Post by: Machias on April 08, 2020, 10:11:27 AM
Post by: Hilltop123 on April 08, 2020, 10:40:07 AM
Lets see?
Solar panels
charge controller
inverter
associated wiring and junction boxes
batteries
Fred, what are you bugeting for this? Can you take a pic of any information on the cpap, that my hint to power consumtion?
Post by: kselkhunter on April 08, 2020, 10:42:27 AM
http://www.wholesalesolar.com/
With instructions, etc.
Post by: Machias on April 08, 2020, 10:43:04 AM
Post by: Machias on April 08, 2020, 10:44:00 AM
If you are handy, and know a local electrician willing to do final hookups, this company out of Mount Shasta, CA has very good pricing on wholesale kits. And can scale a kit to your needs:
http://www.wholesalesolar.com/
With instructions, etc.
I'll do the wiring, wired my own cabin.
Post by: kselkhunter on April 08, 2020, 10:45:57 AM
With the heated humidifier it's 90ish watts. Budget, whatever I need, I know the lithium batteries are more costly up front, but a better option long term.
For lithium batteries, Battle Born is US based (manufactured in Reno, NV) and well respected. https://battlebornbatteries.com/applications/off-grid/
Post by: Hilltop123 on April 08, 2020, 10:47:43 AM
About 95% of my current system I have purchased through Backwoods, thay have treated me and the neighbors great. What maybe great news to you is, they are in Sandpoint. Not sure how close that is to you. The link is to there basic starter kit, great place to start.
Post by: Machias on April 08, 2020, 10:49:56 AM
Post by: Cougartail on April 08, 2020, 10:52:59 AM
If you are handy, and know a local electrician willing to do final hookups, this company out of Mount Shasta, CA has very good pricing on wholesale kits. And can scale a kit to your needs:
http://www.wholesalesolar.com/
With instructions, etc.
I'll do the wiring, wired my own cabin.
After you do the math on solar panels and storage.. double it. Trust me on this!
Post by: Machias on April 08, 2020, 10:57:08 AM
Post by: scotsman on April 08, 2020, 01:04:30 PM
Call Windy Nation Solar. They have a very good tech section. I have installed a Windy Nation system of every RV we have owned, and thats a lot. Reasonable prices with great customer service.
Post by: b0bbyg on April 08, 2020, 01:16:23 PM
Post by: Rainier10 on April 08, 2020, 01:16:52 PM
There was nothing wrong with my old system just that it was not big enough for my usage. I will be putting the whole thing up for sale here but I can send you the information on it before I put it up here. Inverter, charge controller, switch to turn the generator on when battery level is too low. I would recommend getting new panels, mine are 15 years old and the newer panels put out more watts but there is technically nothing wrong with my panels either.
Post by: Russ McDonald on April 08, 2020, 02:16:00 PM
I just took my old system (trace) out of my place and installed a new 8KW system from outback.Outback has some good systems. They are out of Arlington, WA.
There was nothing wrong with my old system just that it was not big enough for my usage. I will be putting the whole thing up for sale here but I can send you the information on it before I put it up here. Inverter, charge controller, switch to turn the generator on when battery level is too low. I would recommend getting new panels, mine are 15 years old and the newer panels put out more watts but there is technically nothing wrong with my panels either.
Post by: Hilltop123 on April 08, 2020, 02:42:13 PM
But for me it was a learning curve of smoking curcuit boards, with the modified sine wave. You cannot believe how many things these days have them. Get the true sine wave inverter and dont look back. :twocents:
Post by: Alchase on April 08, 2020, 02:52:27 PM
I am totally curios what it would cost you to install solar?
Everytime I run the math, I come up with 10-15 years to recoup the cost, and by then you would have to replace everything and basically start all over again.
Post by: kselkhunter on April 08, 2020, 02:59:36 PM
Following along!
I am totally curios what it would cost you to install solar?
