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Any solar guru's on GLP?

 
Fluffy Pancakes
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02/13/2020 08:37 PM

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Any solar guru's on GLP?
Any who are willing to chat a little?

I know enough to be dangerous. But we are very rural and local, and due to the cornoa virus, I am thinking the cheap electronics from China are done. One of our biggest expenses is our electric bill. We are running on well on solar, and that's working, but looking to run the entire small farm on solar. Panels are incoming and thoughts on battery banks and charge controllers are what I am looking into here.

I guess just let me know if anyone wants to walk through specifics with me on this or not.

I am sure I can find the info elsewhere, but thought it might help others here, too, so thought I'd throw it out there with the certain chance of receiving a load of "idiot", "retard" and et cetera comments.

In short, cheap China electronics are whacked for at least awhile. So, getting off grid is a good idea...I think.

Last Edited by Fluffy Pancakes on 02/13/2020 08:38 PM
Things are bad enough, there is no need to make anything up. ~Fluffy

"Never interrupt an enemy in the process of destroying himself."

Quercitin and zinc...Get it. Take it.

Visit howbad.info...If you took the shot, for sure.
Anonymous Coward
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02/13/2020 08:40 PM
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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
It matters little


Being flexible is a plus
Remedial_Rebel

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02/13/2020 08:47 PM

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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
How many kilowatt hours per day do you need is the place to start to size the system and battery storage.

I have a small system capable 4 kwh avg daily production with 5 kwh usable battery storage.

It's hybrid off grid/on grid.

Last Edited by Remedial_Rebel on 02/13/2020 08:50 PM
Fluffy Pancakes  (OP)

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02/13/2020 08:59 PM

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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
How many kilowatt hours per day do you need is the place to start to size the system and battery storage.

I have a small system capable 4 kwh avg daily production with 5 kwh usable battery storage.

It's hybrid off grid/on grid.
 Quoting: Remedial_Rebel


We're looking at 5300watts off grid.

Have 3 main areas to split that power. Aside from water which is covered separately.

I'm thinking of dividing the panel powers into separate banks. It's enough to cover us according to our electric bill, but I'm thinking of doing 3 separate systems in effect to make sure we're good.

Is that foolish?

There's the barn...low except for occasional welder use and a big freezer. Then the enclosed greenhouse which is all to shade tolerant plants and a small aquaponics system, then the house, which is the main digs.

Last Edited by Fluffy Pancakes on 02/13/2020 09:00 PM
Things are bad enough, there is no need to make anything up. ~Fluffy

"Never interrupt an enemy in the process of destroying himself."

Quercitin and zinc...Get it. Take it.

Visit howbad.info...If you took the shot, for sure.
Anonymous Coward
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02/13/2020 09:00 PM
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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
How many kilowatt hours per day do you need is the place to start to size the system and battery storage.

I have a small system capable 4 kwh avg daily production with 5 kwh usable battery storage.

It's hybrid off grid/on grid.
 Quoting: Remedial_Rebel


We're looking at 5300watts off grid.

Have 3 main areas to split that power. Aside from water which is covered separately.

I'm thinking of dividing the panel powers into separate banks. It's enough to cover us according to our electric bill, but I'm thinking of doing 3 separate systems in effect to make sure we're good.

Is that foolish?
 Quoting: Fluffy Pancakes


I think you are on track. Checkout whoesalesolar , they sell very nice "kits" that will give you ideas and part number to research and price shop..



.
Fluffy Pancakes  (OP)

User ID: 76116140
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02/13/2020 09:05 PM

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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
How many kilowatt hours per day do you need is the place to start to size the system and battery storage.

I have a small system capable 4 kwh avg daily production with 5 kwh usable battery storage.

It's hybrid off grid/on grid.
 Quoting: Remedial_Rebel


We're looking at 5300watts off grid.

Have 3 main areas to split that power. Aside from water which is covered separately.

I'm thinking of dividing the panel powers into separate banks. It's enough to cover us according to our electric bill, but I'm thinking of doing 3 separate systems in effect to make sure we're good.

