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A backup electrical power unit for an alarm panel. The unit comprises a solar panel array which produces an array output DC voltage and a charging current for a battery through a first circuit at a first voltage level of the battery output voltage. This circuit disconnects the array output from the

A backup electrical power unit for an alarm panel. The unit comprises a solar panel array which produces an array output DC voltage and a charging current for a battery through a first circuit at a first voltage level of the battery output voltage. This circuit disconnects the array output from the battery terminal output at a second battery voltage level. The charging current resumes when the battery output voltage is at or below the first voltage level. The backup unit also includes a second circuit interposed electrically, serially with the first circuit to disconnect the array output from the battery terminal output below a disconnect, voltage level. A circuit is provided for connecting the battery to the alarm panel when the primary power to the alarm panel is interrupted. Status indicators are provided.

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1. A backup electrical power unit for use in providing a backup power supply to an alarm panel when primary power to the alarm panel is interrupted, said backup unit comprising:(a) a solar panel array, including an array output, said array producing an array DC voltage and a charging current at said

1. A backup electrical power unit for use in providing a backup power supply to an alarm panel when primary power to the alarm panel is interrupted, said backup unit comprising:(a) a solar panel array, including an array output, said array producing an array DC voltage and a charging current at said array output; (b) a battery, including a battery terminal output having a battery output voltage; and (c) a first means, interposed electrically between said array output and said battery terminal output, for electrically connecting said array output to said battery terminal output at a first voltage level of said battery output voltage and for disconnecting said array output from said battery terminal output at a second voltage level of said battery output voltage, said second voltage level higher than said first voltage level such that a dead band is created between said second voltage level and said first voltage level, whereby said charging current stops flowing to charge said battery when said second voltage level is reached or exceeded, and said charging current does not resume its flow so as to charge said battery, until said battery output voltage drops to or below said first voltage level, said first means including circuit means for setting said first voltage level, said first means further including other circuit means for setting said second voltage level such that the dead band between the first and second voltage levels can be varied as determined by an operator. 2. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 1 further comprising:a second means interposed electrically, serially with said first means, between said array output and said battery terminal output, said second means adapted for electrically connecting said array output to said battery terminal output above a third voltage level of said battery output voltage, said third voltage level below said second voltage level, said second means adapted for electrically disconnecting said array output from said battery terminal output below said third voltage level, said second means including circuit means for setting said third voltage level such that said third voltage level can be varied as determined by an operator. 3. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 2 wherein said first voltage level is 13.5 volts DC and said second voltage level is 14.3 volts DC.4. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 3 wherein said third voltage level is 11.3 volts DC.5. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 2 wherein said third voltage level is 11.3 volts DC.6. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 2 further comprising, means for connecting said battery output voltage to the alarm panel when the primary power to the alarm panel is interrupted.7. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 6 further comprising means for indicating that said backup electrical power unit has been engaged, including a first output signal.8. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 7 wherein the alarm panel includes means for indicating the loss of primary power to the alarm panel including a second output signal, said means for indicating that said backup electrical power unit has been engaged further comprising means to include or ignore said second output signal when said first output signal has been produced.9. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 8 further comprising means for indicating that said battery output voltage is below said third voltage level.10. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 9 further comprising means for indicating that the primary power is interrupted.11. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 2 further comprising means for indicating that said battery output voltage is below said third voltage level.12. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 6 further comprising means for indicating that said battery output voltage is below said third voltage level.13. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 7 further comprising means for indicating that said battery output voltage is below said third voltage level.14. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 13 further comprising means for indicating that the primary power is interrupted.15. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 6 further comprising means for indicating that the primary power is interrupted.16. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 12 further comprising means for indicating that the primary power is interrupted.17. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 1 wherein said first voltage level is 13.5 volts DC and said second voltage level is 14.3 volts DC.18. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 1 further comprising, means for connecting said battery output voltage to the alarm panel when the primary power to the alarm panel is interrupted.19. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 18 further comprising means for indicating that said backup electrical power unit has been engaged, including a first output signal.20. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 19 wherein the alarm panel includes means for indicating the loss of primary power to the alarm panel including a second output signal, said means for indicating that said backup electrical power unit has been engaged further comprising means to include or ignore said second output signal when said first output signal has been produced.21. The backup electrical power unit claimed in claim 18 further comprising means for indicating that the primary power is interrupted.