rickz
New Member
Posts: 6 
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Post by rickz on Feb 19, 2018 11:21:13 GMT -8
Greetings.
I just purchased a 200 watt mono starter system. I'll be setting it up at my property in Montana. Currently have a 10 x 16 foot "cabin", and will be adding another 12 x 20 this season.
I'll be reporting in as things progress, and would love to hear from others that have done similar.
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Post by tattoo on Feb 19, 2018 14:36:15 GMT -8
I've got a 24 X 24 cabin that's totally off grid... I started with a 400w system and grew out of that fairly quick... What are your plans to run off of your system and how many batteries and what kind???
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rickz
New Member
Posts: 6
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Post by rickz on Feb 19, 2018 19:58:53 GMT -8
Hi there,
Well, I'll start with the basic 200 watt system and one 100ah battery, into a 2kw inverter. All I'd like to run at first is a mini-fridge. I'm prepared to add another 200 watts in panels and another 100ah battery, if that's what it takes.
I will also run a laptop and cell phone.
I did fine last summer with AA, AAA, and C cells, but trips to town for ice got to be a pain.
I would appreciate advice on batteries. I don't plan to leave them there over the winter.
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Post by tattoo on Feb 20, 2018 5:43:24 GMT -8
Ok, A 2000w inverter will use a LOT of power just by itself. That's what I had to start with.. Your much better off with a 500 and just use the 2000 when your using something like a vacuum, table saw etc.. You definitely need another battery.. Is it a deep cycle and not a car battery?
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Post by Richardz on Feb 20, 2018 7:48:44 GMT -8
Thanks, yes I'm looking at SLA deep discharge, from Batteries Plus. This will be a test system, and if it works out, I'll add a 1000 watt mono system to the other building.
Thanks for the info about inverters. I'll get one of each. Better to be safe as they say.
The smaller building will eventually be a "ham shack" and the other, living quarters. I also have off the grid neighbors, so if I have problems I'll have help.
Thanks again.
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Post by tattoo on Feb 20, 2018 7:58:14 GMT -8
Anytime....
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rickz
New Member
Posts: 6
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Post by rickz on Feb 20, 2018 14:33:41 GMT -8
I guess I'll make this a running account of my solar adventure. My 200 watt mono system arrived today in fine order. I only live about 90 minutes from the factory.
I'll be acquiring the rest of the items needed in the next few months. And will probably have some items delivered directly to my place in Montana.
Currently its below zero in Montana. I won't be heading back there til the end of April.
Hopefully someone will find my ramblings useful in the future.
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Post by tattoo on Feb 20, 2018 14:37:39 GMT -8
I guess I'll make this a running account of my solar adventure. My 200 watt mono system arrived today in fine order. I only live about 90 minutes from the factory. I'll be acquiring the rest of the items needed in the next few months. And will probably have some items delivered directly to my place in Montana. Currently its below zero in Montana. I won't be heading back there til the end of April. Hopefully someone will find my ramblings useful in the future. LOL I'll be reading it... You can't ramble anymore than I do.... I don't envy you at all living where you do.... I don't blame you for wanting to have a place to get away... |
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rickz
New Member
Posts: 6
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Post by rickz on Feb 20, 2018 15:11:56 GMT -8
Just for the sake of documentation, my place in Montana is about 15 miles from the nearest town, and 5 miles from the highway on an un-improved road, but neighbours do use it year-round.
It's at about 6000 feet, and gets a moderate amount of snow.
Being retired in So Cal is really not that bad. But having a place to unwind is really nice.
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tibs
New Member
Posts: 1
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Post by tibs on Feb 23, 2018 7:59:35 GMT -8
Looking for some info on the installation process. Time wise
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Post by tattoo on Feb 23, 2018 15:50:05 GMT -8
Looking for some info on the installation process. Time wise Installing what??? |
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rickz
New Member
Posts: 6
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Post by rickz on Feb 23, 2018 20:10:54 GMT -8
Looking for some info on the installation process. Time wise Installing what??? The installation, at least for a temporary system, could be done in literally minutes. A more permanent setup might take a few days. Renogy offers virtually everything you need. All it takes is $$$$. |
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rickz
New Member
Posts: 6
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Post by rickz on Feb 24, 2018 14:55:51 GMT -8
The big brown truck pulled up in front of the house today and brought more pieces of the solar puzzle. First, as suggested by tattoo, I got a small 400 watt modified sine wave inverter that came with a cigarette lighter adapter and a pair of cables terminated in battery clamps. Second, I received a 1600 watt modified sine wave inverter. And last, I received a 1000 watt pure sine wave inverter.
The two larger inverters are a bit different, as they have integral 20 amp solar controllers. They are designed by the most popular inverter company in Australia.
I may not use the controller function, but as I'm a belt and suspenders kind of guy, I'm glad to have the backup if I need it.
Next to be investigated, battery types and sizes.
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