Is that foolish?
 Quoting: Fluffy Pancakes


I think you are on track. Checkout whoesalesolar , they sell very nice "kits" that will give you ideas and part number to research and price shop..



.
 Quoting: WyatteSmith


That's the problem, Wyatte. We're not wealthy. But with all the crap, I decided to take the couple grand we have and maximize it for life sustaining things.

If I had no financial constraints, I'd go with a 20k in dollars system! lol.

Love you...Seriously!
Things are bad enough, there is no need to make anything up. ~Fluffy

"Never interrupt an enemy in the process of destroying himself."

Quercitin and zinc...Get it. Take it.

Visit howbad.info...If you took the shot, for sure.
Anonymous Coward
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02/13/2020 09:11 PM
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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
How many kilowatt hours per day do you need is the place to start to size the system and battery storage.

I have a small system capable 4 kwh avg daily production with 5 kwh usable battery storage.

It's hybrid off grid/on grid.
 Quoting: Remedial_Rebel


We're looking at 5300watts off grid.

Have 3 main areas to split that power. Aside from water which is covered separately.

I'm thinking of dividing the panel powers into separate banks. It's enough to cover us according to our electric bill, but I'm thinking of doing 3 separate systems in effect to make sure we're good.

Is that foolish?
 Quoting: Fluffy Pancakes


I think you are on track. Checkout whoesalesolar , they sell very nice "kits" that will give you ideas and part number to research and price shop..



.
 Quoting: WyatteSmith


That's the problem, Wyatte. We're not wealthy. But with all the crap, I decided to take the couple grand we have and maximize it for life sustaining things.

If I had no financial constraints, I'd go with a 20k in dollars system! lol.

Love you...Seriously!
 Quoting: Fluffy Pancakes


Gotcha, no I totally get it, is it possible to get your KWH needs for $2k?



.
Anonymous Coward
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02/13/2020 09:12 PM
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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
The best way to think about it is:

You want the batteries with the highest recharge rate you can get. Lets say a nice lion battery will take 45 amps.

The charge controller should be matched, say like 50amps. It should have a "boosting" function, say mppt.

Nice to be able to have it control wind charging as well, which means a place to dump waste power. Generator input is suggested.

Pick the highest dc voltage you can afford, say 24v.

The panels, then, should be configured to supply the max of the charge controller in terms of amps at max sun.

Now you can charge one battery set at max efficency.

Prepare to be sad.

Calculate your expected draw for a day, then for 3 days at 50% recharge max. This involves seeing how the ac to dc conversion is going to cost you lol.

That 3 day total should be your battery bank depth target. Its gonna suck.

Then hook up as many batteries as you need to get the right voltage 12v, 24v and depth say 6000 amp hours.

Run the genny when the solar cells cant keep up.
Remedial_Rebel

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02/13/2020 09:13 PM

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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
How many kilowatt hours per day do you need is the place to start to size the system and battery storage.

I have a small system capable 4 kwh avg daily production with 5 kwh usable battery storage.

It's hybrid off grid/on grid.
 Quoting: Remedial_Rebel


We're looking at 5300watts off grid.

Have 3 main areas to split that power. Aside from water which is covered separately.

I'm thinking of dividing the panel powers into separate banks. It's enough to cover us according to our electric bill, but I'm thinking of doing 3 separate systems in effect to make sure we're good.

Is that foolish?

There's the barn...low except for occasional welder use and a big freezer. Then the enclosed greenhouse which is all to shade tolerant plants and a small aquaponics system, then the house, which is the main digs.
 Quoting: Fluffy Pancakes


Redundancy is a very good idea, but I would have a single system, with replacement components to have the most power available. Appliances like a refrigerator draw about 100w running but surge up to 1000w when starting up.

I went with a 3000w/6000w off grid inverter.

When you say 5300watts, is that solar panel power? That's not the same as average daily kwh production or need. What is your electric bill monthly kwh usage divided by 30 to get daily kwh usage.

My 800w of panels produces 2.5 kwh of power avg per day.

Your usage is more important to know than total panel output.

