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rugercpl
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# Posted: 27 Jul 2012 15:58
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This cabin I wish to purchase is wired for electric however there is not electric service to the property. There is a panel box with breakers in the cabin, and outlets and a light or two in the cabin wired to the panel box. There is a 5500 watt gas generator to electrify the outlets and lights. I want to install a solar power system. Is it possible to do this........
1. Hook up a solar system to the existing panel box to use the outlets in the house with solar power (for low wattage items)
2. Use the existing generator to charge the batteries when low.
3. Use the generator to power the cabin outlets if batterery power is low, while simultaneously charging the batteries (or use the batteries to power the outlets even if charge is low while simultaneously using the generator to make up for the low charge and charge the batteries at the same time)
Maybe there is a diagram of this method somewhere or you helpful folks can explain to me how to do it. I imagine there are a few switches that would have to be installed to orchestrate the use of a generator and battery, or just the batteries or just the generator. Thanks
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MtnDon
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# Posted: 27 Jul 2012 17:59
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I don't like generators; noisy and smelly. Therefore I like PV systems that can run everything required for normal day to day living without the need to rely on a generator. A generator for a back up maybe, but not a the primary source for recharging. Obtaining a completely full, 100%, battery charge is wasteful of fuel as the last 10 - 15% of charge takes longer than you might think.
If one can not afford enough PV panels to do the whole job the best plan, IMO, is to use the generator for the bulk charge and then have some PV solar that can to the rest of the charge (absorb charge and float) while the sun shines. That way the batteries will remain fully charged when the dwelling is left vacant.
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rugercpl
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# Posted: 27 Jul 2012 18:41 - Edited by: rugercpl
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Thanks for that. I want to use the generator for as little as possible and have it as back up for recharging the batteries when needed. Can anyone help with a diagram or instructions as to my questions above?
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MtnDon
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# Posted: 27 Jul 2012 18:47 - Edited by: MtnDon
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Are there batteries at present? Any inverter? Charger?
I'm thinking not, but want to clarify that.
If you are thinking of being off grid the first thing you need to do is to make an honest assessment of your power needs, present and future. Make a list of the wattages of every item and the hours of use. Divide into AC and DC groups. There is a solar calculator in the Useful Links and Resources section.
How things get wired depends in part on the selection of equipment. Selection of equipment can vary with total power needs and budget. I do have a schematic of my system. It may not be exactly what you would do but I'll locate it and post it later.
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rugercpl
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# Posted: 27 Jul 2012 19:08
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Great thx. I'm working on my list of things that will need electric. This will be a recreational cabin and not for long term living. This is it so far....I'm sure I'm forgetting stuff though
Adequate light...LED or CFL bulbs
TV/VCR combo for occasional movies
Radio
Scanner
iPhone charger
iPad charger
Box fan
Wifi hotspot
Means to make coffee
Submersible pump
Eventually I might want......
Bathroom exhaust fan
Washing machine (may be propane)
Small undercounter fridge (may be propane)
Higher wattage stereo
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MtnDon
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# Posted: 27 Jul 2012 20:20 - Edited by: MtnDon
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Here are the rough drawings in 2 pieces...
Part one, at the PV array
Part two, Charge Controller and everything else except the generator
Note that my generator connects to the inverter/charger. The inverter/charger I used has a built in automatic transfer switch. When the generator is started the inverter/charger waits 5 minutes to transfer the power source from the inverter to the generator. The input connections are shown on the inverter. This will be different with different inverters. Most will require a separate transfer switch.
A friend made a nice schematic with a computer program. Here it is, all in one sheet. There is a correction that should be made; my generator is not grounded. It uses a ground wire in the connection to the inverter/charger instead.
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