Solar Power System

[cHeroKee]

Solar Power System
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<embed width="600" height="400" src="http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Power-System/Solar-Power-System.pdf">

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[waif69]

A little slow to pull down, but a good instructable.

[KF7EEC]

Have you tried it? I'd like to do something like this, but I guess I feel a little intimated.

[waif69]

I haven't, but the instructable looks correct. I plan on putting in solar, wind power and a backup generator in the design of the next house. Currently looking at <10 yrs out.

[ktcottle]

I put a solar panel system in my first house in Herriman. It was easy, and fun. I wired 12v LED lights all throughout my entire house, and connected everything to my solar system. It was great, especially when the power went out, I opened all my blinds and turned on all the LED lights :biggrin (2): Unfortunately, if you want to convert 12v DC to 120v AC - you will have 10 to 1 current loss - for instance, you have a 12v DC panel with a max output of 20 amps - convert that to 120 volts AC and you only have 2 amps. I have since moved from that house - but it was a nice feeling to know you never have to worry about lighting.

I have also played with Wind Power generators, Bicycle power generators - they are nice (you can get a decent system for $400 to $600) which output 20 to 30 amps DC. Both of them can easily be portable if needed.

[BackBlast]

I put a solar panel system in my first house in Herriman. It was easy, and fun. I wired 12v LED lights all throughout my entire house, and connected everything to my solar system. It was great, especially when the power went out, I opened all my blinds and turned on all the LED lights :biggrin (2): Unfortunately, if you want to convert 12v DC to 120v AC - you will have 10 to 1 current loss - for instance, you have a 12v DC panel with a max output of 20 amps - convert that to 120 volts AC and you only have 2 amps. I have since moved from that house - but it was a nice feeling to know you never have to worry about lighting.

These current numbers are assuming you get 100% conversion, which never happens.

The problem with 12v wiring is you get higher line losses because of the higher current numbers (the reason transmission lines use very high voltages). In a house, the losses are likely smaller than conversion losses would be, depending on the load of your items and the gauge wire used in wiring. Keep your high drain equipment near the batteries and use lower gauge wire and you'll minimize the issue.

Brandon

[ktcottle]

BackBlast is right - the 10 to 1 ratio is in a perfect world - it is easier to explain that way. Your DC to AC inverter has an efficiency rating which adds to the current loss. You also have line loss with transmissions of DC voltage. The short and dirty - The longer the distance or the greater current demand - you need a lower gauge cable.

Use the following chart:

Wire Loss Tables - 12 volt and 24 volt d.c.


Use these tables to determine the maximum distance one-way in feet of various gauges of two-conductor copper wire
from power source to load for a 2% drop in 12 volt and 24 volt system wiring.
You can go twice the distance where a 4% loss is acceptable. Do not exceed the 2% drop for wire between PV modules
and batteries. A 4% to 5% loss is usually acceptable between batteries and lighting circuits in most cases.
Note that if you change an array from 12 volts to 24 volts and the wattage remains the same, then the current is cut
in half. This allows you to go 2 times as far with the same wire gauge with the 24 volt array as you could with the
12 volt array.


12 volt system - 2% voltage drop



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[TimW]

As a point of clarrification, a "lower gauge" wire means a "thicker" wire.

I have a 48v solar system for that reason. I was interested in less line-loss. Also, my well pump can run on 30v-300vdc. It costs more to set up a bank of 8-6v batteries though.

I suspect there is an optimun setup with respect to generator voltage vs distance to your power storage. In a tent, a 12v system might be completely adequate.

Tim