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My 145w poly panels are about 58x26.5". If the project is 3ft high then... that leave drops from 8ft boards of 5 ft.... which could be the width of pen. Just sayin... I usually plan with as little waste as possible. If you use new pressure treated lumber for the base at least it should last for many years. Having the light at night will attract lotsa bugs too, organic bug zapper, help reduce need for extra feed tho a lil sprinkle of food daily will help the birds get to know you and be more tame. haha, was just thinking... if the bulb is low you might want to put a wire screen around it so a bug attacking bird doesn't damage it.
Remember to give space for air flow under the panel when mounting.
The IP68 rating on that cheap MPPT is rain proof so's need not have it well protected from the elements, more important to keep it cool as can, use weatherpruff connections. Would be important to keep the battery clean and secure from chickie**** tho, keep it out of the way when hosing clean the coop area.
At the recommended 4sq ft a bird (coop area)you have room for another hen or two if 5ft width. Planter?? haha, as long as it's on the wheel end and you need not lift the extra weight. Sounds like another wifey 'request'.
calcium levels... just feed them back their crushed eggshells and they'll be fine. Giving the overworked critters a break is fine but usually best after the holidays when so many eggs are not needed for the extra baking projects, eggnog, etc.
Your hobby will give you many years of fresh wholesome eggs with only a major investment and the responsibility of keeping the birds watered, fed, healthy, which will tie you down considerably. hahahaha, works fine for those who like to stay at home. Works better if you have a good neighbor who can share the eggs and watch over the birds when you're away. The light will be a great help to watch the skunks, coons, etc when they surround the pen at night too.
If ya wanna see wildlife... get some chickens.
Remember to give space for air flow under the panel when mounting.
The IP68 rating on that cheap MPPT is rain proof so's need not have it well protected from the elements, more important to keep it cool as can, use weatherpruff connections. Would be important to keep the battery clean and secure from chickie**** tho, keep it out of the way when hosing clean the coop area.
At the recommended 4sq ft a bird (coop area)you have room for another hen or two if 5ft width. Planter?? haha, as long as it's on the wheel end and you need not lift the extra weight. Sounds like another wifey 'request'.
calcium levels... just feed them back their crushed eggshells and they'll be fine. Giving the overworked critters a break is fine but usually best after the holidays when so many eggs are not needed for the extra baking projects, eggnog, etc.
Your hobby will give you many years of fresh wholesome eggs with only a major investment and the responsibility of keeping the birds watered, fed, healthy, which will tie you down considerably. hahahaha, works fine for those who like to stay at home. Works better if you have a good neighbor who can share the eggs and watch over the birds when you're away. The light will be a great help to watch the skunks, coons, etc when they surround the pen at night too.
If ya wanna see wildlife... get some chickens.
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