Design Your Own Cheap Solar Power System?
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, maybe if you were lucky you found some survival goodies under your Christmas tree. As usual, I got more than my share of socks, but hey it’s all good – at least now I’ll not have to buy any myself for at least another year.
According to a recent poll on the blog, a majority of you are interested in living off-grid. And since I’ve gotten quite a few e-mails asking about solar panels and cheap solar systems, I thought I’d take a little time today to tell you more about my setup and explain how you can set up a similar system.
Contrary to popular belief solar power need not be complicated or expensive. My system was less than $600 complete with a 60 watt solar panel kit
, 400 watt inverter
, two marine batteries from Wal-Mart, charge controller and related hardware.
, 400 watt inverter, two marine batteries from Wal-Mart, charge controller and related hardware.
The big advantage to a travel trailer is that they are already set up for 12-volt. Set the batteries in the battery compartment and connect the cables. Connect the charge controller and solar panel’s. Mount the inverter inside the trailer and plug into the 12-volt DC outlet and you’re done. Simple.
If you’re trying to get power into a structure not wired for 12-volt, the cheapest and quickest approach is to install several cigarette lighter sockets taken from junked automobiles and connect these to the batteries. Positive connection to the center of the socket and the negative to the outside casing. Plug in the inverter and you have power.
Or you can wire the inverter directly to the batteries. But if you have any 12-volt appliances that use DC cigarette lighter accessory plugs it’s best to use the cigarette lighter sockets for ease of connection.
To guard against static electricity you need to ground the solar panels. I bought an 8 foot grounding rod from the local hardware store and pounded it into the ground, beside the panels. Next, I used clamps to connect heavy wire from the negative wire from the panels to the grounding rod.
The great thing about the SunForce kit is that it comes ready to go, with everything being a simple plug and go arrangement. They even send a 200 watt inverter with the system, but in my opinion this should be replaced with one offering more power output.
kit is that it comes ready to go, with everything being a simple plug and go arrangement. They even send a 200 watt inverter with the system, but in my opinion this should be replaced with one offering more power output.
At one time I had a 1000 watt inverter
, but it didn’t last long before going on the fritz. Can’t say for sure what happened – probably just a defect in my particular product… Anyway; I went back to my original Vector 400 watt inverter, which supplies all the power that I need.With this system, I can power my TV and DVD combo, listen to the radio, charge my notebook computer and keep the 12 volt lights burning, which is all I need.
If I need to run power tools or perform other chores requiring more power, I have a 1000 watt generator
, the generator also works great if I need to add a quick charge to the batteries since it has a built in 12-volt battery charger.
, the generator also works great if I need to add a quick charge to the batteries since it has a built in 12-volt battery charger.Now where did I put those socks…
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December 28th, 2009 at 7:15 AM
Unfortunately you usually get what you pay for. Those cheap thin film solar panels will probably only last 5 to 8 years and then you will have to replace them. Since someone usually gets solar panels to become at least somewhat energy independent I dont see the positive side of buying these. Sure they are cheap to get in the beginning, but whos to say that you will have the money to replace them again so soon or that they will even be available when you want them Better to spend your money wisely on some good polycrystalline or monocrystalline panels to begin with. The original solar panels from 30 years ago are still going strong in most cases with most of their rated output. I think this is another American culture brain fart that the cheapest item to do the job is best.
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December 28th, 2009 at 7:26 AM
270 bucks is way over priced for those thin films. You can get a good 65 watt kyocera for only $339.00 at http://store.solar-electric.com/kykc65wasomo.html solar panels have been on a massive sale for about a year now because no one has any money to spend.Your also going to need alot more than 60 watts of panels to do anything worthwhile. You probably need a bare minimum of just 100 watts for some type of lighting alone.And I really think its more cost effective to use candles or lanterns for lighting rather than an expensive solar system.Most people wpolud only need a solar system for creature comforts likeentertainment and refridgeration.99% of people dont need electricity to survive. The only exception would be someone who has a medical need for refridgeration. Then it will cost big bucks and you will need a minimum of 500 to 1000 watts and preferably an expensive 12 volt fridge or freezer.
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December 28th, 2009 at 7:30 AM
Very interesting. Solar is definitely on my list for this year.
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December 28th, 2009 at 9:37 AM
Now we're talkin!Power up! New socks or unders ah thats good feeling ,yeah.
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December 28th, 2009 at 11:42 AM
M.D., Out of curiosity how long have you been using those panels? Have you had any issues with them? I have heard some iffy things about their reliability and such. Thanks.
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December 28th, 2009 at 1:18 PM
Ryan,
I've been using these panels for about three years now with no problems. The important thing is to keep them clean to get max performance.