Everytime I run the math, I come up with 10-15 years to recoup the cost, and by then you would have to replace everything and basically start all over again.
From a cost perspective, Solar is hard to pencil out for states as far north as Washington. Especially since states like Washington and Oregon have such cheap electricity compared to other states. For southern states with more annual sun exposure and higher electricity rates, it pencils out well. California, Hawaii, Arizona, etc. is a total no-brainer for solar.
Panels last longer these days and have longer warranties, so wouldn't have to replace after 10 years. But your point on payback is valid, and varies by state.
Post by: Hilltop123 on April 08, 2020, 03:02:22 PM
Following along!
I am totally curios what it would cost you to install solar?
Everytime I run the math, I come up with 10-15 years to recoup the cost, and by then you would have to replace everything and basically start all over again.
https://www.backwoodssolar.com/learning-center
This learning center page, is really nice for giving you an idea whats involved. It gives you 6 diffent examples, in varoius sized systems.
Post by: Hilltop123 on April 08, 2020, 03:05:11 PM
Post by: Hilltop123 on April 08, 2020, 03:10:02 PM
Post by: Alchase on April 08, 2020, 03:21:43 PM
Following along!
I am totally curios what it would cost you to install solar?
Everytime I run the math, I come up with 10-15 years to recoup the cost, and by then you would have to replace everything and basically start all over again.
https://www.backwoodssolar.com/learning-center
This learning center page, is really nice for giving you an idea whats involved. It gives you 6 diffent examples, in varoius sized systems.
Thank you, that is a handy source.
Post by: Machias on April 08, 2020, 03:36:44 PM
Fred, what are you using for refrigeration?
Rtic cooler and a block of ice!
Post by: Machias on April 08, 2020, 03:38:24 PM
I just took my old system (trace) out of my place and installed a new 8KW system from outback.
There was nothing wrong with my old system just that it was not big enough for my usage. I will be putting the whole thing up for sale here but I can send you the information on it before I put it up here. Inverter, charge controller, switch to turn the generator on when battery level is too low. I would recommend getting new panels, mine are 15 years old and the newer panels put out more watts but there is technically nothing wrong with my panels either.
Sure, please let me know. Thanks
Post by: Russ McDonald on April 08, 2020, 03:52:38 PM
Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk
Post by: Rainier10 on April 08, 2020, 04:12:22 PM
The reason I had it installed rather than DIY was I didn’t have the time and I got a tax break of 26% of the system cost. $32,000 system = $8,320 tax credit. At the end of this year if my tax burden is $30,000 I only have to pay $21,680 in taxes. Also there is no sales tax on the $32,000.
Post by: Buckmark on April 08, 2020, 04:35:02 PM
I'm surprised you don't have a propane powered fridge...Fred, what are you using for refrigeration?
Rtic cooler and a block of ice!
I do like following along on your threads about your place and what your doing :tup:
Post by: Hilltop123 on April 09, 2020, 07:49:14 AM
Have you priced a propane fridge? I have bought two, in the 16 years we have lived here. The last fridge we bought is electric, and our system is supporting it. But I push my system. This hillbilly, likes luxury. :chuckle:I'm surprised you don't have a propane powered fridge...Fred, what are you using for refrigeration?
Rtic cooler and a block of ice!
I do like following along on your threads about your place and what your doing :tup:
Post by: Rainier10 on April 09, 2020, 08:49:33 AM
:yeah:Following along!
I am totally curios what it would cost you to install solar?
Everytime I run the math, I come up with 10-15 years to recoup the cost, and by then you would have to replace everything and basically start all over again.
From a cost perspective, Solar is hard to pencil out for states as far north as Washington. Especially since states like Washington and Oregon have such cheap electricity compared to other states. For southern states with more annual sun exposure and higher electricity rates, it pencils out well. California, Hawaii, Arizona, etc. is a total no-brainer for solar.
Panels last longer these days and have longer warranties, so wouldn't have to replace after 10 years. But your point on payback is valid, and varies by state.