Last Edited by Remedial_Rebel on 02/13/2020 09:24 PM
TXGLP2

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02/13/2020 09:13 PM

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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
Check out Doug and Stacy on Youtube. They have been offgrid for awhile, yet waited several years before investing in solar.

When you do, don't go with The Big Energy Company in the Neighborhood. They will look at your roof on google, and not actually go up there. They will put you on a payment plan that, after 15 years and WAY more than it would have cost, finds your panels obsolete.

If you DIY, respect the Flashing on the roof. My partner has now been hired twice to remove solar from a roof because of too many holes. Racking system is everything. An array in the yard would be healthier than panels over your heads on the house.
Anonymous Coward
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02/13/2020 09:13 PM
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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
BTW, this brings me to a SHTF thing I did a while back.

I drove around and wrote down the location of every PUBLIC solar panel in service and made a map.

Come a serious SHTF scenario, I will sneek out at night and take back some of my tax dollars. Solar panels powering speed limit signs, stop sign LED's, cross walks and more. Solar panels are EVERYWHERE!

.
Anonymous Coward
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02/13/2020 09:14 PM
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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
Foe 2k get a honda whisper generator and some solar lights.
Anonymous Coward
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02/13/2020 09:20 PM
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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
Look into railroad locomotive batteries for storage, separate building, well isolated to keep temp stable and cool
Fluffy Pancakes  (OP)

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02/13/2020 09:51 PM

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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
Look into railroad locomotive batteries for storage, separate building, well isolated to keep temp stable and cool
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 78007325


I'm on the railroad and airport gigs. :)

Really, in this current deal with the Covid 19 thing, I'm just trying to go solo and not go scavenger, which I wouldn't have issues with in an alternate fall down scenario.
Things are bad enough, there is no need to make anything up. ~Fluffy

"Never interrupt an enemy in the process of destroying himself."

Quercitin and zinc...Get it. Take it.

Visit howbad.info...If you took the shot, for sure.
Fluffy Pancakes  (OP)

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United States
02/13/2020 10:20 PM

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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
How many kilowatt hours per day do you need is the place to start to size the system and battery storage.

I have a small system capable 4 kwh avg daily production with 5 kwh usable battery storage.

It's hybrid off grid/on grid.
 Quoting: Remedial_Rebel


We're looking at 5300watts off grid.

Have 3 main areas to split that power. Aside from water which is covered separately.

I'm thinking of dividing the panel powers into separate banks. It's enough to cover us according to our electric bill, but I'm thinking of doing 3 separate systems in effect to make sure we're good.

Is that foolish?

There's the barn...low except for occasional welder use and a big freezer. Then the enclosed greenhouse which is all to shade tolerant plants and a small aquaponics system, then the house, which is the main digs.
 Quoting: Fluffy Pancakes


Redundancy is a very good idea, but I would have a single system, with replacement components to have the most power available. Appliances like a refrigerator draw about 100w running but surge up to 1000w when starting up.

I went with a 3000w/6000w off grid inverter.

When you say 5300watts, is that solar panel power? That's not the same as average daily kwh production or need. What is your electric bill monthly kwh usage divided by 30 to get daily kwh usage.

My 800w of panels produces 2.5 kwh of power avg per day.

Your usage is more important to know than total panel output.
 Quoting: Remedial_Rebel


Average usage across a year is 600 kw. This doesn't include switching to a attic fan instead of Ac..Not yet. But we can be hot. Imo...Better to be hot than cold.

My question lies really in splitting charge controllers across a system. I think. Batts would be lead acid. I have a few gel, but those are committed to the water supply.
Things are bad enough, there is no need to make anything up. ~Fluffy

"Never interrupt an enemy in the process of destroying himself."

Quercitin and zinc...Get it. Take it.

Visit howbad.info...If you took the shot, for sure.
Remedial_Rebel

User ID: 78258400
United States
02/14/2020 02:59 AM

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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
How many kilowatt hours per day do you need is the place to start to size the system and battery storage.

I have a small system capable 4 kwh avg daily production with 5 kwh usable battery storage.

