[suvsr4terrorists]

As a project (geek), I was thinking about picking up a fairly small solar panel, and doing something with it. I realize that solar cells produce DC.... so you can't just plug one into your wall to save money... however... I do have a lot of transformers laying around. Stuff that takes AC and turns it into 12volts or so. What if I simply wired up a solar cell to a transformer and plugged it into the wall?

I realize that with transistors, the transformer might not work the other direction..... but hey... seems like a good idea if I wouldn't have to purchase a convertor of some kind.

[suvsr4terrorists]

Crap. Guess not.

http://www.butlerwinding.com/elelect...r/switch_mode/

[suvsr4terrorists]

Cool site with lots of info:

http://www.otherpower.com/

[alligator]

Stop, that won't work. The transformer will convert 120 VAC into 12 VAC. You'll be connecting AC to DC, and that's just not right. More than likely, you will fry the solar cell.

Do something fun, and hold a strong magnet up to your TV. You'll really like that one! Whatever you do, don't read up on this one first!

[suvsr4terrorists]

Bah. I was just asking a quick question. Considering I spent like 4 hours reading about this stuff today, I'm a bit more knowledgeable.