When grid power isn't an option then solar makes sense. With that said, I now have solar and both of my neighbors have solar. All of our systems were around $30k each. For the $100k we could have all gone in together on bringing power to our places and increased the property value of every lot around us.
Post by: Buckmark on April 09, 2020, 09:30:00 AM
Yep new they are not cheap at all, i was thinking more of a used one out of an RV..... I know someone that has a off grid cabin and picked one up for a few hundred bucks from a wrecked rv and has been using it for yearsHave you priced a propane fridge? I have bought two, in the 16 years we have lived here. The last fridge we bought is electric, and our system is supporting it. But I push my system. This hillbilly, likes luxury. :chuckle:I'm surprised you don't have a propane powered fridge...Fred, what are you using for refrigeration?
Rtic cooler and a block of ice!
I do like following along on your threads about your place and what your doing :tup:
Post by: Rainier10 on April 09, 2020, 09:36:22 AM
This is where we got ours. They are priceless once you have one.Yep new they are not cheap at all, i was thinking more of a used one out of an RV..... I know someone that has a off grid cabin and picked one up for a few hundred bucks from a wrecked rv and has been using it for yearsHave you priced a propane fridge? I have bought two, in the 16 years we have lived here. The last fridge we bought is electric, and our system is supporting it. But I push my system. This hillbilly, likes luxury. :chuckle:I'm surprised you don't have a propane powered fridge...Fred, what are you using for refrigeration?
Rtic cooler and a block of ice!
I do like following along on your threads about your place and what your doing :tup:
https://bensdiscountsupply.com/propane-refrigerator/crystal-cold-refrigerators/
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on April 09, 2020, 10:47:23 AM
I'm surprised you don't have a propane powered fridge...Fred, what are you using for refrigeration?
Rtic cooler and a block of ice!
I do like following along on your threads about your place and what your doing :tup:
What happens when you can’t get propane?🤔
Post by: Whitpirate on April 09, 2020, 10:49:42 AM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on April 09, 2020, 10:51:46 AM
125 gallon bottle can be loaded in a pickup and would run the average propane fridge for several months.
1-2 years how many gallons?
Long term survival mode.
Post by: Whitpirate on April 09, 2020, 10:54:26 AM
Post by: Stein on April 09, 2020, 10:55:31 AM
Quote
A typical 12 cubic foot propane refrigerator consumes an average 1.5 lbs. of propane per day
So, per year that would be about 550 pounds. Divide that by 4.2 should give about 130 gallons per year in that scenario.
https://homesteady.com/info-12182501-much-propane-propane-refrigerator-use.html
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on April 09, 2020, 10:55:41 AM
I'd hazard with a good shaded protected spot for storage you could put 5 125lb bottles aside for a year or more... or build yourself an offloading system and fill a 500 gallon tank yourself if delivery isn't available. If delivery is available. I'd put a 1200 gallon tank on (that I owned so I can determine when I want a fill and by whom) the property and go from there. I know of lots of folks that run everything on 1200 gallons a year.
:tup:
Post by: Rainier10 on April 09, 2020, 11:00:21 AM
I'd hazard with a good shaded protected spot for storage you could put 5 125lb bottles aside for a year or more... or build yourself an offloading system and fill a 500 gallon tank yourself if delivery isn't available. If delivery is available. I'd put a 1200 gallon tank on (that I owned so I can determine when I want a fill and by whom) the property and go from there. I know of lots of folks that run everything on 1200 gallons a year.I have a 1,000 gallon tank. I run two refrigerators, two wall furnaces, a generator as needed, BBQ, cooktop and oven all year long. I fill it up every September and it lasts all year. It normally takes 480 gallons to top it off when they fill it. I should add that I am only there three weekends a month, sometimes two weekends but we are there throughout the year. When the snow hits I have a snocat for access.
Post by: ribka on April 09, 2020, 11:37:06 AM
Some of the new high efficiency fridges and freezers aren't bad on solar. I know a few that run them off the grid.
Post by: Wanderer on April 09, 2020, 07:45:59 PM
https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/the-rv-battery-charging-puzzle-2/
Post by: j_h_nimrod on April 09, 2020, 08:35:46 PM
90w for the CPAP over say an average of 8 hours you are looking at 810 watts. Add in the inverter operational loss you are looking at about 80 amp hours needed just for the CPAP.
To keep it simple and fairly inexpensive, I would opt for a 300w panel setup, good charge controller, inverter >2000w (true sine as noted), and a bank of 4-6v AGM or conventional deep cycle batteries. Probably ~$5000 give or take on quality. Put in a few dedicated receptacles for inverter power, or add a switch that automatically or manually switches from inverter to generator.
I’ll second the propane fridge :tup: Worth it! Get a dual, parallel fuel system unit so you can run it entirely on 12v or entirely propane. Some systems need 12v to run the propane which is more efficient and common now, but the older pilot lit propane systems are much more trustworthy IMO.
Post by: Machias on April 10, 2020, 08:32:16 AM
Post by: JKEEN33 on April 10, 2020, 08:47:40 AM
I just want to say a huge thanks to everyone for their inputs. Really been torn over this the past couple of years. We started this endeavor fully committed to going full solar, not because we are trying to save the planet or any of that BS, but because we knew going in what the cost was going to be to bring power in and we are in a spot perfect for solar. The plan was to start the house build last year in the spring. But that is when we started applying for a construction loan and found out after being rejected by dozens of places that you cannot get a construction loan for a home that is off the grid. Pretty frustrating. Then we finally decided, ok, we'll bite the bullet and bring the power in...which I'm pretty sure we will do this summer. In the meantime I am just trying to find a small system to support the nighttime use of the CPAP. Thanks again!!
Easiest thing is a DC adapter chord for your cpap. You can get them for about 35.00 on Amazon and then a clip on female adapter that goes to a battery. Just recharge the battery when running the generator. Other option is run an inverter off of a battery and recharge the same as above. I’ve done both and prefer the dc adapter and run straight off the battery.
Post by: ribka on April 10, 2020, 08:48:29 AM
I just want to say a huge thanks to everyone for their inputs. Really been torn over this the past couple of years. We started this endeavor fully committed to going full solar, not because we are trying to save the planet or any of that BS, but because we knew going in what the cost was going to be to bring power in and we are in a spot perfect for solar. The plan was to start the house build last year in the spring. But that is when we started applying for a construction loan and found out after being rejected by dozens of places that you cannot get a construction loan for a home that is off the grid. Pretty frustrating. Then we finally decided, ok, we'll bite the bullet and bring the power in...which I'm pretty sure we will do this summer. In the meantime I am just trying to find a small system to support the nighttime use of the CPAP. Thanks again!!
Post by: Russ McDonald on April 10, 2020, 08:50:38 AM
I just want to say a huge thanks to everyone for their inputs. Really been torn over this the past couple of years. We started this endeavor fully committed to going full solar, not because we are trying to save the planet or any of that BS, but because we knew going in what the cost was going to be to bring power in and we are in a spot perfect for solar. The plan was to start the house build last year in the spring. But that is when we started applying for a construction loan and found out after being rejected by dozens of places that you cannot get a construction loan for a home that is off the grid. Pretty frustrating. Then we finally decided, ok, we'll bite the bullet and bring the power in...which I'm pretty sure we will do this summer. In the meantime I am just trying to find a small system to support the nighttime use of the CPAP. Thanks again!!https://www.harborfreight.com/100-watt-solar-panel-kit-63585.html (https://www.harborfreight.com/100-watt-solar-panel-kit-63585.html) Try this for just your CPAP
Post by: Machias on April 10, 2020, 09:13:12 AM
I just want to say a huge thanks to everyone for their inputs. Really been torn over this the past couple of years. We started this endeavor fully committed to going full solar, not because we are trying to save the planet or any of that BS, but because we knew going in what the cost was going to be to bring power in and we are in a spot perfect for solar. The plan was to start the house build last year in the spring. But that is when we started applying for a construction loan and found out after being rejected by dozens of places that you cannot get a construction loan for a home that is off the grid. Pretty frustrating. Then we finally decided, ok, we'll bite the bullet and bring the power in...which I'm pretty sure we will do this summer. In the meantime I am just trying to find a small system to support the nighttime use of the CPAP. Thanks again!!