It's hybrid off grid/on grid.
 Quoting: Remedial_Rebel


We're looking at 5300watts off grid.

Have 3 main areas to split that power. Aside from water which is covered separately.

I'm thinking of dividing the panel powers into separate banks. It's enough to cover us according to our electric bill, but I'm thinking of doing 3 separate systems in effect to make sure we're good.

Is that foolish?

There's the barn...low except for occasional welder use and a big freezer. Then the enclosed greenhouse which is all to shade tolerant plants and a small aquaponics system, then the house, which is the main digs.
 Quoting: Fluffy Pancakes


Redundancy is a very good idea, but I would have a single system, with replacement components to have the most power available. Appliances like a refrigerator draw about 100w running but surge up to 1000w when starting up.

I went with a 3000w/6000w off grid inverter.

When you say 5300watts, is that solar panel power? That's not the same as average daily kwh production or need. What is your electric bill monthly kwh usage divided by 30 to get daily kwh usage.

My 800w of panels produces 2.5 kwh of power avg per day.

Your usage is more important to know than total panel output.
 Quoting: Remedial_Rebel


Average usage across a year is 600 kw. This doesn't include switching to a attic fan instead of Ac..Not yet. But we can be hot. Imo...Better to be hot than cold.

My question lies really in splitting charge controllers across a system. I think. Batts would be lead acid. I have a few gel, but those are committed to the water supply.
 Quoting: Fluffy Pancakes


If you mean 600 kwh per year, that's 1.6 kwh per day. That's a really light load.

800w of panels and 6 golf cart batteries (6v) would I think do the job. I would have a 4000w/2000w continuous inverter, 60 amp charge controller, too.

1 another factor to look up is the avg amount of sunshine you get where you live and a 100w produces on avg.

Good luck.
Pandora Petal

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02/14/2020 04:06 AM
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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
After over 20 years off the grid, we don't do the math anymore. If we're in green, we're happy and can wash clothes and use the microwave or water the horses.

We have a 450 gallon cistern in a shed and the well water is pumped directly into that, and we have a separate water pump under the house. We have a step up inverter for the well and a bank of 10 or 12 batteries- I forget. We will probably exchange them from a new set of batteries this summer because ours are almost 12 years old now and have a hard time holding power when it's really cold.

We have a generator back-up for the system and it's really not that complicated. It's a small system- I can't remember the numbers- we have a small solar panel on top of the shed and a few more bigger ones that are bolted down but can be moved up and down manually, depending on the sun and the season.

We get our best electricity days in winter- I'm not sure why.

I like it. We've had to replace the batteries once in over 20 years, and we equalize the batteries a couple times a year.

I love living this way. I don't have power lines anywhere near us, and we never have to pay for electricity, except for basic maintenance. I live in a valley high in the mountains, and our nearest neighbors are all solar too. If someone tried to erect power poles and electrical wires near any of us, it would definitely be a problem.

Some people obsess over the solar and have to know exactly how much power is collected from the sun each day. It's all 120, except for the step up inverter for the well. I like knowing that I'm not chained to the electric company and I have a sense of independence I never would have had if I had stayed in the city.

I like knowing how much water we use, how much water the horses drink. I have a small solar panel system to electrify the fence- I need to put some up in the barn too.

It really is cool to know how much electricity we do and don't use, approximately. If the inverter has a green dot, I'm happy. The water pump below the house uses too much electricity, but we've dealt with it for a long time. People tell you that you have to watch out for "phantom loads", but we don't do that. We turn out the lights when we're not using them, but everyone should be doing that anyway.

I love living on solar. I can not BELIEVE how much people pay in water and electricity bills. It's so NOT necessary. People think I'm weird because I chose to live this way. We had a solar guy set up the system in late 90's, and it takes a little more attention than bleeding electricity from the power poles and being billed accordingly.

When it's super cold, I have to have the back-up generator. The only "thing" we don't have but would like is a heater of some kind for the horses' water. Breaking ice every morning is a bitch, but we found some plans that would keep it a lot warmer and not frozen solid.

