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Off Grid Boat House

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  • Off Grid Boat House

    This is what I have come up with for my boat house which currently has no power.
    "My learning system"

    6) LG G3 Modules (love the way these look)
    1) DPW Top of pole mount for 6 Modules
    1) OutBack VFX3648 Pre-wired
    Combiner box with breakers (2 15A)

    For the batteries I have found Sun Xtender PVX-4050HT

    I choose these batteries because they are "maintenance free" out here we have a limited supply of fresh water and thats for drinking.

    With this I plan to build around the system. The only thing that must work is the communications unit which doesn't use that much power.

    Looking at LEDs now.

    Well this idea has been shut down, the wife wants me to prove that solar will work and that I know what I am doing.

    My new plan will be to power a small security camera, more for watching wildlife than intruders. My idea is to have it so she will be able to view this and see it is working.
    For this the camera, I am familiar with has a draw of 1.3Amps It will be in use 24/7

    Math time.
    1.3Ax12V=15.6W
    15.6Wx24=374.4Wh
    This is where I might be confusing myself.
    I want 3 days of reserve so 3x2=6
    6x374.4Wh=2246.4
    So 2246.4/12=187.2AH

    So my question 1. Am I understanding this math correctly, it seems simple. 2. would a PVX-2120L battery work. The 24 hour rate is 212.
    For the solar panel I would use a 140W I believe would work.
    This is a toy system so I would use a pwm controller.

    Thanks for any replies in advanced, Keep up the good work.
    Last edited by solarIdiot; 04-29-2013, 06:13 PM. Reason: Shut down by Wife ;(

  • #2
    Originally posted by solarIdiot View Post
    For this the camera, I am familiar with has a draw of 1.3Amps It will be in use 24/7

    Math time.
    1.3Ax12V=15.6W
    15.6Wx24=374.4Wh
    This is where I might be confusing myself.
    I want 3 days of reserve so 3x2=6
    6x374.4Wh=2246.4
    So 2246.4/12=187.2AH

    So my question 1. Am I understanding this math correctly, it seems simple. 2. would a PVX-2120L battery work. The 24 hour rate is 212.
    For the solar panel I would use a 140W I believe would work.
    This is a toy system so I would use a pwm controller.

    Thanks for any replies in advanced, Keep up the good work.
    As far as I can see, you have not factored in solar insolation for your area?

    ---calculating required wattage----
    1.3A x 12V = 15.6W
    15.6W x 24H = 374.4WH

    ---calculating 3day backup--------
    374.4WH x 3 days = 1,123.20WH

    ---calculating the AH from above--
    1,123.20/12V = 93.6AH @ 12V

    ---calulating required battery size-
    @50% DOD (depth of discharge) :
    93.6AH x 2 = 187.20AH @ 12V (round this up to 200AH 12V battery)

    @20% DOD (recommended) :
    (93.6AH/20)100= 468AH @ 12V (round this up to 500AH 12V battery or 2x6V 500AH batteries, etc)


    Unfortunately I cannot calculate the solar panel array size, as I do not know what the solar insolation for your area is?
    Just for an example's sake, lets assume you have a solar insolation of 4 hours:

    ---to calculate array size-------
    using MPPT controller:
    array size = (required wattage per day x 1.5)/solar insolation
    array size = (374.4WH x 1.5)/4hours
    array size = (561.6W)/4 hours
    array size = 140.40W (round up to next closest panel wattage)

    using PWM controller:
    array size = (required wattage per day x 2.0)/solar insolation
    array size = (374.4WH x 2)/4hours
    array size = (748.8W)/4 hours
    array size = 187.2W (round up to next closest panel wattage)

    The above 1.5 and 2.0 numbers are fudge factors for losses in cable, battery inefficiencies, etc.
    You will need to slot in your own solar insolation figure once you know what it is (and it is dependant on where you are located).


    I hope that was able to help you?

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    • #3
      Awesome, yeah that helps a ton. Thank you for taking the time to type that out. I'll do some research I will be just below the equator on the Atlantic side. But I knew I was forgetting something.

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by solarIdiot View Post
        Awesome, yeah that helps a ton. Thank you for taking the time to type that out. I'll do some research I will be just below the equator on the Atlantic side. But I knew I was forgetting something.
        No problem, glad to help.
        Keep us updated on how it goes!

        Comment


        • #5
          Will do Daz! I was hoping to have it done by the end of the month, but it looks like Ill be traveling for another month or so we will see.

          Comment

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