Offgrid solar and inverters

[kalakoa]

http://www.amazon.com/Wagan-EL2546-Solar...006R58WU2/

http://www.amazon.com/Goal-Zero-42005-Re...00A2F38U2/

[MarkP]

You need solar panels, charge controller, batteries, inverter. There are rare cases where the load can conform to the supply of solar power but those are few and far between. With the full set-up you can have a couple of hundred watts of panels but supply 1,000 watts for short periods. Otherwise you would be lucky to operate anything over 100 watts successfully.

[DanielP]

julie,

the panels do not generate enough power at any one time to power much, so you need batteries to store the power generated over a period of time for use later; hence the term "storage batteries".(between the panels and the inverter). You also need a controller between the panels and the batteries,so that you don't overcharge the batteries.

[unknownjulie]

So, I am seeing why the "average person" doesn't set this up. Evidently, someone is going to make millions of dollars selling "color coded kits" to people like me, that you just set on the ground and point toward the sun- and that has cords, so every just easily plugs together. There are ways this could be greatly simplified for the "average user"- and it wouldn't even have to be the "best system". It would just be "easy". You could then go on QVC and sell the kits and it would be "trendy". People in manhatten with rooftop gardens would be buying them.

[kalakoa]

quote:

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someone is going to make millions of dollars selling "color coded kits"

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Like this one?

http://www.harborfreight.com/solar-panel...68751.html

Or maybe this one?

http://www.amazon.com/Sunforce-50048-60W...B000CIADLG

Either of these will also provide the hands-on learning necessary to "roll your own".

[David M]

Julie, Julie, Julie, there have been several good and reasoned explanations offered, but you don't accept. I suggest you just buy the parts as cheaply as you can, configure them your way, then report back your success.

Would those of us off grid prefer a simpler, more cost efficient way - sure. Then our experience gets in the way of theories. Been off grid since 2005, built 12, 24, and 48 volt systems, currently have 70 panels (10.04kw), 3 charge controllers, 12 batteries, 4 inverters, and back up generator. To the OP, the 48 volt is best so far.

Looking forward to reading of your success.

David

Ninole Resident
Please visit vacation.ninolehawaii.com

[kalakoa]

10KW? Color me impressed.

[unknownjulie]

I am not dealing with this at all the way it is currently marketed. That is my point. I am one of millions. That harbor freight kit looked equally as confusing from my standpoint. Until it all plugs together like an extension cord- these systems are not going to be widely used. My idea would be to have the color coding go in the sequence of a rainbow or something that most people are familiar with. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue purple - along with numbers as well...

[kalakoa]

quote:

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That harbor freight kit looked equally as confusing from my standpoint.

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If pre-fitted wiring with instructions is "too confusing", I suggest you keep your grid power.

[unknownjulie]

Yes, I love my grid power, but if there was an "easy" "convenient" option that even cost some money- I'd do that as well... There is no point in me being in tears out in my yard, along with worrying about equipment being stolen- to save 10 dollars a month (cost of system, my time and upkeep "minus" the savings in electricity). My electric bill here is the same as I was paying in Texas. I don't pay a lot for power either way.