We have a small propane fridge (I would love one of the newer ones that don't take much electricity), but what we have works. The fridge we have is from the seventies- it used to be in an RV. Freezer space is an issue, but I think after 20 years we could manage an upgrade, hopefully this summer.

Only three things have ever not worked with solar- it has to do with sine waves- we had an old receiver, but it would not work with the system. One microwave we've used did not jive with the system and we had to get another one. One washing machine, a newer model at the time, with lights and digital settings also does not work correctly with our solar system. I think it would work fine if it weren't for the sine wave problem. I have my eye out for an older washing machine, less digital.

And we have a satellite for internet (line of sight to the tower on a nearby mountain). We don't watch tv anymore, but we've been through a couple of different satellites for tv, until we just didn't want a tv anymore. It's loud and obnoxious!

I showed the system to my father, a city man, and he couldn't believe that we could live on solar electricity. He wouldn't believe it was true until I took him to our neighbors to see how they live on solar too.

I don't think I'll ever be fit for city life again. I hope we grow old and die here, never having to move to an urban area. I hear that you can attach solar to your house in addition to the regular power lines.

I don't ever want to have to use an electric company again.

Oh, and we equalize the batteries a few times a year and we don't have a clothes drier- anything that heats or cools takes a lot of energy, and we're mindful about how much we use. It's a way of life now, and I love it!
Like a river, or maybe a dream...
Anonymous Coward
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02/14/2020 04:56 AM
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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
I thought it is about solar doom kind off thread but fine.

Do anyone knows any conspiracy theories moving beyond 2040-50?
I think solar panels are very good idea.
Anonymous Coward
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02/14/2020 05:01 AM
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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
they got a 10kw rectifier out now,i saw a guy pluggin all kinds of stuff in to test it.it looked really hardy.do a yt search on it.like 1700$.
thats a good deal,imho.
Fluffy Pancakes  (OP)

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02/14/2020 08:33 AM

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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
Thanks for your thoughts on this. Especially the guy who has been living off solar for 20 years! Good insights there.

What I am planning is to basically divide the power via use of inverters for the 3 different buildings. So the house would get 3k of the 5300 watts the barn/shop 1k and the greenhouse 1300k. Everything would go to battery banks on 24v as that seems to be the best price point for charge controllers for the batts.

According to the charts, we're between 4.5 and 5.5 Kwh, so I think the size of the panels will be good enough for most of our needs.

We do have a 4000watt generator for when we have to really use the shop with saws and other power tools. I imagine we may need to use that once in awhile if we hit a lengthy overcast spell. Everything is already wired for AC so I don't care to try to wire things for DC.

I'm having trouble finding a model that fits my idea of splitting everything. Is it a good idea to use the inverters basically as those switches?
Things are bad enough, there is no need to make anything up. ~Fluffy

"Never interrupt an enemy in the process of destroying himself."

Quercitin and zinc...Get it. Take it.

Visit howbad.info...If you took the shot, for sure.
Fluffy Pancakes  (OP)

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United States
02/14/2020 10:03 AM

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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
Anyone care to check my math for me?

We're looking at 5300 watts in the panels, and going to an 8 battery 48v bank. So for charge controllers, my math shows that with a 25% above charge level factored in, that we need 137 amps for charge controllers.

Am I thinking of this properly?
Things are bad enough, there is no need to make anything up. ~Fluffy

"Never interrupt an enemy in the process of destroying himself."

Quercitin and zinc...Get it. Take it.

Visit howbad.info...If you took the shot, for sure.
Anonymous Coward
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02/14/2020 11:24 AM
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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
Pandora Petal

User ID: 78081636
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02/15/2020 07:19 AM
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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
Thanks for your thoughts on this. Especially the guy who has been living off solar for 20 years! Good insights there.

What I am planning is to basically divide the power via use of inverters for the 3 different buildings. So the house would get 3k of the 5300 watts the barn/shop 1k and the greenhouse 1300k. Everything would go to battery banks on 24v as that seems to be the best price point for charge controllers for the batts.

According to the charts, we're between 4.5 and 5.5 Kwh, so I think the size of the panels will be good enough for most of our needs.

We do have a 4000watt generator for when we have to really use the shop with saws and other power tools. I imagine we may need to use that once in awhile if we hit a lengthy overcast spell. Everything is already wired for AC so I don't care to try to wire things for DC.

I'm having trouble finding a model that fits my idea of splitting everything. Is it a good idea to use the inverters basically as those switches?
 Quoting: Fluffy Pancakes


How strange that you think I'm a guy! That's ok though, and you're welcome.

Pandora
Like a river, or maybe a dream...
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 78046828
United States
02/15/2020 07:47 AM
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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
Thanks for your thoughts on this. Especially the guy who has been living off solar for 20 years! Good insights there.

What I am planning is to basically divide the power via use of inverters for the 3 different buildings. So the house would get 3k of the 5300 watts the barn/shop 1k and the greenhouse 1300k. Everything would go to battery banks on 24v as that seems to be the best price point for charge controllers for the batts.

According to the charts, we're between 4.5 and 5.5 Kwh, so I think the size of the panels will be good enough for most of our needs.

We do have a 4000watt generator for when we have to really use the shop with saws and other power tools. I imagine we may need to use that once in awhile if we hit a lengthy overcast spell. Everything is already wired for AC so I don't care to try to wire things for DC.

I'm having trouble finding a model that fits my idea of splitting everything. Is it a good idea to use the inverters basically as those switches?
 Quoting: Fluffy Pancakes


How strange that you think I'm a guy! That's ok though, and you're welcome.

Pandora
 Quoting: Pandora Petal


:joey:
chuckle
Fluffy Pancakes  (OP)

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United States
02/15/2020 09:26 AM

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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
Thanks for your thoughts on this. Especially the guy who has been living off solar for 20 years! Good insights there.

What I am planning is to basically divide the power via use of inverters for the 3 different buildings. So the house would get 3k of the 5300 watts the barn/shop 1k and the greenhouse 1300k. Everything would go to battery banks on 24v as that seems to be the best price point for charge controllers for the batts.

According to the charts, we're between 4.5 and 5.5 Kwh, so I think the size of the panels will be good enough for most of our needs.

We do have a 4000watt generator for when we have to really use the shop with saws and other power tools. I imagine we may need to use that once in awhile if we hit a lengthy overcast spell. Everything is already wired for AC so I don't care to try to wire things for DC.

I'm having trouble finding a model that fits my idea of splitting everything. Is it a good idea to use the inverters basically as those switches?
 Quoting: Fluffy Pancakes


How strange that you think I'm a guy! That's ok though, and you're welcome.

Pandora
 Quoting: Pandora Petal


Sorry! I appreciate your input though! lol.
Things are bad enough, there is no need to make anything up. ~Fluffy

"Never interrupt an enemy in the process of destroying himself."

Quercitin and zinc...Get it. Take it.

Visit howbad.info...If you took the shot, for sure.
Anonymous Coward
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02/16/2020 01:05 AM
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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
bump I am taking notes and interested too. I would like solar back up for my well as inexpensive as possible, DIY as much as possible.
Fluffy Pancakes  (OP)

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02/16/2020 01:28 AM

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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
bump I am taking notes and interested too. I would like solar back up for my well as inexpensive as possible, DIY as much as possible.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 78482784


I think I can help with that as we've been doing it for a couple of years.

First, how deep is the well and how much head do you need to overcome to bring the water to your reciever? A tank, usually.

Amarinemade is the least expensive and pretty dependable solar pump. And you can get solar panels off of ebay pretty inexpensively yet.

So, find out the dynamics of your situation. Then look, and pretty quickly in this scenario we are faced with, on ebay and Amazon for a pump that will fit the bill. Then make sure you can get a catchment into position to hold your water. Get the panels needed and oversize that array by at least 25%. Get the pump...And enjoy!

We have one back up pump...Coz you have to. hf

If you want to pump when you want instead of when the Sun shines only, you will need a battery bank, a charge controller and the pump and catch tank.