Easiest thing is a DC adapter chord for your cpap. You can get them for about 35.00 on Amazon and then a clip on female adapter that goes to a battery. Just recharge the battery when running the generator. Other option is run an inverter off of a battery and recharge the same as above. I’ve done both and prefer the dc adapter and run straight off the battery.
Got my DC cord yesterday in the mail from Amazon!! :)
Post by: Machias on April 10, 2020, 09:14:36 AM
Based off living off grid 15 years I would pay to have power brought in. More difficult to get mortgages, loans, insurance and resale value etc. Plus its expensive and pain to deal with. My home owners insurance went up tenfold after sold house because located in a fire area ( surrounded by trees). My agent told me very difficult now to get insurance if live in a remote forested area. This was due, according to agent, to all of the insurance claims from the California fire a few years ago.I just want to say a huge thanks to everyone for their inputs. Really been torn over this the past couple of years. We started this endeavor fully committed to going full solar, not because we are trying to save the planet or any of that BS, but because we knew going in what the cost was going to be to bring power in and we are in a spot perfect for solar. The plan was to start the house build last year in the spring. But that is when we started applying for a construction loan and found out after being rejected by dozens of places that you cannot get a construction loan for a home that is off the grid. Pretty frustrating. Then we finally decided, ok, we'll bite the bullet and bring the power in...which I'm pretty sure we will do this summer. In the meantime I am just trying to find a small system to support the nighttime use of the CPAP. Thanks again!!
We've come to that realization as well. It will pay for its self, heck guys buy a pickup truck for $65,000 every day. This will raise my property vaule a bunch and it will all be worth it. Thanks!
Post by: Hilltop123 on April 10, 2020, 09:29:22 AM
Is 65,000 what they are charging to bring in power? If so, than yes I would have to say I agree with you, for property valve, resale, it is the right choice. Bringing in power was not an option for us.
Post by: Machias on April 10, 2020, 09:37:17 AM
I just want to say a huge thanks to everyone for their inputs. Really been torn over this the past couple of years. We started this endeavor fully committed to going full solar, not because we are trying to save the planet or any of that BS, but because we knew going in what the cost was going to be to bring power in and we are in a spot perfect for solar. The plan was to start the house build last year in the spring. But that is when we started applying for a construction loan and found out after being rejected by dozens of places that you cannot get a construction loan for a home that is off the grid. Pretty frustrating. Then we finally decided, ok, we'll bite the bullet and bring the power in...which I'm pretty sure we will do this summer. In the meantime I am just trying to find a small system to support the nighttime use of the CPAP. Thanks again!!https://www.harborfreight.com/100-watt-solar-panel-kit-63585.html (https://www.harborfreight.com/100-watt-solar-panel-kit-63585.html) Try this for just your CPAP
I will try it out, thanks Russ!!
Post by: Machias on April 10, 2020, 09:37:35 AM
Is 65,000 what they are charging to bring in power? If so, than yes I would have to say I agree with you, for property valve, resale, it is the right choice. Bringing in power was not an option for us.
Yes!
