This is my first post but I've been visiting for some time now. Thank all of you on here that have taught me what I've come to know over the last year or two concerning solar. I love being able to read the advice of some very smart people on here. Information is PRICELESS!
Next, I will give a rundown of what I currently have and what I'm trying to accomplish.
EQUIPMENT: 3 x 110ah AGM 12V Batteries wired in parallel
3 x 150W 12V Mono Panels
Morningstar PS-30M Solar Controller
3 x 30amp Breakers for panels
Stainless steel enclosure for all electronics
Now, as I understand it (correct me if I'm wrong....again....newbie here) I am getting 330ah from the batteries wired in parallel, which in turn gives me around 4Kw from fully charged batts. What I would like to do (yes, I know it's a bit of a tall order) is....you guessed it....run my WELL PUMP (LOL) from something like this or similar. The actual long term plan is to be able to be fully independent of the grid when needed. I know I cannot do this with my current setup, not even close. My energy usage is still yet to be determined, but I run a 240V well pump, dryer, AC, and range. The current energy usage is high, but I know that I can get that way down. Running AC isn't needed. The dryer is also optional. The range is a must, BUT I can use only one small element to save energy there.
Here is another idea that I've floated... I currently have a gen disconnect with outlet on the side of my house. The circuit includes my well pump, one refrigerator, some lights and outlets, my furnace, and my range. I would say this is potentially the easiest way to get started on the essentials. I've been thinking about getting 3 more 110ah AGM batts along with 450 Watts in new panels....essentially doubling my system. If I wire them in series and then parallel, I would have the same Ah rating but would make the voltage 24v. This would give me around 8Kw in fully charged batts. I'm confident that I can manage the rest of the energy in the house on that (~4Kw), but I have to use most of the power draw in the daylight hours. My problem becomes....yup....the pump. I may have to bite the bullet and get a different pump (either DC, soft start capable, or supply tank with pump) to make this feasible, but wanted to hear it from those who actually know what they are talking about concerning MY setup and pump, not someone else's. Another thing (both good and bad) is that my well pump is 180' down, and about a MONTH OLD hahaha. The bright side being, I know EXACTLY what is down there.
The pump is a 1/2HP Grundfos pump running at 230V, 60Hz, with Max SF amps at 6 and SF of 1.6. It's ~180 feet deep and pumps 7GPM. My pump is also a 3-wire with a control box and cap/relay. Using my current setup or something relatively similar, is it feasible to even try to run this pump? I've heard others being shot down quickly and yet others that have had success on less.
Also, a BIG part of this equation is the inverter. I don't currently have one, so I am both not limited to AND lacking in that equipment.
Next, I will give a rundown of what I currently have and what I'm trying to accomplish.
EQUIPMENT: 3 x 110ah AGM 12V Batteries wired in parallel
3 x 150W 12V Mono Panels
Morningstar PS-30M Solar Controller
3 x 30amp Breakers for panels
Stainless steel enclosure for all electronics
Now, as I understand it (correct me if I'm wrong....again....newbie here) I am getting 330ah from the batteries wired in parallel, which in turn gives me around 4Kw from fully charged batts. What I would like to do (yes, I know it's a bit of a tall order) is....you guessed it....run my WELL PUMP (LOL) from something like this or similar. The actual long term plan is to be able to be fully independent of the grid when needed. I know I cannot do this with my current setup, not even close. My energy usage is still yet to be determined, but I run a 240V well pump, dryer, AC, and range. The current energy usage is high, but I know that I can get that way down. Running AC isn't needed. The dryer is also optional. The range is a must, BUT I can use only one small element to save energy there.
Here is another idea that I've floated... I currently have a gen disconnect with outlet on the side of my house. The circuit includes my well pump, one refrigerator, some lights and outlets, my furnace, and my range. I would say this is potentially the easiest way to get started on the essentials. I've been thinking about getting 3 more 110ah AGM batts along with 450 Watts in new panels....essentially doubling my system. If I wire them in series and then parallel, I would have the same Ah rating but would make the voltage 24v. This would give me around 8Kw in fully charged batts. I'm confident that I can manage the rest of the energy in the house on that (~4Kw), but I have to use most of the power draw in the daylight hours. My problem becomes....yup....the pump. I may have to bite the bullet and get a different pump (either DC, soft start capable, or supply tank with pump) to make this feasible, but wanted to hear it from those who actually know what they are talking about concerning MY setup and pump, not someone else's. Another thing (both good and bad) is that my well pump is 180' down, and about a MONTH OLD hahaha. The bright side being, I know EXACTLY what is down there.
The pump is a 1/2HP Grundfos pump running at 230V, 60Hz, with Max SF amps at 6 and SF of 1.6. It's ~180 feet deep and pumps 7GPM. My pump is also a 3-wire with a control box and cap/relay. Using my current setup or something relatively similar, is it feasible to even try to run this pump? I've heard others being shot down quickly and yet others that have had success on less.
Also, a BIG part of this equation is the inverter. I don't currently have one, so I am both not limited to AND lacking in that equipment.
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