Going to share my insights as I build out my solar power generation system off grid here in the Dominican Republic.
- Thread starter Yourmaninvegas
- Start date
Solar Power for off grid applications
I have provided my electricity needs with one 110W solar panel for 4 months.
I set the system up myself.
It was not "designed".
I simply found myself in the position of spending more time on my property in campo than I anticipated.
I saw a Colman all-in-one box set in PriceSmart one day and I thought to myself that is not much power but it would be better than nothing if I actually needed it.
The set up came with one 110W panel and a 8A solar controller.
I bought it and just put it in storage on my property.
And didn't really think much about it after that.
I set the system up myself.
It was not "designed".
I simply found myself in the position of spending more time on my property in campo than I anticipated.
I saw a Colman all-in-one box set in PriceSmart one day and I thought to myself that is not much power but it would be better than nothing if I actually needed it.
The set up came with one 110W panel and a 8A solar controller.
I bought it and just put it in storage on my property.
And didn't really think much about it after that.
So you're using that Coleman all in one now? If so, I would think that would be an in house design by Coleman, no?
Also, I wonder if you could add another battery or would that be too much for the solar panel to charge?
Incorrect.
To reply more extensively is considered by the moderators to be argumentative.
The Colman system was designed to keep the 12V batteries charged in a RV/Boats and applications similar to that.
I forgot the mention that the system includes a 300W modified sign wave inverter.
I have modified the system for use in my cabin.
I forgot the mention that the system includes a 300W modified sign wave inverter.
I have modified the system for use in my cabin.
This is a more accurate depiction of the kit that I bought (with the exception of the solar panel...mine is 110w):
www.campingworld.com
Coleman 100 Watt Crystalline Solar Panel with 8.5 Amp Charge Controller and 300 Watt Inverter
Coleman 100 Watt Crystalline Solar Panel with 8.5 Amp Charge Controller and 300 Watt Inverter
www.campingworld.com
This is a more accurate depiction of the kit that I bought (with the exception of the solar panel...mine is 110w):
Coleman 100 Watt Crystalline Solar Panel with 8.5 Amp Charge Controller and 300 Watt Inverter
Coleman 100 Watt Crystalline Solar Panel with 8.5 Amp Charge Controller and 300 Watt Inverter
That's the one I was referring to. I wonder if adding another battery to it would be too much for the solar panel?
The only answer I can give without further details on your set up is...it depends.
What is the size (Amp hours) of your current battery?
What is the size (Amp hours) of the battery that you wish to add?
You need to be able to recharge your battery bank with 6 hours of sun each day for maximum battery health (Lead Acid type).
I started this thread while I was at my EASTSIDE property.
I have returned to my property in campo and I am able to observe my solar set up with my own eyes.
I have a 120W panel (very dirty and I need to clean it)
I have a 8.5A Solar Controller
I have a 300W modified sign wave inverter
I connect this to a 12V 200AH AGM battery.
And I have another 12V 200AH AGM battery as a back up.
Great example is tonight.
I checked the voltage level on my battery and found that I was 12.23 with a load.
I turned everything off and checked it again and found that it was 12.35 without a load.
So, I decided to switch to the other battery.
I NEVER discharge my battery less than 12.2V
I run one light at a time.
I have a great lamp from IKEA it has a light that shoots up and lights up my entire property.
It also has a spot light that serves me well when I do not need to light up my entire property.
I also I have desk lamp.
I do not use more than one light at a time.
And it helps with the load that they are all LED type lights using a low amount of energy while throwing off enough lights for my needs.
I charge my portable batteries.
My cellphones
My tablets
And run my mobile internet and my laptop computer.
I supplement my indoor lighting needs with two Luci Mpowered work lights, two Luci Mpowered candle style lights and one solar lantern.
I have returned to my property in campo and I am able to observe my solar set up with my own eyes.
I have a 120W panel (very dirty and I need to clean it)
I have a 8.5A Solar Controller
I have a 300W modified sign wave inverter
I connect this to a 12V 200AH AGM battery.
And I have another 12V 200AH AGM battery as a back up.
Great example is tonight.
I checked the voltage level on my battery and found that I was 12.23 with a load.
I turned everything off and checked it again and found that it was 12.35 without a load.
So, I decided to switch to the other battery.
I NEVER discharge my battery less than 12.2V
I run one light at a time.
I have a great lamp from IKEA it has a light that shoots up and lights up my entire property.
It also has a spot light that serves me well when I do not need to light up my entire property.
I also I have desk lamp.
I do not use more than one light at a time.
And it helps with the load that they are all LED type lights using a low amount of energy while throwing off enough lights for my needs.
I charge my portable batteries.
My cellphones
My tablets
And run my mobile internet and my laptop computer.
I supplement my indoor lighting needs with two Luci Mpowered work lights, two Luci Mpowered candle style lights and one solar lantern.
Upgraded my inverter to a 500W Pure Sine Wave (PSW) unit.
what about your refrigerator, fans, microwave, toaster, TV, etc. Are you off grid 100% or just using this system as an experiment for one LED and cell phone/
You'll love the difference. No more Wah-Wah-Wah from fans.
What did it cost you? Any details?
I have over 30 bulbs just in my sitting room. It's amazing the different ways people live.
Nope
Small 27W fan.
Sits on my desktop.
Keeps the air moving and keeps me comfortable.
Nope
Nope
Nope.
TV rots your mind anyway.
See post #9 for the entire list of devices that I use electricity for.
I am 100% off grid.
Free from the tyranny of the monthly factura.
It is NOT and experiment.
I look at it as applied science.
All the real world physics have been worked out by people way smarter than me.
I simply took the components and put them together in order to serve my purposes.
I have calculated the watt hour capacity for my battery and then looked at the loads that I use.
But in the spirit of your question I was curious to see what solar power could do for me.
And I got some advice that before I build a huge system...I should build a prototype and test out the real world applications.
Learn and understand how the components interact with each other in the real world.
And to learn how to manage my electricity usage.
Conservation is key.
Establishing your needs and wants are very important.
And trust me brother...living for 4 months on 1200 watt hours a day has certainly been a learning experience.
I used to live on 3 KW hours a day when I was on grid.
I bought my initial system in case of a "grid down" scenario.
Might be something to think about for some of ya out there.
Natural disasters are a possibility.
And I am living a childhood dream.
After seeing space vehicles being powered by solar panels...
It made complete sense to me and I was hooked.
I know how some ya'll think.
Don't step to me with that environmental nonsense.
Don't step to me with that "I cannot afford more".
Don't step to me with that "Doesn't make economic sense" nonsense.
This is for me and my independence.
One step on my path to be a sovereign individual.
And yes, when the time comes I will spend, how did you put it, "a boat load of money" to accomplish my goals.
Cause it is important to me.
I am typing this post using solar power from my system right now...
On that you are correct.
Much quieter.
And my induction loads do not "buzz".
70 USD from Jeff
Plus payment to Domex for delivery (don't remember how much).
Your statement
Conservation is key
Is what people need to learn and obey
I too am 100% solar but on a bigger system
Conservation is key
Is what people need to learn and obey
I too am 100% solar but on a bigger system
It most certainly is.
I have learned a lot about what you really need to live while living in the Dominican Republic.
