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Started By
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electrical help; solar panels, controllers, inverters and batteries
Posted on 6/11/15 at 8:27 am
Posted on 6/11/15 at 8:27 am
So we are working on getting our camp hooked up with solar power. We have a generator there but would like to have power without all the noise. The camp is 40x15 with an open floor. We have 4 8 foot fluorescent lights. We would just want to run lights and possibly two box fans. Maybe a radio and possibly a small window unit. I would like to use 12 volt batteries as my power source. I already have 4 new ones. The longest we are at the camp is 3 days, 2 nights.
I was thinking of buying a 3000 watt inverter and connecting it to solar panels and a controller. How many watts of solar panels do I need and what amp controller would be sufficient? I have been searching online but there are so many couyons out there with different opinions I come here.
I was thinking of buying a 3000 watt inverter and connecting it to solar panels and a controller. How many watts of solar panels do I need and what amp controller would be sufficient? I have been searching online but there are so many couyons out there with different opinions I come here.
3
Posted on 6/11/15 at 8:32 am to CootKilla
Might want to switch your lights to LED. Costco has some LED shop lights for $59 each and LED bulbs in any other fixtures. Can't help with the rest...
Posted on 6/11/15 at 8:37 am to CootKilla
Definitely need to size your window unit as that will be your primary power consumer.
Posted on 6/11/15 at 9:11 am to CootKilla
Just get a generator, it will make your life 1000x easier and will be cheaper.
Posted on 6/11/15 at 9:17 am to CP3
If your wanting to run an ac unit stick with the generator. Solar is great for lights though.
We have small cabin (about same size as yours) and run all of our lights (led) off of a small 7w panel and a deep cycle battery for 3 day weekends.
Our lights are 12v rv style fixtures
We have small cabin (about same size as yours) and run all of our lights (led) off of a small 7w panel and a deep cycle battery for 3 day weekends.
Our lights are 12v rv style fixtures
This post was edited on 6/11/15 at 9:20 am
Posted on 6/11/15 at 9:23 am to Chris4x4gill2
Yea we would probably run the generator for the ac at night. I just ordered 3 7 watt panels from sportsman guide. What size controller do you have if any. I was gonna get 30 amp.
Posted on 6/11/15 at 9:50 am to CootKilla
go to an RV place they will have everything you need
my camp is 100% solar except for the window unit
my camp is 100% solar except for the window unit
Posted on 6/11/15 at 10:04 am to wickowick
quote:
Might want to switch your lights to LED. Costco has some LED shop lights for $59 each and LED bulbs in any other fixtures.
These work very well. I bought 2 when they were on sale for my shop. I really like the light output.
Posted on 6/11/15 at 10:05 am to Chris4x4gill2
quote:
If your wanting to run an ac unit stick with the generator. Solar is great for lights though.
We have small cabin (about same size as yours) and run all of our lights (led) off of a small 7w panel and a deep cycle battery for 3 day weekends.
Our lights are 12v rv style fixtures
If you do LED, you need to find DC, which should be cheaper. Normal LED lights for residential applications have built in inverters to get the AC to DC for the LED. So, you invert the DC panel to AC for the wiring, then convert the AC back to DC for the LEDs. Makes no damn sense.
Posted on 6/11/15 at 10:45 am to Galactic Inquisitor
7 watt panels really aren't very much.
My basic camp system which works fairly well is as follows.
3 each 50 watt panels
1 each 16 Amp charge contoller.
4 each 6 volt golf cart batteries wired for 12 volt output. These are true deep cycle batteries. Auto type cranking batteries not a good idea but will work.
1 each 1000 watt inverter.
This will run lights ( stick with LED or campact flourecent) TV Direct TV system, radio, fans, etc.
Use generator mainly for AC when needed.
My basic camp system which works fairly well is as follows.
3 each 50 watt panels
1 each 16 Amp charge contoller.
4 each 6 volt golf cart batteries wired for 12 volt output. These are true deep cycle batteries. Auto type cranking batteries not a good idea but will work.
1 each 1000 watt inverter.
This will run lights ( stick with LED or campact flourecent) TV Direct TV system, radio, fans, etc.
Use generator mainly for AC when needed.
Posted on 6/11/15 at 10:48 am to Skoot
How long does that last you running like that?
Posted on 6/11/15 at 10:53 am to CootKilla
I'm at my camp most every weekend friday thru sunday & no problem.
During winter I rarely use generator.
You do need to learn to be conservative & understand these systems do have limitations.
During winter I rarely use generator.
You do need to learn to be conservative & understand these systems do have limitations.
Posted on 6/11/15 at 10:58 am to Skoot
Google Renogy Solar.. They have good selection of Off Grid systems to compare and will give you some idea whats available.
Posted on 6/11/15 at 1:16 pm to CootKilla
quote:
Yea we would probably run the generator for the ac at night. I just ordered 3 7 watt panels from sportsman guide. What size controller do you have if any. I was gonna get 30 amp.
I think our controller is rated for 12 watts. Its just a trickle charge all week for the battery and we typically run the lights Fri-Sun evening. No issues with running out of juice.
Posted on 6/11/15 at 3:00 pm to Chris4x4gill2
A larger than needed controller works fine. Allows for you to add panels later.
Posted on 6/11/15 at 3:46 pm to Skoot
I know what the controller is for but how do I know what size to get? Is a 30 amp a good size?
Posted on 6/12/15 at 8:23 am to CootKilla
30 amp is fine.. Leaves you room to add more panels later.
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