I noticed the price of solar panels has really dropped. I would like to use them to charge my cellphone and laptop. I know that I would need an inverter, but I am curious do I need to use a battery that the solar panels charge and then use that power to charge my laptop and phone, or do the solar panels go directly into my devices (after the inverter). Because if I need to charge a battery first I would think that when it needs to be replaced, the cost of it would be more than just paying for regular electricity. Thanks.

Can you run the fan with just the inverter without the battery?

If you do need to use the battery, how does this work? Does the battery make up for the extra power needed that a 12 V solar panel cannot generate to power a standard appliance like a fan?

None

The fan needs 110V AC (or 220V some places)
The solar panel makes DC, probably 12V.
You need an inverter and probably a storage battery. You’d do better to get a low-voltage more efficient fan.

lets not use electricity anymore, because its wasting energy why don’t we use everything solar powered.You could use electricity or solar panels your choice

1) Not everyone has enough sun for solar power.
2) Solar cells are difficult and expensive to produce, you can use direct solar heating but it is less efficient and can’t be stored.
3) Solar power is fine for domestic use but actually people use a lot of energy. For example water distribution uses a lot of electricity, as do factories.

If not, what are the huge panels attached to the telescope? Are they cameras?

Yes, there are four solar panels connected to it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubble_Space_Telescope

i have 2 use solar panels in my building so i want 2 know the techniques and according to the load of my building how many panels have to be installed?means is it according to the area of the building or is it according to the power usage ,,, also provide me with other necessary details about solar panels or any links associated to it .. or the person whom i can contact

check ths out….

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&resnum=0&q=how+to+use+solar+panels+for+generating+electricity+according+to+the+requirements+of+the+building&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iw

I have just purchased an HHO generator which I intend to put on a Tercel. If I put Photovoltaic panels on the roof of the car, and a deep cycle battery in the trunk with a plug-in charger, would it be realistically possible to make a sort of "Home made Hybrid?" Is there a limit to the ratio of HHo to gasoline that I can burn without damaging the valves, etcetera? Anyone out there trying to do something along these lines?

Then you wasted your money. HHO is just a scam that does nothing to help your fuel economy.

I am investigating using solar panels to provide some power at home, in Corpus Christi, Texas but there is little practical information available. Is there a book, course or, better still, someone in the area that has first hand information?

A good place to start is the Department of Energy’s EERE website.
They have short basic guides on all types of energy projects for the home including small solar installations.

Used solar panels can be effective, provided they are in good condition. Make sure to test them for effectiveness before paying though, so you don’t get ripped off.

Try reading here: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Buy-Pre-Owned-Solar-Panels&id=4117857

My siblings and I all live in different parts of the country. Both or our parents are dead. they have a home in the country. To pay utility bills for this home as well as our own is expensive. If enough electricity could be generated to keep the pipes from freezing in the winter at little or no cost to us it would be great. I was wondering about solar. Can anyone give me any pointers?

The initial installation of a solar electric system is expensive. If it is a quality unit the regulator/converter unit will hold up for a long time with little or no maintenance. You will also have a bank of batteries which may require some maintenance depending on the type. The system will have to be matched to the expected load, in your case heat tape on the pipes. The panels on the roof will have to be cleaned and keep clear of snow and ice. For more specifics you should contact a solar contractor. The contractor will determine the system that best meets your needs and estimate the cost.

What type of battery bank would i need to store energy from a solar panel used to power a house, and what would be the cost?

a big one.

You need to answer a few questions:

1. What is your average power usage. You can get that from old electric bills. Typical is 1000 watts.

2. How many hours without sun do you want the batteries to continue to supply power when there is no sun. Obviously you need the nite hours, but how about 2-3 days when it is raining?