a solar calculator at work. I could bring it home tomorrow and check it out.

It should work, but it depends on the size/voltage of your fan motor, and how many watts of power the solar panel can generate. I had thought of this very idea sometime ago, but the solar panels were too expensive, and the end did not justify the means. Try it and keep us posted on your successes/failures. I'm by no means an expert, but, in reality, it should work.

Nelson

Ask Vote. I believe he uses solar and wind for his grow room.

You would have to have batteries to store the energy that isn't used at that exact moment so it could be used later then there was no sun. You are talking about an expense here unless you are fortunate enough to have this stuff laying around. All I have is a passive solar water heater.

Mogie, you're right in the fact that it could be an expense. But that's why I tried to frame the question without that in mind. It's amazing the deals that fall into your lap sometimes but I'm such a conservationist that I frequently turn away free stuff. But if I could actually add value from some PV panels then I'll be sure to look for them in future trades, etc.

I think that you are overlooking one main thing: solar panels. Solar means sun, and some indoor lighting isn't anything like the sun.

Besides, where I have lights, I have plants. I thought that was the idea.

What? Someone has been hittin their stash. LOL

well, I'm running hydro and I'm only growing enough for me and a friend. Don't really want to run that many lights or buy that many trays. But like I said, If I could find a way to save a few bucks and lessen my electric load...I'd do it.