Off Grid Solar Power Generator For Backup And Everyday Use
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I designed my system primarily as a backup system in case the grid goes down long term. I just happen to run it every day, weather permitting, to help lower my electric bill. When I originally started searching for "solar generator" I would mostly see portable type units. I wanted something like the compact portable units but wanted more power so it could also run my critical loads everyday, yet be fully charged by the time the sun goes down. I call it a generator for a couple reasons. It does not power the entire house, everything is compact and in the house, and it's a little like a hybrid between the typical solar generator and the typical off grid system used everyday. I keep it 100% charged everyday by the time the sun goes down by manually regulating the loads when there is bad weather out. I act like a human transfer switch by managing it, or I shut it down to keep it at 100% for backup. If it is sunny out, I do nothing...it runs everything I want without having to be a human transfer switch. The batteries in many whole house larger off grid systems are either kept full by being tied to the grid or by the use of a fuel generator. One of the reasons I do not use a transfer switch is because I want solar AND utility power available in each room... For example, the fridge stays on solar but sometime I want to run the microwave on utility. With a switch, the entire outlet would have to be one or the other. Components: 4 Fullriver 6V batteries Cotek 12 volt 2000 watt inverter Whizbang Jr. Midnite Classic 150 controller 6 275 watt Solar World panels Midnite battery enclosure Midnite battery disconnect box Midnite combiner box lightning suppressor Homeline Load Panel I am not an electrician and just make suggestions based on personal experiences. If you are not an electrician, I suggest speaking to one regarding anything to do with electricity and your system.
Comments
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how many amps are you getting out of ur load panel?
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my system is set up along the lines that you do. primary function is back up with the ability to augment my lighting and other loads through the use of differing sized plug and play inverters. they vary in size from 300 w to 5000 watt inverters. comments apreciated, just click on link ( keep it simple solar ) lighting to large power tool applications
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Getting a limiter grid-tie inverter would get your house more solar friendly, without constantly unplugging...can run with/out battery... once your battery is charged, panels just sitting in the sun...
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Intead of installling all of the additional outlets, why didn't you go with a grid tie system?
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nice job. I like your idea. should have gone a little bigger but none the less mission was accomplished. hats off
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Outstanding!!!
thanks for sharing. -
Go Propane and get a good efficient generator inverter charger, I lived off grid my whole life. People spend 30 grand or more thinking they are getting something for free. Everything is made in CHina, one cell goes out, the whole system freaks out. By the time you might need that system it won't work.
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hey, i'ld like to know how much did you spend total in this system ?
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what would be your main reason for preferring 24 volt as opposed to 12 volt?
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thy the Faraday cage?
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how much was the total cost, can you add 4 more batterys to increase your capacity for night time use/ do you have enought solar panels to charge the full bank of battery's? or is that over inundating your system...is what you have now, enough to keep you going during night time usage?
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Oh the joy of being able to un-plug and re-plug. LOL!
I don't have that. Thats OK. The only thing that I really miss is a freezer. Especially now. ;-) -
HI PREPPING OVER 50 NICE CABINET YOU HAVE THERE CAN YOU TELL ME IF YOU CAN WHERE YOU BUY BECAUSE LOOK VERY VENTILATE AND I THINK IS GOING BE GOOD FOR WHAT ARE I NEED WHICH IS FOR TWO MIDNITE CLASSIC AND THE BATTERIES AND INVERTER THANK YOU FOR NICE VIDEO SERIES IS VERY EXPLAINING FOR PEOPLE LIKE ME THAT DON'T HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE IN SOLAR I LIKE TO BUILT BOTH SOLAR ANS WIND SYSTEM THANKS
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I love this...How much did this system cost? How many hours did it take the electrician to install ?
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Excellent video on your solar system. I learned a lot. What was the one small device between the midnite classic n batteries. What are make n model of batteries too?
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Great vid - informative, logical, helpful. Nice system! I've had different luck than you with Wholesale Solar. They told me things -- with confidence -- about products that were simply not true. I'm done with them and mostly use AleE store now or Northern Arizona Wind and Solar. Glad their advice worked for you, however. WRT the Faraday cage - good idea. UNless already done, you might want to put an extra charge controller in there as well - anything you will need to make the entire system work, as well as whatever you will plug into it - like your ham radio. While this is often overlooked it's great to see that you are looking after things in this respect. If it happens (again - Carrington Event or nuke), it will put us all back to about 1870. All of us but you!
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48volts is the only way to go 24 is not very efficient either just like 12volt trust me you will be pleased with a 48 volt systems very low amp draw..
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Is there a practical way to disconnect from batteries when they are full and run on the panels for the rest of the day? I realize this doesn't pertain to your system and goals but was wondering. Thanks.
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Good post. I have eight renogy panels @ 100 whats each. Seven Batteries. I have one system for 12 volt lighting ran directly off the Batteries. It's a harbor freight system and it works well for That. Also have another system with one 100 Watt panel and two Trojan 6volt batteries. Four Inverters. My Favorite inverter for my wife's System is a 1100 Watt krieger . I ran all separate solar wall sockets under the house from the solar shed. Be blessed. Looking forward to more Vids. Jim.
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Great video. Subbed. Some are using a grid-tie inverter to push electricity back to the utility. It will provide for your usage and any extra is sent to the utility for credit, for night use. They have a "critical needs" box that supplies the outlets in the house that must be powered in case of an outage. Then, if the grid goes down the grid-tie inverter turns off instantly, and their "pass-thru" inverter turns on to power the load. This way the batteries stay full and only need to work if the grid goes down. Plus, they use the existing wiring in the house and only add a "critical needs" electrical box to separate those circuits at the electrical service box that are critical, such as to the router/modem, fridge or bedroom.. Also, an added benefit is they get to lower their electric bill if they use less than they produce.
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