Post by: Russ McDonald on April 10, 2020, 09:46:08 AM
I have seen some You Tube video of people powering a pretty large part of an off the grid cabin. I have this setup for my travel trailer. Haven't set it up yet though.I just want to say a huge thanks to everyone for their inputs. Really been torn over this the past couple of years. We started this endeavor fully committed to going full solar, not because we are trying to save the planet or any of that BS, but because we knew going in what the cost was going to be to bring power in and we are in a spot perfect for solar. The plan was to start the house build last year in the spring. But that is when we started applying for a construction loan and found out after being rejected by dozens of places that you cannot get a construction loan for a home that is off the grid. Pretty frustrating. Then we finally decided, ok, we'll bite the bullet and bring the power in...which I'm pretty sure we will do this summer. In the meantime I am just trying to find a small system to support the nighttime use of the CPAP. Thanks again!!https://www.harborfreight.com/100-watt-solar-panel-kit-63585.html (https://www.harborfreight.com/100-watt-solar-panel-kit-63585.html) Try this for just your CPAP
I will try it out, thanks Russ!!
Post by: b0bbyg on April 10, 2020, 10:05:49 AM
I just want to say a huge thanks to everyone for their inputs. Really been torn over this the past couple of years. We started this endeavor fully committed to going full solar, not because we are trying to save the planet or any of that BS, but because we knew going in what the cost was going to be to bring power in and we are in a spot perfect for solar. The plan was to start the house build last year in the spring. But that is when we started applying for a construction loan and found out after being rejected by dozens of places that you cannot get a construction loan for a home that is off the grid. Pretty frustrating. Then we finally decided, ok, we'll bite the bullet and bring the power in...which I'm pretty sure we will do this summer. In the meantime I am just trying to find a small system to support the nighttime use of the CPAP. Thanks again!!https://www.harborfreight.com/100-watt-solar-panel-kit-63585.html (https://www.harborfreight.com/100-watt-solar-panel-kit-63585.html) Try this for just your CPAP
I will try it out, thanks Russ!!
I was going to get this but then found one here for just a little more https://www.renogy.com/
The advantage of this one was it could be expanded to 400Watt and the harbor freight could not. Also one panel instead of 3-4 smaller panels.
Either will work I just wanted one that could expand if I decided I wanted to down the road.
Post by: Machias on April 10, 2020, 12:35:12 PM
I just want to say a huge thanks to everyone for their inputs. Really been torn over this the past couple of years. We started this endeavor fully committed to going full solar, not because we are trying to save the planet or any of that BS, but because we knew going in what the cost was going to be to bring power in and we are in a spot perfect for solar. The plan was to start the house build last year in the spring. But that is when we started applying for a construction loan and found out after being rejected by dozens of places that you cannot get a construction loan for a home that is off the grid. Pretty frustrating. Then we finally decided, ok, we'll bite the bullet and bring the power in...which I'm pretty sure we will do this summer. In the meantime I am just trying to find a small system to support the nighttime use of the CPAP. Thanks again!!https://www.harborfreight.com/100-watt-solar-panel-kit-63585.html (https://www.harborfreight.com/100-watt-solar-panel-kit-63585.html) Try this for just your CPAP
I will try it out, thanks Russ!!
I was going to get this but then found one here for just a little more https://www.renogy.com/
The advantage of this one was it could be expanded to 400Watt and the harbor freight could not. Also one panel instead of 3-4 smaller panels.
Either will work I just wanted one that could expand if I decided I wanted to down the road.
So which one on that site would you recommend? 100w expandable...which one? Thanks
Post by: Stein on April 10, 2020, 12:51:01 PM
Post by: Machias on April 10, 2020, 01:06:03 PM
If you are already running generators, why not buy a deep cycle battery and inverter? I think you mentioned 90 watts, that's a small inverter that wouldn't be very expensive. The whole setup would be simple and you likely already have a battery charger, so maybe $200-300 tops for a big battery and inverter.
I already have the DC adapter and it runs much longer on the DC adapter, so I really just need the battery, but it would be nice if it recharges all day while I'm at work, with the solar starter kit and have the generator charging as back up on cloudy days.
