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willywilly2020
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# Posted: 28 Aug 2020 17:54
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Hi all,
I am building a small (250sqft) cabin far off grid in the Washington Cascades. Cabin is going swimmingly, and I am wanting to wire for electrical now and am back from camp doing research. Initially I wasn't planning to wire, but so many folks have recommended doing it up front, that I've decided to go for it. BUT I'm just starting my research from scratch. Lots of good content here on the forum, but I'm having difficulty wading through.
Electricity needs: Handful of lights, maybe a phone charger.
Details: tiny cabin, no generator, modest engineering skills, good attitude
Questions:
(1) should I wire for 120 or for 12v? My needs today are just 12v, but sounds like I may regret it later if I want to upgrade?
(2) Looking for a decent quality battery/panel system, as economical as I can. Any suggestions?
(3) Any resources or books folks here might recommend?
Thanks in advance!
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Nobadays
Member
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# Posted: 28 Aug 2020 18:17
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1) wire for 120v you won't regret it.
2) Take a look HERE at "solar blueprints." Good idea to do an inventory or load calculations of what electricity may in the future use. HERE is a great calculator to help you size your system.
3) The DIYSolar forums are a great resource.
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willywilly2020
Member
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# Posted: 28 Aug 2020 18:21
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Nobadays
THANK YOU!
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darz5150
Member
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# Posted: 28 Aug 2020 18:31
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I wired for both. Never regretted it.
It doesn't cost that much. And it's easier to do it now, than later.
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willywilly2020
Member
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# Posted: 28 Aug 2020 18:56
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darz5150
How would one wired for both? What would be the advantages of doing so?
Thanks!
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darz5150
Member
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# Posted: 28 Aug 2020 20:45
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I ran the 120 grid power just like normal, but included the disconnects for when the grid goes down and a generator might be needed.
I also ran wires that are tied to a modest solar set up. Just like regular outlets that are connected to an inverter, providing 120 volts. These outlets are clearly labeled "Solar".
I ran 12 volt only wires from the 12 volt fuse block after the batteries, to lights in every room. But also put in the RV type cigarette plug ins. This gives me the option of plugging in any RV or camping gadget or even other smaller inverters. They have these 12 volt outlet receptacles with USB plug ins too for phones etc. I also have 12 volt ceiling fans that I can and do use constantly.
Our water pumps are all 12 volt. 12 volt led lights etc. Any time you can use 12 volts straight from the batteries is more efficient than through inverters.
When grid power goes down. Which is quite often here. 17 times in one year. It is a minor inconvenience with this set up. We are never in the dark without tv, radio, fans etc. We only fire up the generator if it is a major long term outage. Since we are the last ones connected to the power lines over a half mile through the hills, creek and woods. We know we will always be the last place they send the linesmen.
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darz5150
Member
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# Posted: 28 Aug 2020 20:54
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Here's a pic of the power line lighting up a tree, right before it started blowing transformers/fuses.
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SE Ohio
Member
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# Posted: 29 Aug 2020 08:27
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“Small solar setup†is frequent question here, you might want to do a search on this forum for old discussions
SE Ohio
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FishHog
Member
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# Posted: 29 Aug 2020 09:33
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I wired for both. 90% of the time my inverter is off and 12v supplies my lights phone chargers and water pump and fridge. When I need to charge my laptop or cordless tool batteries I turn the inverter on for a few hours.
Works well for my needs but we don’t use a lot of power
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