Post by davinator on Sept 20, 2016 9:22:00 GMT -8
Howdy from Southern Ohio!
Long story shortened: I own a small weekend/hunting cabin (560 SF) deep in the hills of Pike County. After buying, I initially looked in to having AEP run a service to the property, but for a variety of reasons, (mostly easement issues), this didn't work out. In trying to educate myself on off-grid solar from all sources I can find, Renogy keeps coming up as the top company, and in perusing the web site, I found this Forum. I hope to not only gain advice and knowledge here but also wish to offer the same as I head down this path. I want to do things right the first time and not make mistakes.
The former owner of this property had a solar system that he used for years, but un-installed it when he found that he was being evicted. I purchased this equipment from him after it was removed and I don't know if it is worth anything or not but I would like to use what I can.
Inventory:
4-Evergreensolar String Ribbon Panels (Peak Power 195 W, 10.9 A) Model #ES-A-195-fa3 (Approximately 37" Wide x 68" tall each)
1-Xantrex (3 Stage Pulse Width) Modulated Charge Controller #C40 (40 Amp)
1-MidNite Solar Industrial Control Panel Q3 (#MNDC175)
1-COTEK 10.5-15 VDC, 342A Input/3000W Continuous Output Pure Sine Wave Inverter
All of the equipment is give or take 8 years old. The seller had several very large 12V batteries but they were stolen before I closed on the property.
In addition to the cabin, there is a two story structure, "The Bunk House", about 20 feet away, where the seller at one time had the solar panels mounted on a south facing fiberglass shingle roof. He tells me they "blew off" but I can see no obvious damage to them. Inside, on the lower level of the bunk house, he had all of the remaining solar equipment listed above mounted and the batteries installed. There is 1.25" conduit which runs underground from the equipment area to the main cabin. This conduit contains 2 runs of 12-2 w/Ground Romex plus 3 strands of #10AWG copper stranded wire. (From what I can see, he had both a DC run as well as an inverted 115V run?)
I don't need a lot of power as I have a wood stove as a primary heat source. I plan to have a LP powered refrigerator, stove, lighting and maybe a space heater . I would like to install a security system, some electric lighting in the bath and kitchen and it would be great to have the ability to run some power tools and maybe a TV for the grandkids. Also, there is a pond next to the cabin for which I would like to power an aerator if possible. Also, at some point in the future, I would like to similarly equip the Bunk House, but this is not a priority at this time. The only modern convenience to the property at this time is county water and a septic system.
The decisions which I need to make and am asking for advice on:
Any advice and pitfalls to avoid would be much appreciated at this point!
Thanks,
Davinator
Long story shortened: I own a small weekend/hunting cabin (560 SF) deep in the hills of Pike County. After buying, I initially looked in to having AEP run a service to the property, but for a variety of reasons, (mostly easement issues), this didn't work out. In trying to educate myself on off-grid solar from all sources I can find, Renogy keeps coming up as the top company, and in perusing the web site, I found this Forum. I hope to not only gain advice and knowledge here but also wish to offer the same as I head down this path. I want to do things right the first time and not make mistakes.
The former owner of this property had a solar system that he used for years, but un-installed it when he found that he was being evicted. I purchased this equipment from him after it was removed and I don't know if it is worth anything or not but I would like to use what I can.
Inventory:
4-Evergreensolar String Ribbon Panels (Peak Power 195 W, 10.9 A) Model #ES-A-195-fa3 (Approximately 37" Wide x 68" tall each)
1-Xantrex (3 Stage Pulse Width) Modulated Charge Controller #C40 (40 Amp)
1-MidNite Solar Industrial Control Panel Q3 (#MNDC175)
1-COTEK 10.5-15 VDC, 342A Input/3000W Continuous Output Pure Sine Wave Inverter
All of the equipment is give or take 8 years old. The seller had several very large 12V batteries but they were stolen before I closed on the property.
In addition to the cabin, there is a two story structure, "The Bunk House", about 20 feet away, where the seller at one time had the solar panels mounted on a south facing fiberglass shingle roof. He tells me they "blew off" but I can see no obvious damage to them. Inside, on the lower level of the bunk house, he had all of the remaining solar equipment listed above mounted and the batteries installed. There is 1.25" conduit which runs underground from the equipment area to the main cabin. This conduit contains 2 runs of 12-2 w/Ground Romex plus 3 strands of #10AWG copper stranded wire. (From what I can see, he had both a DC run as well as an inverted 115V run?)
I don't need a lot of power as I have a wood stove as a primary heat source. I plan to have a LP powered refrigerator, stove, lighting and maybe a space heater . I would like to install a security system, some electric lighting in the bath and kitchen and it would be great to have the ability to run some power tools and maybe a TV for the grandkids. Also, there is a pond next to the cabin for which I would like to power an aerator if possible. Also, at some point in the future, I would like to similarly equip the Bunk House, but this is not a priority at this time. The only modern convenience to the property at this time is county water and a septic system.
The decisions which I need to make and am asking for advice on:
- Roof mount or pole mount for the solar panels?
- 12V or 24V System?
- How many and what type of batteries?
- Is an LP generator a good idea in the event that the cabin is used during cloudy winter weather for extended periods?
- Is it possible to have the generator kick on automatically to charge the batteries when called for?
Any advice and pitfalls to avoid would be much appreciated at this point!
Thanks,
Davinator