How to plan a solar system

[British Red]

For those of us interested in homesteading and off grid living, solar power is becoming increasingly approachable. One tricky aspect of building such things is understanding how all the components are compatible.

Our latest video explains how to get the right number of panels, the right type of batteries and even wire gauge based upon the hub of the system - the charge controller

 

[demented dale]

i am just doing a diy array now, my mate is on his way with the panels. i am new to set up so wll watch this . thanks x

 

[British Red]

i am just doing a diy array now, my mate is on his way with the panels. i am new to set up so wll watch this . thanks x

Hope it helps!

 

[Kadushu]

Does that charge controller control the output to an inverter?

 

[British Red]

Does that charge controller control the output to an inverter?

Hi! It controls the input to charge the batteries. We plan to cover battery arrays and inverters in future episodes. This one is pretty much "how to store power". The next one is "how to use stored power".

 

[SaraR]

Oh *that* kind of solar system! Slightly disappointed now…

 

[British Red]

Oh *that* kind of solar system! Slightly disappointed now…

I know, you wanted me to add another planet....

 

[demented dale]

Hope it helps!

Thank you but can you help me please? If I send you a picture of the info sticker on the panels and tell you how many panels I have got could you tell me exactly what I need please . I dont have a control box. just the panels for now. dx

 

[British Red]

Thank you but can you help me please? If I send you a picture of the info sticker on the panels and tell you how many panels I have got could you tell me exactly what I need please . I dont have a control box. just the panels for now. dx

Of course, whack it on this thread if you like. What type of batteries are you planning to charge?

 

[Kadushu]

Hi! It controls the input to charge the batteries. We plan to cover battery arrays and inverters in future episodes. This one is pretty much "how to store power". The next one is "how to use stored power".

I only ask because the battery meter on my charge controller is rather crude and, from what I've read in the past, the better system is to use a shunt. But I'll shut up now and wait for the next episode!

 

[British Red]

I only ask because the battery meter on my charge controller is rather crude and, from what I've read in the past, the better system is to use a shunt. But I'll shut up now and wait for the next episode!

Shunts work but there are other options these days. I'll try to cover that too!

 

[demented dale]

Of course, whack it on this thread if you like. What type of batteries are you planning to charge?

not sure yet B R. I am open to suggestion . I will take the photos and send and await your advice and go from there. might be a day or so posting coz working away. thanks for you help. dale x

 

[Herman30]

Oh *that* kind of solar system! Slightly disappointed now…

Me, too. I thought someone had grandiouse delusions and it was about planets and suns.

 

[Kadushu]

Me, too. I thought someone had grandiouse delusions and it was about planets and suns.

 

[SaraR]

I know, you wanted me to add another planet....

As long as we can agree that Pluto gets to sit at the big planet table and not at the kids’ table.

 

[TeeDee]

As long as we can agree that Pluto gets to sit at the big planet table and not at the kids’ table.

Pluto is dead?!?


< That joke works on a few levels. >

 

[Laurentius]

I have only had this system 9 months with a 100w panel and a 50AH Lipo battery but the Renogy charge controller has already given up the ghost! I shall be emailing them tomorrow.

 

[British Red]

Renogy generally have a good reputation - I assume itcs still covered by a warranty?

 

[demented dale]

For those of us interested in homesteading and off grid living, solar power is becoming increasingly approachable. One tricky aspect of building such things is understanding how all the components are compatible.

Our latest video explains how to get the right number of panels, the right type of batteries and even wire gauge based upon the hub of the system - the charge controller

here goes BR this is what I have got. what do you recommend to get it up and running please. there are 6x 100 watt panels. thank you xx

 

[British Red]

here goes BR this is what I have got. what do you recommend to get it up and running please. there are 6x 100 watt panels. thank you xx

Okay, what are you trying to achieve here? 12V power? Mains Power? Stand alone system or tied to the house wiring?