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Mark5
Member
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# Posted: 23 Nov 2007 14:32
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I was also thinking about similar solar power setup at our cabin, but we intent to spend more time there so I'm planning to have more solar panels and batteries.
I hope soon solar power equipment will become more affordable – it's still fairly expensive to setup a decent system with enough power.
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Vince P
Member
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# Posted: 29 Nov 2007 20:06
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Hey I finally got this forum to work for me!
This set-up from Harbor Freight can be had on Ebay for about $180 US and includes everything except battery(s) and inverter. I'm planning to purchase this kit for next Spring. I'm unsure of the quality, but it looks like it might work for a small cabin.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90599
Vince
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CabinBuilder
Admin
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# Posted: 30 Nov 2007 09:49 - Edited by: CabinBuilder
Reply
Quoting: Vince P This set-up from Harbor Freight... includes everything except battery(s) and inverter.
Looks like not bad solar power unit (and I think priced reasonably if components purchased separately).
They suggest having 300 watt power inverter – that's OK for ruining lights, but I've found having a 1200W inverter is better – this way I can use it to power some power tools when needed (circular and jig saws for example).
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Vince P
Member
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# Posted: 1 Dec 2007 18:59
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One thing I have noticed after researching reviews of
this kit online is that everyone who gets it, says to
throw out the controller that comes with it and buy a better one. Though it
seems that everyone agrees that the panels alone are
well worth the price even if they are an older and
bigger style.
Well, for now I'm using a propane lantern, some kerosene lamps and one Aladdin lamp, which does the trick. Though I plan on getting a BIG deep cycle battery with an inverter to power some low watt flourescent bulbs eventually. I'll just charge it in the car on the way home until I do get around to installing some solar panels.
Vince
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scott
Member
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# Posted: 11 Jan 2008 19:32
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Hey folks,
I have a decent sized cabin off grid in P.E.I. Canada. I want to get electricity in it, and tried by getting three 15 watt solar panels and a power box to hook to em...however, my box seems to be screwed up. It wont charge up.
I think I broke it by having it hooked up to the panels to charge while taking power from it, but I don't know if that would do it or not. Any ideas?
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Vince P
Member
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# Posted: 11 Jan 2008 19:43
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Quoting: scott I think I broke it by having it hooked up to the panels to charge while taking power from it, but I don't know if that would do it or not. Any ideas?
It sure would mess it up if you didn't have a charge controller (or one that work's the way it's supposed to) between the panels and the box. If you don't, the battery in the powerbox is probably burnt out.
Here is the charge controller I have in the set-up I'm building: click here
Also, I have found through my research, that it is more cost effective by far to buy a cheap deep cycle/marine battery than a powerbox. I paid $70US for a 115 amp/hour deep cycle and using it just for lighting, I have yet to drain it even though it's not hooked up to the panels.
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Mark5
Member
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2008 14:04 - Edited by: Mark5
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Scott,
From my experience, there are at few things lead-acid batteries (ones used in power boxes) do not like – being either completely drained or overcharged (when no charge controller is used). Both shorten battery life.
Deep-cycle batteries can be drained low and are better option for the cabin power use, but they are more expensive.
If you store power box at your cabin during the winter, make sure it is hooked to the solar panel + charge controller and is charging – battery will withstand freezing temperatures if fully charged (think how lead-acid batteries are used in the car).
Also, always store powerbox in the upright position.
Finally, keep in mind that typical lifespan of the led-acid battery is several years – that's assuming its normal operation, i.e. those requirements above are met.
It sounds like your battery is dying.
What kind of power-box do you have? I'd say, if it were still on warranty – replace it.
Other option is replacing its battery - this way you can reuse other components of the power box such as inverter.
If your box is a stationary provider of power for your cabin, consider getting a larger battery or connect couple of them in a parallel set. If possible, get deep-cycle type.
Either way, you need a charge controller.
Hope this helps.
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bobrok
Member
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# Posted: 14 Jan 2008 22:33
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Does anyone use gel batteries? I have them in my cabin and from what I have read they are better than wet cell batteries because you can keep them in the living area (no gas emissions) and they can be kept in place during cold weather non-use since there is nothing to freeze, as long as they are kept charged.
Does anyone have any experience with these?
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Sam
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# Posted: 15 May 2008 23:05
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I was looking at almost the same system (1200W Eliminator, panel, 7A controller from Cdn Tire) but was trying to figure out how the charge controller connects to the Eliminator. When I looked at the product in Cdn Tire, I didn't see a dc auto plug on it that could be plugged in to the dc charging outlet on the Eliminator. Is this something that you added to the charge controller after you bought it? I'm not too good with electrical things so was wondering. Thanks.
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CabinBuilder
Admin
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# Posted: 16 May 2008 09:01 - Edited by: CabinBuilder
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Hi Sam,
There are 2 connectors at the back of the Eliminator unit, covered with black and red screw caps - those are direct connectors to the battery.
Two wires on the charge controller have matching ring-type connectors.
Just unscrew the caps at the back of the Eliminator unit, attach charger's connectors and screw caps back. Make sure you color match wiring connectors (i.e re2red, back2black).
I did not have to add anything.
Two other charge controller wires go to the solar panel.
The dc auto connector on the Eliminator has current protection circuitry and should not be used for charging the battery.
Hope this helps.
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Futurecabinboy
Member
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# Posted: 19 May 2008 18:49
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My research may be a bit out of date, but seven years ago the best value for storage batteries seemed to be the 6volt golf cart batteries. Of course you have to hook them up in pairs to get 12 volts, but you can add as many pairs as you like to boost the amp hour capacity. I lived off grid for two years (full time) using four golf cart batteries charged by two 75watt solar panels and a 800watt wind charger. Power was adequate for my living quarters and a small workshop, although in the winter I needed to run a gas powered generator an average of 2 hours per day. (unless it was very windy) I would like to hear any more up to date information on Gel, AGM, lithium or any of the other new types of battery now available.
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Sam
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# Posted: 21 May 2008 08:36
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Thanks very much -- that sounds great. I hadn't thought about connecting right to the battery terminals (not knowing much about electricity I think I assumed I would end up blowing up or burning down my shed!) All the best -- and great forum!
Sam
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