Difference between revisions of "Solar power"

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(RealGoods -- another online store)
(Southern Energy; "goals" and "strategy" sections)
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[[category:notes]][[category:plans]]Notes on putting together a [[solar power]] system on a low budget
[[category:notes]][[category:plans]]Notes on putting together a [[solar power]] system on a low budget
==Goals==
* Need really substantial battery backup for when the mains go out
* Need to be able to keep power going when mains are out for extended period by charging batteries
* Minimizing regular expenses, wherever possible
==Solutions==
* continuous AC-to-battery-to-AC setup
** keeps power continuous
** allows charging from essentially any source, including:
*** Existing gasoline-powered portable generator
*** Solar panels


We have no solar panels yet, but they are worth adding to the system once there are batteries because they:
* are silent and have no emissions
* can be set up incrementally as budget permits
* do not cost anything to operate
* can be left "on" to help lower power bills when mains are on (because of the above points)
==Strategy==
It looks like a good starting strategy would be:
It looks like a good starting strategy would be:
# Get a medium-small [http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200422043_200422043 charge controller] (7A/150w, for 12v batteries - $30 + $6 s/h
# Get a medium-small [http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200422043_200422043 charge controller] (7A/150w, for 12v batteries - $30 + $6 s/h
# Get a single unit of whatever delivers the most wattage per dollar -- currently [http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200263174_200263174 this panel] (15w, on sale for $60, normally $100) ([http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200422042_200422042 similar panel])
# Get a single unit of whatever delivers the most wattage per dollar -- currently [http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200263174_200263174 this panel] (15w, on sale for $60, normally $100) ([http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200422042_200422042 similar panel])
# Get a single '''deep cycle''' 12v battery
# Get a single '''deep cycle''' 12v battery
# Dismantle a partly-working UPS to use as an inverter (eventually, bank these to provide more wattage as batteries are added)
# Dismantle a partly-working UPS to use as an inverter (bank these to provide more wattage as batteries are added; eventually switch to purpose-designed units)


Compare [http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200328565_200328565 this kit] -- maybe the price works out better.
Compare [http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200328565_200328565 this kit] -- maybe the price works out better.
 
==Links==
Useful documents:
Useful documents:
* [http://www.northerntool.com/catalog/buyersguides/inverters/ buyers' guide: inverters]
* [http://www.northerntool.com/catalog/buyersguides/inverters/ buyers' guide: inverters]
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* [http://www.durhamsolarelectric.com/ Solar Solutions, Inc.], Page Rd.
* [http://www.durhamsolarelectric.com/ Solar Solutions, Inc.], Page Rd.
* [http://www.skywardsolarpower.com/financing.php Skyward Solar Power], Hillsborough Rd.
* [http://www.skywardsolarpower.com/financing.php Skyward Solar Power], Hillsborough Rd.
 
* [http://www.southern-energy.com/content/solar+panel+system+for+your+home+in+north+carolina+and+throughout+the+southeast/1324 Southern Energy]: they seem to overlook the battery-backup options...
Online stores:
Online stores:
* [http://www.northerntool.com/ Northern Tool]
* [http://www.northerntool.com/ Northern Tool]
* [http://www.realgoods.com/home.do RealGoods]
* [http://www.realgoods.com/home.do RealGoods]
* [http://www.thesolarstore.com/index.php The Solar Store]
* [http://www.thesolarstore.com/index.php The Solar Store]

Revision as of 13:35, 6 October 2010

Notes on putting together a solar power system on a low budget

Goals

  • Need really substantial battery backup for when the mains go out
  • Need to be able to keep power going when mains are out for extended period by charging batteries
  • Minimizing regular expenses, wherever possible

Solutions

  • continuous AC-to-battery-to-AC setup
    • keeps power continuous
    • allows charging from essentially any source, including:
      • Existing gasoline-powered portable generator
      • Solar panels

We have no solar panels yet, but they are worth adding to the system once there are batteries because they:

  • are silent and have no emissions
  • can be set up incrementally as budget permits
  • do not cost anything to operate
  • can be left "on" to help lower power bills when mains are on (because of the above points)

Strategy

It looks like a good starting strategy would be:

  1. Get a medium-small charge controller (7A/150w, for 12v batteries - $30 + $6 s/h
  2. Get a single unit of whatever delivers the most wattage per dollar -- currently this panel (15w, on sale for $60, normally $100) (similar panel)
  3. Get a single deep cycle 12v battery
  4. Dismantle a partly-working UPS to use as an inverter (bank these to provide more wattage as batteries are added; eventually switch to purpose-designed units)

Compare this kit -- maybe the price works out better.

Links

Useful documents:

Local companies:

Online stores: