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The power/solar/batteries/generator thread
This is the thread for all things power related. In time I can show you how to build your own solar panels. How to hook up and use a solar powered system, Why you need to have a bunch of rechargeable batteries and why unless you are at your final location that a generator may not be your best friend. Just putting this out there now for the people here to think about.
I see you running, tell me what your running from
Nobody's coming, what ya do that was so wrong.
Recently I went to use a AGM battery I had and it was dead, cracked and not useable, so I went to my backup 2nd battery, dead too. dang it. So much for having those batteries for "just in case", guess I'll have to buy some new ones...
Being a Amateur Radio Operator, I've seen and used some nice generators, battery systems and solar setups for the field day competitions each summer.
This will be an interesting thread to see what comes of it.... I'll stand by...
I would definitely be interested in learning/seeing solar power systems.
I just looked into this. Harbor Freight has a system that sells for around $200 or something. That got me interested. So, my son and I went through the calculations. Under very good conditions it would take 7 years to pay for itself (as I remember).Originally Posted by KevDen2005
Very disapointing. I wanted to see if I could run my computers durring the day by solar. It would take thousands of dollars to set up and would never pay for itself.
Bummer
.
Grandpa's Sheriff Badge, Littleton 1920's
I built the first two panels that make 70 watts for just over $100. Add a charge controller for $30..... In my case I run 1/2 the garage off of a 60W panel and the bank of gel cells.
While the solar is not dirt cheap you have to have something to provide power some way.
More thoughts on this. Most people just throw away there UPS when the batteries go bad. These can be used as cheap inverters. I have a couple that I have rescued and use them. One thing you will have to do on most of them is disable the alarm. First pic is the back up for the pellet stove. Rescued 600W UPS with 110Ah of gel attached. Second is the garage power system. Panel is in the window facing south. This is mainly a winter system so all is good. just some thoughts.
I see you running, tell me what your running from
Nobody's coming, what ya do that was so wrong.
My best friend bought a 70watt solar panel from a camoer store a few years ago. It does a great job for charging his camper during MOST days. The problem is that the panel alone cost him $800.
This same guy also bought the Harbor Freight $200 setup. If it's the same one, this uses 3 panels that come up to about 50 watts total. They don't work nearly as well as the $800 panel, but you're still saving $600.
Because of this, I jumped on Jerry's idea of building your own solar panels. His plan is SO much cheaper. I had been planning on building a few of these during this winter. Haven't gotten to it yet.
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I also have planned a "communications" thread that I expect your input on...... Part of what I have planned is a sustainable set up. There are just a lot of pieces to the puzzle. A lot of what I have done over the years is work for a manageable set up that does not cost an arm and a leg.
The generator is a great thing and I do have one. but if you rely on it you better have the means to support it and that is my rub. Solar is a very workable solution here in CO.
I see you running, tell me what your running from
Nobody's coming, what ya do that was so wrong.
Ever been in a telecom companies facility? they use -48v DC to power all the telecommunications gear... they use LARGE lead-acid batteries.. they're designed for this application, as well as ease of service..
I'd love to find a place to get these surplus... or build them..
I have a old Hercules multi-fuel diesel I picked up cheap (and another that belongs to my father-in-law), I plan to couple each of these to a generator head, and I can have a multi-fuel generator... they may be weak for pushing a heavy 6x6, but they're good for up to 50kW of generator (waay overkill) would like to get a 6-pole gen head, to run at 1200rpm...
I have been in a few of them. Wife used to work for SI international. Here is my thought process on the issue. You have a home and the power goes out a generator is a great thing.
Your final location is the same one ya live at. A generator and the 500 gal fuel tank are great.
Ya live in the city/suburbs and it is time to leave..... Do ya take 100lbs of solar panels/batteries with an inverter or do ya take the 50lbs generator along with 50lbs of gas?
Do not get me wrong. Generators are great but in the long term the Solar/batteries will win out. just some thoughts to think about.
I see you running, tell me what your running from
Nobody's coming, what ya do that was so wrong.
Ideally, I'd have a solar/battery setup, but would have generator backup...
relying on the generator solely for power I agree is not cost-effective... but for standby power in the middle of the night...
My other reasoning on a generator is increasing load- if I size my inverter based on load of the house- but not my shop (inverters are expensive)
I fire up the generator when I want to weld, or run a piece of equipment (say a lathe to turn some barrels, or to repair something, or provide a service in exchange for other goods/services).. granted, this is beyond survival mode- and is beyond the needs of the average person
Last edited by 68Charger; 02-08-2010 at 22:54.
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