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scrimshaw
Member
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# Posted: 14 Jul 2009 14:09
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I think I'm ready to make my purchase of a solar system. I'm probably going to go with an 80 watt solar panel, 1000w inverter, 15 amp charge controller and 2 AGM 12V batteries.
I've got my cabin wired with four receptacles, 5 indoor lights, and 4 outdoor lights, or thereabouts and plan on using the low watt fluorescent bulbs to reduce energy output. I also want to intall an engery efficient ceiling fan (found on that produced only 37 watts).
I've got all my wired receptabcles and lights going to a circuit breaker that a friend helped me with. We also have an 8 foot grounding rod.
My solar panel will be about 125 yards away and we're planning trenching the cable to the cabin.
Questions:
Do the batteries, inverter and charge controller go inside the cabin or where should I put those? How does the solar panel connect to the circuit breaker? What do you all store the batteries in?
Thanks,
Eric
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CabinBuilder
Admin
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# Posted: 14 Jul 2009 17:23
Reply
Quoting: scrimshaw My solar panel will be about 125 yards away
There will be some voltage drop over that distance.
See Voltage Drop Calculator.
Keep in mind that inverter consumes power even when idle - you should keep it off when not using.
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soundandfurycabin
Member
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# Posted: 14 Jul 2009 23:39
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Yeah, the distance is a big issue. I think you'd have to keep your batteries and inverter at the panel location, then run 120V AC to your cabin. Otherwise you'll have to pay a fortune for the cable. Try out the nifty calculator CabinBuilder posted, and keep in mind that you should keep the voltage drop under about 3%.
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scrimshaw
Member
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# Posted: 15 Jul 2009 07:53
Reply
How do I store the inverter and batteries at the panel keeping them from the elements?
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Vince P
Member
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# Posted: 15 Jul 2009 08:09 - Edited by: Vince P
Reply
Quoting: scrimshaw How do I store the inverter and batteries at the panel keeping them from the elements?
I keep my batteries and inverter under the floor joists of the cabin. I hard wired a switch to the inverter from the inside of the cabin, so I can simply "flip the switch" to turn on power.
Next to the switch, I have two charge controllers and a voltmeter that I wired to the batteries in order to monitor voltage.
Hope that helps.
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Anonymous
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# Posted: 15 Jul 2009 16:37
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You could build an insulated box out of exterior-grade plywood or just buy a large rubbermaid type of container or a deck box to put them in. This is the largest I've found:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/2/OutdoorLiving/3/OutdoorStorage/DeckBoxesBench es/PRDOVR~0600258P/Outstanding%2BSolutions%2BBasic%2BDeck%2BBox.jsp
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scrimshaw
Member
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# Posted: 16 Jul 2009 07:57
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Vince, I like your idea of running under the floor boards, I had the same idea but the electrician I am working with wasn't too excited about the idea as he said it might start a fire? Is this that dangerous of a setup or should I be OK? I could atleast build a box for it under the floors to contain the batteries and still keep them underneath. Thanks,
Eric
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lamar5292
Member
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# Posted: 26 Sep 2009 01:59
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You can put inverter inside but fan makes noise and they will last longer if kept cool.
I store my controler and inverter outside on porch protected from weather.
Batteries must be kept outside and I use a heavy wooden box which will not deteriorate from acid like metal will.
Batteries should be kept warm in winter and cool in summer for longer life. I insulate the box in winter and it is kept shaded in summer.
LaMar
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Moontreeranch
Member
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# Posted: 3 Oct 2009 12:35
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I plan on building a "dinette" sitting area that can be converted to a bed...got a good deal on some RV salvage cushions. my plan is to house all of the electrical components under one of the benches. I plan to use sealed AGM so off gassing will not be an issue. A Divider will keep the disconnects /breaker, charge controller / inverter from the battery side. If necessary I can vent the controls side to the interior. Our passive Solar design should temper the extremes when we are not there.
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Anonymous
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# Posted: 26 Oct 2009 11:35
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You can also see the basic Cabin Solar Guide here as well.
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Bobjr59
Member
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# Posted: 9 Aug 2010 13:19
Reply
as far as storage for the setup goes I like this one
Suncast Storage Bench, Taupe
Product #60-0236-6 just follow the link from above and look for this product #60-0236-6
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Bobjr59
Member
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# Posted: 9 Aug 2010 13:21
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lamar5292 I enjoyed your book thank you for giving me some great ideals
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munkyfst
Member
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# Posted: 26 Sep 2010 01:25
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You are right about the fire hazard, I've seen batteries "slag" themselves without warning, bith in aircraft and in vehicles, I would NEVER trust them under the floor boards. ever!
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