Basic System For A Brewing Shed...

[russ]

Electric gives off a smaller heat signature for the revenuers to find as well.

[pmaru77]

Brewing needs temperature controls, and pumps, both of which are heavy energy users.

Are you implying that this is a full blown brewing system? And it's running off an extension chord. Oppps! Chop chop!

I brewed for 10 years before it got popular. Propane burner to cook. On occasion I used ice cubes to cool the fermentation.

My buddy taught me. He learned from a Brit friend. They brewed in a ice chest cracked slightly opened so the fermentation could expel the gas. Things have gotten a lot more complicated.

[billvon]

Brewing needs temperature controls, and pumps, both of which are heavy energy users.

Hmm. If you are using propane or natural gas for heat, the power needed to control them is minimal (10-20 watts for a solenoid valve.) A March pump will take about 150 watts but only during wort transfer, cooling etc.

Of course if you are doing electric brewing (electric HLT or kettle) then you're talking kilowatts - but for basic brewing you shouldn't need more than about a kwhr a batch, even with a few lights and a radio. Which means that running off an extension cord is definitely practical.

If you really want to add solar you can proceed a few ways:

1) Get a 240VAC extension cord and use a few panels with Enphase inverters. It will partially compensate for the power you use while brewing.

2) Get something like a Prosine inverter/charger with a small battery. Extension cord provides 120V power. Solar panels via a standard 12V charge controller provide some solar power. That way you can keep brewing when the power goes out or when someone makes you move the extension cord.