First of all, HI!
Secondly, I'm not sure where I should post this thread, as I plan on starting with solar lighting, and even though my ideal goal is to be fully "off-grid" as in producing all of the electricity myself, I would like to stay connected with a grid as a backup. I guess "hybrid" would be the appropriate term here.. So, I'm sorry if this thread is posted under wrong category.
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I've been interested in alternative (solar) energy for a long time. And since I recently moved, I finally have a chance to utilize it Yay!
I've been familiarizing myself with basics, and have somewhat of a plan I'd like to follow, but I am not confident in it at all. Not sure how/if I should start. Especially reading stuff like this.
So I will try to explain this "plan", in hopes you guys will give pointers and point out flaws. But don't worry, I also have a straight up question.
Basically, I do not have a lot of funds, so my only chance is to start small, and slowly sink deeper. It's probably smarter anyway.
However, what makes it much more difficult for me, is the consideration that perhaps one day I would like grow my system to (full/almost/as much as possible) off-grid household.
So, basically this is what I'm thinking:
Step 1: I do not have outside lighting at all. So, a perfect opportunity to utilize solar - cheap(ish), useful, simple, not essential in case I mess up.
So, I'm thinking something along the lines of 100-200w panel -> appropriate controller -> 12v battery (bank) -> LED lights. Simple enough.
I have not done any real calculations, yet. The reason I would use 100-200w panel is mainly that it's probably the most I could afford. Also, since I would like to expand this system step-by-step, it seems like a good sized panel to fill the roof with..
Step 2: Extend the solar lighting system inside the house. Full solar lighting FTW!
I would like to utilize the 12V network as much as possible, so LEDs all around. But I would probably like to keep a lamp or two. So I would add a dedicated inverter to each lamp/socket used.
Extending the panel array and/or battery bank as needed is a given. Basically I'm planning on using a (small) dedicated controller for each panel. Is this a bad idea?
Step 3, 4, 5....:
Next up I was thinking about adding various other equipment to the solar system step-by-step. Like... take on the water heater, or... fridge.. or.. take on a miscellaneous socket or two... you get the point.
I was thinking of adding inverters as I go, as needed, instead of using one/two huge ones. I'm sure it's not cost effective as in watts converted per currency. However, it would be much easier for me to invest little by little, rather than with one big bang. Also, I'm thinking I will gain some reassurance in case inverter dies, so I wont lose everything. Is this a bad idea?
Goal: Produce most electricity I need myself.
Right.... I hope that didn't drag on too long.
Also, I live in a region with not much sun in the winter. So my natural concern is if solar is enough to feed the battery bank.
Grid-tied system isn't really an option to me, as I find the regulations/rules are way too complicated and restrictive.
So, I'd like to use grid as backup charger for battery bank.
Not batteries as a backup to grid-tied system. - which is all I find when searching for information.
Basically, if battery bank voltage drops to X (voltage controlled switch), a transformer(s) kicks in to charge it from the grid.
What I'm wondering is - is there a reason I can't find information on it? Or I simply cant search well enough?
Thanks in advance.
Secondly, I'm not sure where I should post this thread, as I plan on starting with solar lighting, and even though my ideal goal is to be fully "off-grid" as in producing all of the electricity myself, I would like to stay connected with a grid as a backup. I guess "hybrid" would be the appropriate term here.. So, I'm sorry if this thread is posted under wrong category.
______________
I've been interested in alternative (solar) energy for a long time. And since I recently moved, I finally have a chance to utilize it Yay!
I've been familiarizing myself with basics, and have somewhat of a plan I'd like to follow, but I am not confident in it at all. Not sure how/if I should start. Especially reading stuff like this.
So I will try to explain this "plan", in hopes you guys will give pointers and point out flaws. But don't worry, I also have a straight up question.
Basically, I do not have a lot of funds, so my only chance is to start small, and slowly sink deeper. It's probably smarter anyway.
However, what makes it much more difficult for me, is the consideration that perhaps one day I would like grow my system to (full/almost/as much as possible) off-grid household.
So, basically this is what I'm thinking:
Step 1: I do not have outside lighting at all. So, a perfect opportunity to utilize solar - cheap(ish), useful, simple, not essential in case I mess up.
So, I'm thinking something along the lines of 100-200w panel -> appropriate controller -> 12v battery (bank) -> LED lights. Simple enough.
I have not done any real calculations, yet. The reason I would use 100-200w panel is mainly that it's probably the most I could afford. Also, since I would like to expand this system step-by-step, it seems like a good sized panel to fill the roof with..
Step 2: Extend the solar lighting system inside the house. Full solar lighting FTW!
I would like to utilize the 12V network as much as possible, so LEDs all around. But I would probably like to keep a lamp or two. So I would add a dedicated inverter to each lamp/socket used.
Extending the panel array and/or battery bank as needed is a given. Basically I'm planning on using a (small) dedicated controller for each panel. Is this a bad idea?
Step 3, 4, 5....:
Next up I was thinking about adding various other equipment to the solar system step-by-step. Like... take on the water heater, or... fridge.. or.. take on a miscellaneous socket or two... you get the point.
I was thinking of adding inverters as I go, as needed, instead of using one/two huge ones. I'm sure it's not cost effective as in watts converted per currency. However, it would be much easier for me to invest little by little, rather than with one big bang. Also, I'm thinking I will gain some reassurance in case inverter dies, so I wont lose everything. Is this a bad idea?
Goal: Produce most electricity I need myself.
Right.... I hope that didn't drag on too long.
Also, I live in a region with not much sun in the winter. So my natural concern is if solar is enough to feed the battery bank.
Grid-tied system isn't really an option to me, as I find the regulations/rules are way too complicated and restrictive.
So, I'd like to use grid as backup charger for battery bank.
Not batteries as a backup to grid-tied system. - which is all I find when searching for information.
Basically, if battery bank voltage drops to X (voltage controlled switch), a transformer(s) kicks in to charge it from the grid.
What I'm wondering is - is there a reason I can't find information on it? Or I simply cant search well enough?
Thanks in advance.
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