My foray into solar

[DIM TIM]

Really nice set-up. Thought of something along the lines of this, but wasn't too sure how I would go about puting it all together. Yours just gave me the ideas I have been looking for.

I'm like puternut, I heard the same on the charge controller, so I thought that I'd go with two panels, a different company's controller, a 1000w inverter, and 2-3 deepcycle batteries in parallel instead of just a single, for better storage capacity. We could make do with a smaller system like you have, but would feel a bit better having a bit larger capacity system for ourselves.

I'm even doing the plans to include a VAWT, to catch the power from the wind on stormy, overcast days, and at night when the solar panels don't produce if the wind is present then.
All sorts of 12 VDC accessories on the Automotive, RV, and Boating markets, so some of the creature comforts can still be had with these systems in the DC voltages. So if the inverter were to take a dump, you can still find some decent items of use with a combined solar and wind system like these for the primary power.:cool:

[Patriotic Sheepdog]

I still plan to add on to original set-up. Will likely go with a couple deep cycle batteries as well. May add more panels down the road also. Main reason I have kept it small was I was making a "solar generator". I'm not planning to power big stuff (at least not now) like fridge, frezer, A/C, etc. I want to be able to have a few lights at nite, a way to recharge batteries - kindle - cell phones - etc, and have some "entertainment" like the computer to access files and maybe watch a DVD at night. I also wanted portability so I could bring panels in at nite so they would be "safer". I would also have the means to move it quickly if a friend or family needed something like this due to power outage from a storm.

[DIM TIM]

Same things I was thinking about to build one. I guess great minds do think alike (LOL):D

[mosby's men]

i just ordered a 40 watt pannel , i have a good charge controller and a deep cycle battery . i plann on ordering several golf cart batterys to expand my storage capacity and i am not going to mount the pannels permamently . i already have a nice florcent drop light that i use with a cheap inverter and the deepcycle battery when the lights go out , i was using a battery charge run off the generator to charge the battery so i didnt
run the generator but a few hours at a time..
i already have a treadmill motor for building a VAWT i really like the idea of no tail fin and not needing a slip ring .

[tech]

PS...if you do add on, do yourself a big favor and do not get the panels offered on ebay that appear the same as the HF ones. The HF panels have held up for over 5 years in the Louisiana sun, and through several tropical systems...without missing a beat. The look-alikes from ebay, however have shown water intrusion and decreased output.

Better yet would be to purchase some quality brand-name panels once you determine that solar power is something you are truly interested in pursuing. Cost a bit more, but higher output and MUCH better warranty.

[mosby's men]

i got a solartech pannel its warranteed for 10 years to put out 90% of rated power .
i will probally get a set of HF pannels also

[Klayton]

I am confused as to what type of inverter I need, I keep seeing the price difference between modified and pure sine wave as a HUGE difference. However, I have the same number of people telling me I only need modified as I do people telling me not to waste money on modified and buy pure. This is very frustrating as I got my wife to go almost 100% onboard for solar, last payday she let me buy not one but two Honda generators (there the little guys, wery wery quite-im hunting zombies after all) Each kicks out 2K, and we bought a parallel cable that allows them to work together as one unit for a 4K super super quite gen set. Next purchase I want is the inverter/charge controller. Can anybody help me out on the inverter decision? OH, and several youtube videos have people with multiple BIG inverters, is it necessary to have more than one?

[tech]

Much depends on what you are expecting to power. Modified sine wave (MSW) inverters are much cheaper than a comparable output pure sine wave unit. If you have motors you are wishing to run, I have found that the MSW works -ok- for many, but pure sine wave runs the same motors more quietly and smoother sounding - and actually pulls less power from the battery bank doing so (at least for me).

Just for comparison, I have tried cheap Harbor Freight 2000/4000 watt MSW units, 1500 watt Xantrex MSW, 3000/6000 watt Vector MSW, and Sunforce 4500/9000 watt pure sine wave. The MSW inverters are now in storage. I wish I had gone with the pure sine wave sooner.

As far as your last question, depends on your electrical load. Is it necessary? No. But your setup is going to tell if it is a desirable way to go. Just remember that you're going to need a large battery bank to power multiple large inverters.

YMMV

[Klayton]

Thank you tech! :)

Do you recommend inverters with built in charge controllers or buy them separately?

[tech]

I prefer to have the charge controller separate. That way if there is a failure, I can replace the defective piece. Combined units have combined failures. :) The modular approach is my personal preference.

Having said that, there are some good inverter/charge controller combos available...Outback comes to mind immediately, Trace/Xantrex as well. Many of these are "stackable" also.

MPPT controllers are more expensive, but reward with a bit more power provided your panels are all very very close in output voltage, same model panels are preferred.

Hmmm, what else....if you are planning a large system, consider going with a higher voltage (24 or 48) system. You will be able to use smaller cables for the same wattage at higher input voltage. By planning well ahead, you may reduce having to purchase items twice - once now, and then again when you upgrade.

I have stayed with 12 volts, but am fortunate in that I have very short runs between my battery banks and inverter. This also allows the direct use of 12 volt RV or boating appliances. I also went with heavier gauge wire than I anticipate needing...lower losses now, and some leeway for expansion without having to buy again.

But enough rambling for now - have fun setting your system up :)

[mosby's men]

what is considered a short run between batterys and inverter for a 12 volt system ?
what is considered ok for a 12v system from the pannels to the batterys ?

[tech]

Those are some questions that will have varying answers depending on your individual set up. The shortest possible run is preferable, but not always possible. If the batteries have to be located a significant distance from the inverter, consider relocating the inverter and running the 120 AC the longer distance.

As far as the panel to charge controller distance, again, shorter is better. However, the panels can be wired to 24, 48 or higher voltage and run to a MPPT charge controller which can reduce the voltage to 12 volts. Higher voltage will experience less loss over distance.

http://www.rbeelectronics.com/wtable.htm has a chart showing current, voltage, length and wire size...just to start with.