Post by: kselkhunter on April 10, 2020, 02:12:43 PM
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072K11QTG/ref=twister_B07GSMC11N?_encoding=UTF8&th=1
I know it probably sounds odd to have that instead of a standard standing traditional fridge or freezer....but for off grid applications the power savings are significant.
Post by: b0bbyg on April 10, 2020, 02:38:04 PM
I just want to say a huge thanks to everyone for their inputs. Really been torn over this the past couple of years. We started this endeavor fully committed to going full solar, not because we are trying to save the planet or any of that BS, but because we knew going in what the cost was going to be to bring power in and we are in a spot perfect for solar. The plan was to start the house build last year in the spring. But that is when we started applying for a construction loan and found out after being rejected by dozens of places that you cannot get a construction loan for a home that is off the grid. Pretty frustrating. Then we finally decided, ok, we'll bite the bullet and bring the power in...which I'm pretty sure we will do this summer. In the meantime I am just trying to find a small system to support the nighttime use of the CPAP. Thanks again!!https://www.harborfreight.com/100-watt-solar-panel-kit-63585.html (https://www.harborfreight.com/100-watt-solar-panel-kit-63585.html) Try this for just your CPAP
I will try it out, thanks Russ!!
I was going to get this but then found one here for just a little more https://www.renogy.com/
The advantage of this one was it could be expanded to 400Watt and the harbor freight could not. Also one panel instead of 3-4 smaller panels.
Either will work I just wanted one that could expand if I decided I wanted to down the road.
So which one on that site would you recommend? 100w expandable...which one? Thanks
This is the one I bought instead of the Harbor Freight unit. If you are just looking for small starter I think this would work and it could be expanded to 4 100 watt panels.
https://www.renogy.com/renogy-100w-12v/starter-kit/
My goal is to use this in the winters in the barn/greenhouse for lighting with the battery out of my camper that otherwise just sits around does nothing, hunting season I can pull the battery back to the camper.
Post by: Stein on April 10, 2020, 02:48:37 PM
If you are already running generators, why not buy a deep cycle battery and inverter? I think you mentioned 90 watts, that's a small inverter that wouldn't be very expensive. The whole setup would be simple and you likely already have a battery charger, so maybe $200-300 tops for a big battery and inverter.
I already have the DC adapter and it runs much longer on the DC adapter, so I really just need the battery, but it would be nice if it recharges all day while I'm at work, with the solar starter kit and have the generator charging as back up on cloudy days.
Gotcha, I just figured you were going to run the generator after work anyway and you could charge the battery while it was running anyway.
Post by: Machias on April 10, 2020, 10:11:27 PM
Post by: Caseknife on April 11, 2020, 08:12:14 AM
Post by: Machias on April 11, 2020, 11:17:17 AM
Post by: Russ McDonald on April 11, 2020, 12:49:24 PM
I went with the Harbor Freight 100w system. Setup was super easy. I went with this one for now because delivery of the expandable system from Renogy was several days away. I will probably still get that one as well. One thing I don't understand is the charge controller. Even reading the manual, I don't understand. It says hold this button and you can see the voltage, and click this button to raise or lower it, but it doesn't say what it should read and why you are raising or lowering the reading. I can't find anything on the net to explain what my settings should be or why I would raise or lower the voltage. Just scratching my head. I was able to set it up to my type of battery and that is about all at this point.I would think that is a low voltage cutoff possibly. If it falls below a certain voltage it will shutoff the power to the load. Found a link https://newscrewdriver.com/2018/01/01/harbor-freight-63585-100-watt-solar-kit/ it seems to be voltage threshold for over charging and discharge.
Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk
Post by: Machias on April 12, 2020, 10:18:14 AM
Post by: Machias on April 16, 2020, 10:46:21 AM
Post by: Hilltop123 on April 16, 2020, 11:15:11 AM
Post by: Machias on April 16, 2020, 11:28:05 AM
Glad it's working for you. Now your just going to want to expand that solar. The bug has bitten
:chuckle: :chuckle: Already thinking about it!!!