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December 28th, 2009 at 1:26 PM
Anonymous 2:26 AM and 2:15 AM
That's a matter of opinion and need. The 60 watts of panels is all I need – sure if you want to power your house in an on the grid fashion you'll need to spend more.
Works fine for me and supplies my needs, what more could I want? Anyway; like I said in the post (you did read the post?) if I need more power I can use the generator.
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December 28th, 2009 at 3:59 PM
M.D. Thanks for the info on solar power. I have a friend that has solar power on his retreat. I'll talk to him for some pointers and will relay anything important back. By the way, what did your mothere say about her gift from you?
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December 28th, 2009 at 4:13 PM
I've been looking at a setup like this for some months now. I was going to do some low voltage wiring and set up several 12 volt emergency lighting or at least look into setting it up. I could not use it to keep a refrigerator going, for that I would need a generator, however, it could temporarily power radios, lighting, a small TV for local news broadcasting, battery chargers, cell phone charging, etc. if necessary.
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December 28th, 2009 at 4:23 PM
Mechanic,
She was very pleased – now she can keep an eye on me…Thanks for the ideas and the input which helped me choose a great gift for her.
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December 28th, 2009 at 5:46 PM
How many days can you run your system without the sun?
I started with one of those kit system and it worked great for weekends but for full time living I needed a larger system.
I still use a 400 watt inverter and a cheap 40 amp charge controller but I upgraded to 4 130 watt panels and 4 250 amp hour batteries. Batteries were reconditioned and about 70 bucks a piece. Batteries are usually fully charged by 10 in the morning and on cloudy days I still pull in plenty of power. I have not had to run a generator in 2009.
I would recommend planning for a larger system but start with one 130 watt panel then add on as you can afford.
The key to any good solar power system is cutting your power usage. If you cannot drastically cut your power usage you should not even think about solar.
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December 28th, 2009 at 6:58 PM
BigBear,
It depends on how much I pull from the system and if the batteries were fully charged when the sun went down.
During the summer I've had no problems, but during the winter I need top the batteries off with the generator once or twice per week if the sun doesn't shine.
For the price I think these panels are a bargain. Sure I could go whole hog spending several thousand dollars for a "better" setup – or I can spend about $10.00 – $20.00 per year in gas and oil to top off the batteries with the generator as needed…
The only thing I need power for is 12-volt lights, my notebook computer, radio and TV / DVD combo to watch a movie about once a week.
My refrigerator and stove runs off propane so no drain there. I don't need much.
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December 28th, 2009 at 7:19 PM
MD, excellent post. Some folks don't "read" do they? Your setup for your travel trailer is excellent. Of course it's a given for people living in a house, they'll need a bigger system than what supplies your little trailer. You've done well and given an excellent example of how it can be done. As always, thanks and keep it up.
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December 28th, 2009 at 8:29 PM
Yes, solar is simple in concept, but particular in details. I suggest everyone read HandyBob's comments since he comes from trailer solar experience. http://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/
Also, keep track of Craig's List for used panels and other solar equipment, especially from areas hard hit by the real estate implosion. I lucked out on 24 volt panels at little more than $1/watt and quadrupled my existing system.
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December 29th, 2009 at 12:12 AM
I THINK I WILL TRY THIS FOR MY SECURITY LIGHTS OUT BACK OF THE HOME.I HAVE 5 SETS OF MOTION DETECTER LIGHTS,I THINK THIS WILL WORK FOR ME.GLAD TO HERE YOUR MOM LIKED THE GIFT.FROM JAY IN NC
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December 30th, 2009 at 1:31 PM
I rec'd the annual clearance catalog from Northern Tool yesterday and they had both the 15 watt and 80 watt refurbished panels on sale.,,, maybe worth looking into if you live near one of their stores.
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December 31st, 2009 at 11:17 PM
Solar Panels 98 Cents / Watt http://www.sunelec.com
You will need an MPPT charge controller for them, if you want to use different panels they have sun panels for $1.74 / watt or Kyocera panels for $2.44 / watt. They did have 17 watt Sun panels for about $35 or so. I know people who have bought there and have had good results.
Skip formally of Kansas City
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January 1st, 2010 at 4:34 PM
really nicHe article you have here. if you want to expand your exposure submit your blog post to the TheDailyJabber.com, it’s free. We’d love to have your sport’s contributions. be sure to select two categories, "recent articles" this way it will show on front page for while, then the category of post…. if we don't have it we will add it for you.
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January 27th, 2010 at 3:29 PM
this is mikey,
I got 45 watt solar pannels at harbor fright for $179.00 .
just could afford 8.
6 deep cell bateries ran the wireing though the disconected braker and used the same light fictures just had to change the bulbs to 12 volt.
works exellent.
If you would like scamatics for this please e mail me at jefferyshull@comcast.com
we are all in this together all info is free.
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