Answer to questions

I received a few questions below:

Q:
Would setting up a mirror(s) next to the panel array increase the amount of sunlight falling on the panels? Alternatively, positioning a thin plastic sheet of Fresnel Lenses (available at places like Active Surplus on Queen) above the array might magnify and concentrate the sunlight. I wonder if the elements in the panels are vulnerable to extreme heat...

A:
Sure having mirrors would help the efficiency. These panels do not track the sun but if you made a solar collector this would help the efficiency of the panels. It would also increase the size. I'm not sure if the panels are vulnerable to extreme heat but would be considered extreme?

Q:
Any news on the solar powered box? Am curious to know what equipment guesstimate for charging batteries that allow 48 hours of battery run-time on a meshbox. At Toronto latitude, how much battery and panel would you guess is needed?

A:
I have calculated that you would need about 3 - 6 batteries to have a run time on the MeshAP of over 48 Hours. You may also need to increase the amount of solar panels you had. Running the MeshAP on fully charge batteries is ok but running the MeshAP off the batteries while trying to charge is a little more difficult. Again I'm not an engineer but there are commercial solution that are available that can run continuously. I'm looking at the minimum cost to produce such an item.