Kenneke Comm - Alternative Energy Equipment

Alternative Energy Equipment

Back to Kenneke Communications main page

12 Volt 20 Amp (240 Watt) Solar Charge Controller Kit

Now with an RS-232 serial port for configuration and telemetry

This kit is the heart of a 12 Volt solar power system, it regulates the charging of batteries from photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. Regulated charging greatly extends the life of rechargeable batteries when compared to a direct PV-battery connected system.

This kit can be used to regulate charging in a stand-alone power system. A 12 Volt solar power system can provide power to a wide variety of devices. Some examples include: lighting systems, cellular phones, CB and Ham radios, car stereos, small TVs, recording equipment, fans, water pumps, and other low voltage DC loads. With the addition of an inverter, the DC power can be converted to 110 Volts AC for powering an even wider variety of devices.

Combine this kit with a solar panel and rechargeable battery for a reliable source of DC power that's available, even when the power company is not.

This kit makes a great student project, it can be used as the foundation for many science and electronics projects.

The kit includes:


Batteries, solar panels, and solder are not included with this kit.

Specifications and Features

$85.95, shipping included in the US.

Batch of broken solar cells...build a panel!

Batch of broken solar cells...build a photovoltaic panel! This is a batch of broken solar cells. Several amps of cells are included. Complete instructions on how solder together a panel are included.

$39.95, shipping included in the US.

  • 6V Nickel Cadmium (NiCD) Charger

    This charger will charge a 6 volt NiCad battery pack. It features two charge modes: fast and tricle. Power for the charger can be supplied by a 12 Volt solar panel or AC adapter. Full hookup instructions included. $9.95, shipping included in the US.

    Out of Stock.

  • 1.5 Watt Solar Panel with LED

    Converts Solar Energy into DC energy

    High output (12 Volts DC, 1500 mW) will keep all batteries fully charged! Use with auto, marine, truck, RV: any 12 volt battery. No installation required simply plugs into the cigarette lighter. Compensates for small steady battery drains. Mounts to dash or visor, and can be mouted outdoors to power small items. $29.95, shipping included in the US.

    Specs at-a-glance

    Voltage: 12 Volts DC
    Open Circuit Voltage: 22.50 Volts DC
    Output Wattage: 1.5 Watts (1500 mW)
    Output Amperage: 120 mA
    Waterproof (with application of sealant)
    Dimensions: 14-3/4" L x 6-1/2" W x 7/8" T
    Charge Indicator: Blinking RED LED

  • 12 Volt 6 Amp Solar Power Center Kit

    This kit forms the center of a 12 Volt solar power system. It includes a charge controller, a load switch, a low voltage disconnect circuit, and a battery low voltage warning indicator. Regulated charging combined with the low voltage disconnect function will provide the maximum service life for rechargeable batteries. This is several devices in one, which normally would cost $200 or more.

    This kit can be used as the power control center for portable lighting systems, cellular phones, car stereos, CB and Ham radios, small TVs, portable recording equipment, fans, and just about any other 12 Volt load that uses up to 6 Amps of current. This *can* be used to run an external solid-state relay (not included) for controlling higher current loads.

    Controls and indicators include a momentary action on-off switch, a red/green Charge/Float LED, a green Load-Power LED, and a yellow Low-Voltage LED.

    This kit makes a great student project, it can be used as the foundation for many science and electronics projects.

    The kit includes:

    * A high quality double sided, silk screened circuit board.
    * All of the parts required for building the board.
    * A schematic and wiring diagram.
    * Easy step-by-step assembly and alignment instructions.

    SPC2 Specifications and Features

    • Charging Current: up to 6 Amps continuous.
    • Load Current: up to 6 Amps continuous, more with an external solid-state relay.
    • The efficient design is suitable for use with low power solar panels.
    • Nominal Battery Voltage: 12V.
    • Will work with all rechargeable battery types: wet or gell lead acid, NiCd, and NiMH.
    • Suggested Battery Rating: 12V, 0.5 to 100 Amp Hours.
    • Charge Controller Float Voltage Range: 12.8V-16.1V.
    • Low Voltage Disconnect Range: 10.0V-13.0V
    • Suggested Solar Panel Rating: 12V Nominal (36 cell), 4W to 75W.
    • Voltage Drop During Charging: .5V @ 3A, 1V @ 6A.
    • Night Time Current Drain: 10 microamps
    • Single adjustment for charge controller float voltage.
    • Single adjustment for low voltage disconnect point.
    • Red/Green LED for Charge/Float indication.
    • Green LED for Load-Power indication.
    • Yellow LED for Low-Voltage indication, lights at 0.7V above LVD setpoint.
    • Equalize terminals provided, short for periodic maintenance overcharging.
    • Load On-Off Switch: spring loaded momentary on, momentary off.
    • Simple 6 screw connector will accept wires for attaching a battery, load, and PV panel.
    • Uses pulsed float voltage maintenance mode when battery is full.
    • Temperature compensated, works well in cold and hot environments.
    • RFI supression, designed to work with radio systems.
    • Built in fuse on battery circuit for short circuit protection.
    • Designed to withstand the application of reverse battery polarity.
    • Reliable all solid-state circuitry, no power hungry relay to burn out.
    • Board Dimensions: 3.95" wide by 3.15" deep by 0.75" tall.
    • Weight: approximately 60 grams (2oz).
    Batteries, solar panels, and load devices are not included with this kit. $119.95, shipping included.

  • GreenPlug Energy Saver

    SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY WITH GREENPLUG®
    We have just received another shipment of these energy saving devices known as GreenPlugs®. A GreenPlug® is an electronic device that reduces electricity usage and energy waste. The technology inside of a GreenPlug® consists of a patented ideal Voltage Controller that senses and controls the voltage applied to a motor or appliance. Motors run cooler and quieter while using less electricity. GreenPlug® literature states that their unit will save you money on your electric bill, extend the life of your appliance and protect against voltage surges, all while reducing the use of natural resources required to create electricity. According to the information we received with the GreenPlugs®, testing was performed in the US and Canada with results as follows for refrigerator savings.
    UTILITY RATE W/TAX SAVINGS/YEAR
    8¢/kWh $20
    10¢/kWh $25
    12¢/kWh $30
    14¢/kWh $35
    Based on Average savings of 28.5WHR/HR. Savings may vary with line voltage and appliance efficiency.

    GreenPlug® supplies full line voltage when your refrigerator starts up or turns on an internal fan. However, when your refrigerator doesn't require full voltage, which is most of the time, GreenPlug® doesn't allow excess electricity to come through to the motor. We were told that after 1992, many major appliance manufacturers incorporated this type of circuitry into their new designs which probably impacted the GreenPlug® company in a big way. If you do have a pre 1992 appliance, you'll want to try one of these fascinating devices. The units we have are complete and new cardboard box. We are selling these at a fraction of their original price. Each is very simple to use; just plug the GreenPlug® into your outlet and then your appliance into the GreenPlug®. Please note: The manufacturer has closed so the guarantees printed on the packaging are void. Of course, since the we sell surplus, we can not guarantee the efficiency of the GreenPlugs® or be responsible for any liability connected with their use. Please note that we are not the manufacturer of GreenPlugs nor do offer warranty coverage for GreenPlugs purchased from the original manufacturer. This is a 7Amp unit, great for refridgerators, freezers, etc.
    $24.95, shipping included.

    • Back to Kenneke Communications main page