Solar Powered Cricket

ElefantEd

I play for a local cricket club. Somehow we've got some spare cash and thought we would invest in a bowling machine (on the grounds that you can programme it to bowl straight, which none of our actual bowlers can). These operate off a 12 V supply.

So I was wondering if it might be possible to also install some solar panels and a suitable battery for storing charge. It is the latter I'm not sure about. It would need to be reasonably portable (or be able to be used to charge up a car battery). It wouldn't need to store a huge amount of energy, as the machine would probably only be in use for an hour or so each week. We could also use it for lighting inside the pavilion when the light fades.

As the alternative is some sort of diesel/petrol generator I think this would be a much better solution if it's practical. Does anyone have any idea, advice or experience of such a set up? Some perfunctory internet searching on my part didn't turn up anything immediately and I thought asking people here could be a shortcut!

Dave_Fowler

ElefantEd wrote: »

I play for a local cricket club. Somehow we've got some spare cash and thought we would invest in a bowling machine (on the grounds that you can programme it to bowl straight, which none of our actual bowlers can). These operate off a 12 V supply.

So I was wondering if it might be possible to also install some solar panels and a suitable battery for storing charge. It is the latter I'm not sure about. It would need to be reasonably portable (or be able to be used to charge up a car battery). It wouldn't need to store a huge amount of energy, as the machine would probably only be in use for an hour or so each week. We could also use it for lighting inside the pavilion when the light fades.

As the alternative is some sort of diesel/petrol generator I think this would be a much better solution if it's practical. Does anyone have any idea, advice or experience of such a set up? Some perfunctory internet searching on my part didn't turn up anything immediately and I thought asking people here could be a shortcut!

On the caravan site where we keep our caravan there are several people who have solar panels - about 1/3 the size of a standard roof mounted panel - and they use it to charge their 12V caravan battery. They just prop them up on a trestle when they use them.

It may therefore be useful to see what the various caravan accessory retailers have on offer.

Dave F

EricMears

Maplins do a range of free-standing solar panels. A bit pricey by comparison with 'standard' panels but worth considering.


e.g. £700 gets you a 120W installation
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/solar-power-station-120w-no-battery-r69ht
although it doesn't include a battery (£200 extra from them but I'm sure there are cheaper suppliers).


Or for £550, eBay offers a 280W kit (again no battery).
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280W-12V-24V-solar-panel-charging-kit-for-motorhome-caravan-camper-boat-off-grid-/121531773273?hash=item1c4bdbb159:g:634AAOSwg3FUgEuQ

gazapc

You first need to figure out how much power and energy the system draws. Will the system also be used all year around or (I'm assuming) not during winter.

You can then get a rough idea for the size your solar system.

zeupater

Hi

If you have a pavillion which is far enough from the square get a small grid-tied system on the roof ... else don't bother with solar, invest in a couple of spare 12v batteries and either charge them on a timer in the pavillion (I presume there's a bar, fridge & lights ?) or have the players take turns in charging the batteries at home, you'll find it much cheaper and will release funds for maintenance or equipment (nets etc) ...

If you really want/need to go down the solar route (league funding etc) and it's a small club with basic facilities (portacabin etc) it may be an idea to mount some clear polycarbonate sheeting over the panels as a form of protection, you may lose a little efficiency, but it's a decent protective idea - I've seen a number of clubs which have finally taken this approach after realising that glass panels and well struck cricket balls don't have a harmonious relationship !

Z

ElefantEd

We have a fairly decent pavilion, but it's about half a mile from the nearest electricity supply (the local stately home, the pitch is located in the grounds).

No bar or lights. There is a fridge but if we ever use it (and I'm not sure we ever have) we have to connect it to a generator.

A good point about cricket balls and protecting glass though, the roof does occasionally get hit (not by me). It may be that a portable system that could be stashed behind the pavilion whilst we were playing to avoid possible damage would be a good idea. The roof is probably somewhat shaded by trees anyway.

Also some good advice about caravans and what they do about a similar issue - thanks!