It's doable, but it takes a fair amount of thinking through things.
Things are bad enough, there is no need to make anything up. ~Fluffy

"Never interrupt an enemy in the process of destroying himself."

Quercitin and zinc...Get it. Take it.

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Anonymous Coward
User ID: 14316512
United States
02/16/2020 01:46 AM
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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
thats why i say the one 10kw rectifier.then split it off as 120ac to everything.
probably the 48dc is best.im using 12dc on a well and a emergency lights thing.my well is shallow,so i just got a 12dc amazon pump.you dont need high volume,so why buy a high volume pump?
in the country,nobody needs a 300dollar pump unless its deep well.you aint in no hurry to wash dishes and those cheap pumpz will shower just fine.20$ goes a long way.
if i had the money i would be off grid too.im slowly building my system.
i got two very screwed lawnmower batteries on my well.like ten years old and acid replaced.they still hold 12.8.
those cheap blue solar controllers do great for my little op.

oh,most important,silicone wire grease!
best investment i made,use it liberally on all connections or fight corrosion forever.buy it,a big tube!
you will thank me later.
Crypto-Tard

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02/16/2020 02:16 AM

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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
How many kilowatt hours per day do you need is the place to start to size the system and battery storage.

I have a small system capable 4 kwh avg daily production with 5 kwh usable battery storage.

It's hybrid off grid/on grid.
 Quoting: Remedial_Rebel


We're looking at 5300watts off grid.

Have 3 main areas to split that power. Aside from water which is covered separately.

I'm thinking of dividing the panel powers into separate banks. It's enough to cover us according to our electric bill, but I'm thinking of doing 3 separate systems in effect to make sure we're good.

Is that foolish?

There's the barn...low except for occasional welder use and a big freezer. Then the enclosed greenhouse which is all to shade tolerant plants and a small aquaponics system, then the house, which is the main digs.
 Quoting: Fluffy Pancakes


I've been running off grid for ten years now.

40 panels, 6kw system with xantec inverter.

I run a parallel on grid system, it cost extra wiring but it was worth it.

You want to use grid power as long as that's available. I don't recommend grid tied systems, they generally don't allow any battery storage, so keep that on a separate system you can change with one switch.

If I could do it over, I'd keep all water pumping on solar 100% on its own system and I would only use Grunfos direct powered pumps. They work directly off the panels, which you place right next to the pump. The sun shines on the panels and the pump runs -- dead simple. The house, freezers, etc on a separate circuit that can switch between grid or solar. Make sure your house uses the minimum power, i.e LED bulbs everywhere. Any outbuildings you should use "mini grids" with their own panels, inverters and batteries.

The latest sealed battery tech the LiFePo are worth looking at. They are super low maintenance and should last 10,000 cycles.

You want to keep a spare inverter, as well.

Last Edited by Crypto-Tard on 02/16/2020 02:18 AM
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Fluffy Pancakes  (OP)

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02/16/2020 09:40 AM

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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
Thanks, Crypto Tard!

I was thinking I should run the GH and our very low usage machine shed on their own and your input helped solidify that decision!

We were talking about keeping the house on the grid and doing all the other on full solar and then if grid goes wonky, we can flip the house to full solar. Already have everything as energy efficient as possible with LED lighting, wood and propane heat and an whole house fan instead of AC.

Good tips, and thanks again!
Things are bad enough, there is no need to make anything up. ~Fluffy

"Never interrupt an enemy in the process of destroying himself."

Quercitin and zinc...Get it. Take it.

Visit howbad.info...If you took the shot, for sure.
Fluffy Pancakes  (OP)

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02/16/2020 01:43 PM

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Re: Any solar guru's on GLP?
Any tips on a decent brand charge controller? I bought a Renogy that's junk and an epever that is also junk.

Not sure what to do with those anymore. So any brand suggestions appreciated!
Things are bad enough, there is no need to make anything up. ~Fluffy

"Never interrupt an enemy in the process of destroying himself."

Quercitin and zinc...Get it. Take it.

Visit howbad.info...If you took the shot, for sure.





GLP