Hello All,
I have found this site to be a fantastic learning resource. Thank you to all who make it possible.
I do have a basic understanding of system sizing (panels, CC & batteries) based on anticipated loads.
I lived for a few years in a location where the local utility wanted over $20k to run a water line to the home. Unless I wanted to spend $20k I had to adjust my lifestyle to live with what water I could collect with my rainwater system. I did just that. Modified lifestyle and habits to work around available financial and natural resources.
I was contemplating an off grid project on some remote land in AZ for seasonal use. As batteries are one of the most expensive and shortest lived components in a solar system I got to wondering if there is some reasonable method of installing minimal batteries and adjusting lifestyle/habits to operate all large loads when the solar is producing and limiting loads when the solar is not providing power.
With panels in the 30-50 cent a watt price range I could afford to panel enough to run some power tools etc mid day.
My household loads are pretty limited. LED TV & lights, RV water pump and cell charger. Refrigeration will be with a very well insulated cold plate system. It will run the compressor only when the solar is producing.
Perhaps a small battery bank of whatever chemistry battery that allows for the highest charge rate?
Another (crazy?) thought I had was to build a small off grid / battery / inverter system and feed the AC input of a grid tie inverter with the big solar array feeding that inverter. Nuts or a reasonable idea?
I simply want to use the vast majority of my power when the sun is shining and run the smallest battery bank that I can manage.
Your constructive input is much appreciated.
S.
I have found this site to be a fantastic learning resource. Thank you to all who make it possible.
I do have a basic understanding of system sizing (panels, CC & batteries) based on anticipated loads.
I lived for a few years in a location where the local utility wanted over $20k to run a water line to the home. Unless I wanted to spend $20k I had to adjust my lifestyle to live with what water I could collect with my rainwater system. I did just that. Modified lifestyle and habits to work around available financial and natural resources.
I was contemplating an off grid project on some remote land in AZ for seasonal use. As batteries are one of the most expensive and shortest lived components in a solar system I got to wondering if there is some reasonable method of installing minimal batteries and adjusting lifestyle/habits to operate all large loads when the solar is producing and limiting loads when the solar is not providing power.
With panels in the 30-50 cent a watt price range I could afford to panel enough to run some power tools etc mid day.
My household loads are pretty limited. LED TV & lights, RV water pump and cell charger. Refrigeration will be with a very well insulated cold plate system. It will run the compressor only when the solar is producing.
Perhaps a small battery bank of whatever chemistry battery that allows for the highest charge rate?
Another (crazy?) thought I had was to build a small off grid / battery / inverter system and feed the AC input of a grid tie inverter with the big solar array feeding that inverter. Nuts or a reasonable idea?
I simply want to use the vast majority of my power when the sun is shining and run the smallest battery bank that I can manage.
Your constructive input is much appreciated.
S.
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