Crazyfrenchbiker
New Member
Hi everyone,
I'm working with my HOA to modernize some of the systems in the neighborhood and one of those systems include the lawn sprinklers found at our park. Currently, we are paying the utilities a monthly service charge ($35), and using about 50 cents of power, per month. During the summer, this is only a few dollars, and likely only a handful of KWH.
I'm exploring alternatives to replace this service charge by integrating solar power at our controller station. The irrigation controller we're using is a Rainbird ESP-TM2, which operates on a 110V input. While running, it draws around 1 amp (though not confirmed), and at idle, it's just a few milliamps. I wish it ran on DC, which would simplify matters, but it was recently replaced, so I doubt we can swap it out again.
I have a spare 100W solar panel from another project that I'm contemplating using. I plan to mount it via a pole attachment where the irrigation controller is situated. Given our cold climate, I'm also considering employing a marine deep cycle batter so I don't have to worry about heated / limiting charge in colder temps.
The primary challenge lies in selecting an appropriate inverter/charger combination. Price is a crucial factor, and I'm aiming to keep the combo under $300. Any recommendations on this front would be greatly appreciated.
Here's what I thought could be an option
Thanks!
Gil
I'm working with my HOA to modernize some of the systems in the neighborhood and one of those systems include the lawn sprinklers found at our park. Currently, we are paying the utilities a monthly service charge ($35), and using about 50 cents of power, per month. During the summer, this is only a few dollars, and likely only a handful of KWH.
I'm exploring alternatives to replace this service charge by integrating solar power at our controller station. The irrigation controller we're using is a Rainbird ESP-TM2, which operates on a 110V input. While running, it draws around 1 amp (though not confirmed), and at idle, it's just a few milliamps. I wish it ran on DC, which would simplify matters, but it was recently replaced, so I doubt we can swap it out again.
I have a spare 100W solar panel from another project that I'm contemplating using. I plan to mount it via a pole attachment where the irrigation controller is situated. Given our cold climate, I'm also considering employing a marine deep cycle batter so I don't have to worry about heated / limiting charge in colder temps.
The primary challenge lies in selecting an appropriate inverter/charger combination. Price is a crucial factor, and I'm aiming to keep the combo under $300. Any recommendations on this front would be greatly appreciated.
Here's what I thought could be an option
- Victron Sun Inverter 12/250
- Positive, one combined unit
- Negative - It would require some kind of transformer to convert 220 to 110.
- Consideration - Limited to 1 solar panel, as it seems like it is limited to 25V / 15A (not that
- Victron Energy Phoenix 375VA + Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100V 15 amp
- Positive - Extra solar capacity
- Positive - Pure Sine Wave
- Negative - 2 Units and extra cost
- Battery Tender 200-Watt Power Inverter + Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100V 15 amp
- Positive - Extra solar capacity
- Positive - Cheap inverter / easy replacements
- Negative - Modified Sine Wave
Thanks!
Gil