Here is a topic that has been bouncing around in my head for a bit:
Most of the members here have solar PV, and have made decisions based on electrical codes, building codes, physical conditions...What are some of the unintended consequences of your solar PV system?
I will start with a few I...
I wanted to share some of the work I have done on my mobile 24v system.
Yes @EastTexCowboy You are my inspiration for this!
First up, the base of the system is my MPP 2724 AIO inverter. This unit is unique among all the All In One inverters that I know, as it is the only one I came across that...
I have been dealing with a pretty big storm this week, and since last year at this time we lost utility power for four days in a row, I thought I would share what we do to prepare for a winter storm in our local forcast; maybe it will help someone else, even if you live somewhere without winter...
I asked, and they answered:
YES - a Sodium Cell 100Ah 12v (and 24v) are now available.
The specification sheet supplied is attached for review.
First thing that jumps out at me, Operating temps neg 20c to pos 55c (-4F to 131F) WOW even the guys in AZ/TX can get behind those values!
Second thing...
A little over a year ago I got started on my four step plan to go PV battery offgrid for my homestead.
What follows are the steps in the plan and where I am am at so far with it.
A bit of background to set the stage, my wife and I bought 30 acres about 30-mintues drive outside a small northern...
My Spouse (The Offical Solar Tester) is running a few loads of laundry, Dryer on, hot water tank is on, and she has something in the oven baking - asked me if I wanted some left-over pie heated up in the micro to go with a pot of coffee ! (holy hunny, can you think of anything else to load up...
I am not one to talk about suppliers too often, or go out of my way to endorse any, however in my recent experience with Off-Grid BC I have to say they impressed me to the point where I feel other forum members from Canada should know these guys were a pleasure to deal with. I feel I got the...
I have twin MPP Solar 6048 AIO Inverters.
These are unique, in that they operate differently than the more popular MPP 6548, or the Low Frequency LVX 6048.
Universally, all MPP Solar products ship with a pamphlant of information imagined to be a 'manual' but really is a summary user guide at...
It was a stupid error, and I should have been more careful, but I did it, and I thought it best to share so maybe this doesn't happen to the next person.
What I did, and didn't do:
When I installed my Solar Assistant, I figured I would just plug stuff in and get it up and running, and later move...
I bought a 50 Acre property, about 20 miles from my home. It has grid connection with 200A panel in a 2000 sqft insulated but unheated cold storage building.
240 foot deep well, 1Hp 240v well pump,
old style flourescent lights (yeah LED's are on the list).
The property has Grid connection that...
My off grid solar system is designed to be built in stages. The first stage had one MPP 6048 inverter and one SS 100Ahr 16S battery.
Next stage added another inverter and another 100Ahr battery (Solar Parts Store Canada) and first roof top PV.
Now into the third stage, expanding upon the...
I have purchased and built three DIY 16S batteries for my ESS using 280Ah EVE cells. I got them for resonable price (between $88 to $100 USD each plus the shipping) and they tested a bit under the 280Ah using an ZKTECH 40A tester not ideal temp (specs call for testing at 25C +/-5C ( I tested at...
Since putting up my PV panels, I have had three different people approach me for 'solar advice'. Two are neighbours and the other was someone who was visiting and saw the PV panels, so this lead to a discussion. On one hand it is a fun topic and who wouldn't want to show off their system...
I have been watching to see what the Ontario Utility (Hydro-One) Rates will be,
Since the Inflation over the last while I wondered what would be coming down the line.
They surprised me, with a new set of rates that will be offered - customers can choose if they want the new deal I am told.
The...
I am looking for some input: Feel free to make suggestions or point out my errors.
I am planning a new barn for the property, this could also supply a suitable new area for some new PV to mount.
For now, I am looking at 16 more 440 CS panels (like the ones I already have), and combined would...
When we buy a factory built "48-volt"server rack battery it will note right on the front 51.2 v (nominal voltage)
But what does this really mean?
Does the battery average 51.2volt output, running between 48 to 54.4 volts?
If sitting idle with no load at 51.2v is the battery approx 50% state of...
I have made arrangements to take some older Sharp 230W panels from an existing set up that will be getting new PV.
The used panels are Sharp NU-U230F3 modules, I will get 36 identical panels, and I am told these are "about 8 years old". I have a PV tester, and will be able to determine if any...
I did a search of the forum, didn't see this anywhere. And since this has Got To Be so basic, best to put it on the Beginners' corner!
In Solar Assistant, I set local time in Configuration.
In Charts I select the time viewed -24hours to current. Displays the correct local time in all the...
I got a Champion 8kW back up generator dedicated for on-site power system.
A few details first:
My solar is located in my work shops next door to my home,
The solar is 7kW PV, twin MPP 6048 Inverters (each produces 120/240, each have internal N-G bond only during inverting mode)
Energy storage...
I have a cabin that I go to a few times a year for a day or two at most. It has lights, a 120VAC 1/3Hp jet pump, a few small corded tools. In the past I brought a 3000W honda (120VAC only no 240) with me and some gas to run 'stuff' while I am there for a day or two max. It has always been a...
Everytime I sign-in on the forum I make a note of the number of Members, and number of Guests.
On average I see the guests outnumber the members about 3:1
Today for example the members were mid 200's and the guests were 750-ish
Why is this?
is there some reason that guests are so common, what do...
Originally the plan for off-grid living included a change out our conventional Electric HWT with a new Rheem Heat Pump HWT.
The cost of the Rheem (for my location) is about $2,000 USD. The existing elect HWT is not very old, ie is not due for replacement.
With our recently installed third MPP...
I have been going through my system and correcting some things I did during initional set up, only later to realize they are not quite up to snuff.
I am building my next 280Ah DIY Rack, and am looking at the 4/0 cables I have between the ESS bus and the splitter bus mounted on the wall below the...
This is the quick-connect on my MPP 2724 AIO Inverter DC supply (from the battery).
I thought this would be a special version of Anderson PowerPole, but when I search those connectors this one doesn't seem to be offered anywhere.
I have looked on MPP's site for spares and connectors, and don't...
I have been building DIY 8s and 16s packs for awhile now.
During the build on my first pack, I wondered about installing small inline fuses on the balance leads between the wire and the bus-bar connections. We always say "fuses protect wires" and we pick suitable fuses based on wire sizes...
I have the attached from Alibaba vendor.
they make a 12, 14 and 16 in the same series of Deye inverters. These are designed for EU )240v output - but as @timselectric has shown me, an isolation transformer can create 120 (and maintain load balance) with ease.
The vendor has offered the 16K for...
From the Economist "Ten business trendes for 2023"
2023 electric vehicle(sales) will accelerate less sharply. Global sales, which doubled in 2021, will increase by 25% to 10.8m units, or around 20% of the total (global) new-car market. China will account for more than half of these as it...
I am considering adding some PV to my current set up, bifacials will work well.
If I use the same Canadian Solar 440's as my current set up, 6 new panels would be 2.64kW (yeah less in actual collection, I know)
If I buy these JA Solar 550W x 6 this is 3.3kW = 25% more Watts and in this case for...