M14 Forum

huntinghawk · September 27th, 2011, 04:25 PM

So I already have the two 15watt ($120) solar panels in a rack. That's good for trickle charging some batteries with its about 2amps. Have a 10amp regulator ($17) ordered for the mini system. Already have some small batteries I can use for the mini system. Will probably just use it for some 12VDC lights & a 12VDC fan.

Now for some useable power.
Ordered a 30amp regulator ($85). Then two 90watt solar panels (alittle over $300). I will still have to get two new marine batteries. 3000watt inverter for the system ($100).
So I'm looking at the layout & that pair of panels equals 180watts or about 10amps. 10amps is better then nothing but decided I would like more so after some creative financing came up with the coin to purchase two more of the 90watt panels. So much for my thought yesterday of expanding later. LOL
But that will give me a 20amp stand alone system.

BTW, panels above 100watt are quite expensive to ship as they are "oversize". So a pair of smaller ones actually come out cheaper.

HH

CharlieEcho · September 27th, 2011, 05:28 PM

I've asked around about batteries to use in such a system. Have you found anything out about the "gel" filled batteries. From what I've heard they are the thing of the future, have an extended life and are good for rough serivce.

huntinghawk · September 27th, 2011, 05:29 PM

The inverter is actually a 3000watt surge & in the future may need a larger one.

HH

Dave P · September 27th, 2011, 06:03 PM

HH, I prolly don't need to tell you, but I fired up some simple solar pnl/batt/controllers a while back . Used LED projector bulbs (low current). This was for night time security lights.

What I learned from that exercise, is that unless you have a clear view of a very bright sun every frikken day, those solar panels only put out about 50% (or less) of what they are advertised as. And if you get a couple of overcast rainy days - faaget aboutit!

Dave

huntinghawk · September 27th, 2011, 06:21 PM

Ya, that's what I'm planning to do with the mini solar system. Top of the conex box is ideal for solar panels.

HH

huntinghawk · September 27th, 2011, 06:22 PM

CharlieEcho, right now those batteries are too expensive for most people.

HH

art7 · September 27th, 2011, 07:28 PM

The unfortunate reality is that solar is still way more expensive than oil. With some technical breakthrough, that might change, but we're not there yet.

huntinghawk · September 27th, 2011, 07:50 PM

I would never recommend relying 100% on solar. You do need some means to charge those batteries when you have several days of clouds. Something like a homemade DC genset made from a lawn mower engine & car alternator will take care of it. Even with a small DC genset it won't take long to charge those batteries so very little fuel will be required.

But, price on solar panels has come down. Shop around & you can get panels for $2/watt or less.

At 59 I doubt I will ever see a payback for my investment. But a major outage & I sure will.

HH

TexIndian · September 27th, 2011, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by art7

The unfortunate reality is that solar is still way more expensive than oil. With some technical breakthrough, that might change, but we're not there yet.

Agreed. If the big push for research in this area from the 70's hadn't been abandoned........

joesig · September 27th, 2011, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huntinghawk

The inverter is actually a 3000watt surge & in the future may need a larger one.

HH

3KW is about 4HP. Are you planning on running a compressor off the batteries? You're going to need a healthy battery bank to run that for any appreciable length of time.

huntinghawk · September 28th, 2011, 04:41 AM

Would like to be able to run the air conditioner to cool off the inside of the conex but will restrict that to be powered by the generator or DC genset.
But would like to be able to run the small chest freezer off the system.

HH

huntinghawk · September 28th, 2011, 07:50 AM

With a solar system or similar system you have to look at how much you can afford. How much power you want to store. And how much power you want to set up to be able to replenish which is amount of solar panels, size of windturbine, etc. But you have to be willing to live within those means. IE, don't try to use more power then what you have or can replenish.

HH

huntinghawk · September 28th, 2011, 03:17 PM

I believe I can build a nice rack for the solar panels & have it so it will have a winter & summer angle. Panels will go on the roof of the conex so would need to go up there twice a year & set it. Conex faces from south to north so shouldn't be a problem.

HH

huntinghawk · September 29th, 2011, 12:57 PM

Right now looking at two separate systems. Small one will be 30watt of solar panels threw a 10amp controller to two 17amphour batteries in parallel. Probably just run LED lights off them. At present have the solar panels & batteries. Controller is ordered.

Large one is four 90watt solar panels threw a 30amp controller to two large marine batteries then to 1500watt inverter. I received the controller today. Inverter & solar panels are ordered. Batteries I will purchase locally.

HH

BUDS13 · September 29th, 2011, 04:35 PM

After being out of power for eight straight days during the blizard of 93, I made a vow that I would not have a repeat experience. I designed a model of the circuit anatomy of my primary residence and submitted a cost estimate for solar power from a company in Atlanta.
After completing a house energy audit, an estimate of $80,000.00 was quoted. "OMG"
I then had an Onan generator with a flip-flop switch installed with a 500 gallon underground propane tank .
I have used it 3 hours in the last 17 years.
I have 4 baths and two tankless water heaters and two high SEER heat pumps and still don't have but 30 K in all of it.
I,m sorta like you, I won't live long enough to recoupe the cost of a solar system....but you are on the right track for what you want.
For a few fresh ideas try these books. www.creativehomeowner.com
Good luck.