Powering a small fan with solar panels

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SUMMARY

To power a duct booster fan that operates at 0.35 Amps and 110 volts AC using solar panels, a significant solar array and an inverter are required. Direct sunlight for approximately 3 hours daily is insufficient for continuous operation, especially overnight. A simple series connection of solar cells is not viable due to the fan's AC requirement. Instead, a more complex setup involving a battery for nighttime use and proper electrical wiring is necessary.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of solar panel specifications and configurations
  • Knowledge of AC voltage requirements for appliances
  • Familiarity with inverters and their role in solar setups
  • Basic electrical wiring principles and safety
NEXT STEPS
  • Research solar panel sizing and output calculations for 110 volts AC systems
  • Learn about solar inverters and their compatibility with AC loads
  • Investigate battery storage options for solar energy to power devices overnight
  • Explore local regulations and requirements for solar panel installation
USEFUL FOR

Homeowners interested in renewable energy solutions, DIY enthusiasts looking to implement solar power for appliances, and electricians seeking to expand their knowledge in solar energy systems.

handychick
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I would like to power a duct booster fan (which I believe uses little energy) using solar panels. The store website says the fan runs at .35 Amps.

The solar panel would get direct sunlight for about 3 hours a day and indirect sunlight the rest of the day. I would like the fan to run at least all day, but overnight too would be wonderful!

What kind of solar panel/capacitor rig would I need to set up for this?

This is the fan I'd like to get.

http://www.homehardware.ca/Products/index/show/product/I5532220/name/fan_booster_duct_6

Thanks for the help!
 
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handychick said:
I would like to power a duct booster fan (which I believe uses little energy) using solar panels. The store website says the fan runs at .35 Amps.

The solar panel would get direct sunlight for about 3 hours a day and indirect sunlight the rest of the day. I would like the fan to run at least all day, but overnight too would be wonderful!

What kind of solar panel/capacitor rig would I need to set up for this?

This is the fan I'd like to get.

http://www.homehardware.ca/Products/index/show/product/I5532220/name/fan_booster_duct_6

Just to kick things off: I think the simplest possible solution would be to find out what voltage the fan requires, and then add enough solar cells in series until their open-circuit voltage adds up to about 110% of the fan voltage. Simply hooking up your fan to your series string of solar cells would clamp the panel voltage close to it's maximum power point. You'd probably need to add more than one string of cells though, to increase the current throughput to match the 0.36A of the fan. Maybe some protection diodes between each series strings and fan would be a good idea.

EDIT: Re:the panels getting clamped at the fan voltage, I'm not sure this is true. I was thinking of a battery for running the fan at night, but apparently couldn't keep the two thoughts separated. Maybe someone can correct this if it's wrong.
 
Last edited:
Looks like that fan is 110 volts AC and it does draw 0.35 amps at that voltage.

http://www.espenergy.com/6_inline_duct_fan.htm

So, it would not be a simple project to do this. You would need a large solar array and an inverter to run this fan.

You could easily run it off your house power though, provided you get an electrician to wire it up for you.
 

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