Smart guys, SOLAR

[xrocketengineer]

Remote power for small needs is where solar shines. You are on the right track. Just do DC for most of it, and run an inverter for the AC needs. Much simpler. Anything you run off the inverter won't be efficient, but in this scenario, you really don't really need to worry about efficiency. It's intermittent use, once in a while. It's a perfect place for a DC solar setup.

12v LEDs will provide al the light you need.

If you can find a 12v adapter for your laptop, that's good to go, otherwise charge from the inverter.

The walkie talkies might have a 12v supply available, depending on the price point and brand. Otherwise, again the inverter will do.

The very first thing to do is to determine how much power you need. Do yourself a favor - figure out yoru best generous estimate, then double it.


BTW, on inverters.... A decent one will run at its rated power. Just not for long. Figure your load, and go 2-3 times bigger if you want a long life out of it.

Additionally, if you decide to go along with something like this, make sure that the charge controller is MPPT. This type of charge controller can do several things to improve efficiency and charge the batteries even with marginal sunlight. First of all if the voltage of the solar panel exceeds the voltage of the battery, the controller can lower the voltage and increase the current to charge the battery more efficiently. On the other hand if the voltage of the solar panel is too low to charge the battery but there is plenty of current, the current can be reduced and the voltage increased to continue charging the battery. After the battery is charged, the charger stops charging automatically and can also automatically top off the battery if necessary. Additionally, most solar panels require a diode to prevent a reverse current at night that would discharge the battery. The MPPT controller has that feature too, avoiding the need of extra diodes.
The PWM controllers are cheaper but they leave a lot on the table. If the voltage of the solar panel exceeds the voltage of the battery, the excess is just cut off. If the voltage of the solar panel is lower than the battery, the charging stops.

Video

 

[AndyM]

You may have hit on why the couple of panels I bought to keep batteries charged are buried in the shed - bad controllers likely.

 

[John T]

Yep I would never live long enough to recoup the out lay of a home system thats for sure. So basically, enough to charge a couple batteries, for a couple LED lights, maybe a laptop, and charge the handy talkies and an inverter for a AC broadcast radio. I just dont want to haul a generator up and back and the new one is going to stay home! And the Coleman lamps work but get to be a PIA at my age. So no big draw for power, just a few little things

here ya go, Skeetles....

https://www.renogy.com/products/1200w-2500w-tiny-house-home-cabin-kit

I have a small Renogy solar panel on my back shed for a few years now.... no problems.

This kit would work for your cabin.... OR if you need less, you can piece meal it and cut it down to what you need....


On a side note.... I love it when folks say... "solar is a scam" you will never break even....

I have 22 - 460 watt panels on the back of my house... installed with a 30 year warranty was $30k
with the 30% federal refund, It came to about $22k (on grid system/No batteries)

It's been on over a year...... I have NO electric bill.

I went from over $400 a month in the summer to $0.00 a month.
I produce a surplus of KWH so the excess takes me through the winter (when the days are shorter)

To each his own...... but I am tickled to death.

PS, Trump ended the 30% tax break.... the end of this year... Dec. 31
One of the few things I disagree with him on.

 

[WI_Hedgehog]

This is why I prefer a small Yamaha inverter generator to charge lithium storage cells...it's reliable.

Solar panels have a lifespan, so if they're in the sun they're getting cooked whether or not they're powering something and that lifespan is being used up. An unused generator isn't costing me anything and the initial investment is far less. Plus the peak current off a generator is far higher. It's not the best solution in all cases, and sometimes solar and a tiny generator is better, it depends on the use case. Maybe straight solar makes sense. I factor lifespan and replacement cost into the Total Cost Of Ownership so things look a bit different for me than for some others looking only at Initial Investment.

Note: Looks like YouTube links went bad? I have a post with a black image where the video link went bad also.

 

[JRHill]

These arguments will never be resolved. Some choose to fend for themselves and make an investment for a certain return. Others choose to rely on other resources and pay for services as they go. The only problem I have is when one side takes advantage of the other. I don't want to pay for someone else's services nor do I wish to be forced to use something I don't want or need.

As for me, I haven't had ANY utility bill for 15+ years unless I include cell, internet and sat TV. Nor do we have mail or parcel delivery or any road services until the main roads. I rather like it like that. These are choices I control including whether or not to join a cooperative effort/project.

 

[John T]

an investment for a certain return.

Thats another funny one....

I've talked to people who say they "did the math" and they won't break even or pay off a solar system... Yet they just shelled out $80k for a brand new pickup truck or SUV that depreciates as soon as you drive off the lot...

personally I enjoy seeing that "no payment due" invoice.

especially in communist Connecticut where they tack on a "public benefit fee" = (socialism enters the chat)