Solar Stuff...

[Grant H.]

So, I got asked by a good friend to look at a couple "pre-made" solar solutions that he had found (apparently being sold at a "prepper" store here in CO), so he sent me the following link...

http://frontrangere.com/

For the love of all that is good and decent in this world, don't buy this crap.

Since he brought this up, and he really had no idea how crappy these were, I figured I would share here as well. I think most that are interested in solar on here have a better understanding that this, but maybe there are some that have questions.

Part of my job, industrial communications, involves sizing, designing, building, and using solar solutions that simply have to work. We have done everything from small 240W systems, all the way up to 15KW solar solutions for major comm towers.

After my discussion with him, I want to use what I know to help people that might want to setup partial backup systems, or even full off-grid solutions.

If I am off base here, and people don't have unanswered questions about solar, then this post will go away, but if people have questions, then I am happy to share what I know.

Not really prep/house oriented, but one of the smaller solar skids we have used a lot of - 270W at 12VDC, with 1290AH of battery backup. Provides 10 days autonomy for the tower without dropping below 60% charged on the battery bank.
0819142055 by ARNEWB, on Flickr

We have also done propane and diesel backup generators with ATS systems, so I can answer some questions there too.

[Blowby]

Thanks for providing technical information. I know a lot of members will appreciate this post. BTW, what is the cost of something of this size?

[ray1970]

I rigged up a small solar panel to charge my phone when I'm out camping. That's about the extent of my solar knowledge.

Pretty sure my company doesn't have any more solar stuff at any of our meter stations or microwave towers any more. Too hard to keep the hillbilly inbreds from shooting them up.

[Robb]

Post up a pic of your camping/solar charger.
Us hillbilly inbreds would like to see how that stuff is done.

[gnihcraes]

Interested in anything solar. I have panels on the house and a portable/panel setup.

[Grant H.]

Thanks for providing technical information. I know a lot of members will appreciate this post. BTW, what is the cost of something of this size?

This one in particular is C1D2 rated for hazardous locations in the oilfield which makes it more expensive (rated parts are pricey).

One that isn't C1D2 could be built for:
1x - 275 Watt Panel - $200 + shipping
12x - 215AH 6VDC Batteries - $1400 + freight, unless you buy local.
1x - Charge Controller - Anywhere from $50 (chitty) to $1500 (fantastic) - Don't buy the cheapest, Morningstar gear (PS-30, $125 on amazon, depending on your panel voltage and how many) works pretty well. Outback gear is my choice for home systems.
1x Battery box - The one pictured is $400, rubbermaid trunks work pretty dang well actually, and aren't that expensive.
1x Rack of some sort - could be built by ones-self for less than $100.

Total: $2000 assuming a rubbermaid trunk runs $150 (probably high), $100 for a rack solution, and expensive shipping for the panel and charge controller.

Given only 275W of solar, the 1290AH battery bank is a bit ridiculous. As I said that situation required that the batteries could last, and recover easily, through 10 days of no sun. If I were building it as a temporary power solution for preparedness, I would half the battery bank. That would save you $700 odd dollars.

[ray1970]

Post up a pic of your camping/solar charger.
Us hillbilly inbreds would like to see how that stuff is done.

Not going to happen. Sorry. The garage is a disaster right now and I honestly doubt I could find it. Too much going on in my life over the next several weeks.

[DFBrews]

I don't do anything with Pv
but my side gig is install and servicing of the hydronic liquid radiant heating side of solar and can offer some insite as well

[gnihcraes]

My portable panel is the Renogy 100watt one. Eventually I'll get a couple more, mount them to the camper most likely.

http://smile.amazon.com/Renogy-Watts...HBHSZP1P03SC6W

[Grant H.]

My portable panel is the Renogy 100watt one. Eventually I'll get a couple more, mount them to the camper most likely.

http://smile.amazon.com/Renogy-Watts...HBHSZP1P03SC6W

Before you buy more, at $1.4/watt, look at these guys. Mono/Polycrystaline panels can be had for much less than that.