OK guys, I lurked around the site about a year ago, and was helped by the information/ideas that are here. This last year I got away from the solar and haven't thought much about it. I think solar is fantastic, but I like my hassle free, grid power.
Saying that, about a year ago I was able to purchase a system (new), a bit cheaper than normal, so decided to get it. In about a year from now, I plan on installing it in a off grid location in Central America. If grid power was available, I would not mess with the solar (at least at this time).
I am looking at sizing my batteries, and this is where I could use some help. I know the question is often asked how much power do you need. For me, the answer is that I will not ever have as much as I would like.
Question number one for me is what battery bank size and type (lead acid, lithium, 2volt--high amp, forklift, etc.) will give me a well balanced power storage for the amount of panels that are pushing power to them?
The house will have the normal stuff; led lights, gas water heating, gas cooking and gas clothes drying, an electric frig and freezer and washing machine. A few computers, ceiling fans, and would really like a whole house exhaust fan (not attic type, the kind that sucks outdoor air in the windows and to the attic--about 6 amps). The things I wonder about is what else can I power? Can I put in a split A/C with a high seer rating? If so, can I put in 2 or 3?
I'm jumping ahead now, let say that I purchase a battery bank and design it with 5 days of autonomy.
Solar isolation of 4.5
54 of a 280 watt panel (15,120 watts)
Feeding through 3 Midnight 150v charge controllers.
Triple Magnum MS4448PAE powering the loads
Yes, I know the battery bank is going to be expensive. I just do not have the experience to know in my "gut", what is the best way to approach the design. Any help or suggestions are appreciated.
Joe
Saying that, about a year ago I was able to purchase a system (new), a bit cheaper than normal, so decided to get it. In about a year from now, I plan on installing it in a off grid location in Central America. If grid power was available, I would not mess with the solar (at least at this time).
I am looking at sizing my batteries, and this is where I could use some help. I know the question is often asked how much power do you need. For me, the answer is that I will not ever have as much as I would like.
Question number one for me is what battery bank size and type (lead acid, lithium, 2volt--high amp, forklift, etc.) will give me a well balanced power storage for the amount of panels that are pushing power to them?
The house will have the normal stuff; led lights, gas water heating, gas cooking and gas clothes drying, an electric frig and freezer and washing machine. A few computers, ceiling fans, and would really like a whole house exhaust fan (not attic type, the kind that sucks outdoor air in the windows and to the attic--about 6 amps). The things I wonder about is what else can I power? Can I put in a split A/C with a high seer rating? If so, can I put in 2 or 3?
I'm jumping ahead now, let say that I purchase a battery bank and design it with 5 days of autonomy.
Solar isolation of 4.5
54 of a 280 watt panel (15,120 watts)
Feeding through 3 Midnight 150v charge controllers.
Triple Magnum MS4448PAE powering the loads
Yes, I know the battery bank is going to be expensive. I just do not have the experience to know in my "gut", what is the best way to approach the design. Any help or suggestions are appreciated.
Joe
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