Hello all, new user to forum and to solar.
I'm going to add a solar setup to my shed (12x12 previous owner built) which is in the woods (20 feet from wood line/view of sun) across a creek from my outdoor patio/firepit. Here is my current design: 100watt Renogy solar panel, 30A charge controller, 100Ah battery, 400watt continuous/800watt peak inverter. I've ordered all except the inverter, it's something I already own.
I'm going to wire up 2 lights, (1) hardwired outdoor dawn/dusk motion activated 30watt LED security light above shed entry door and (2) 60Watt plugin LED shop light inside the shed. Eventually, I'll add either some LED string type lights or landscape lighting around the firepit and be powered from shed solar system. Shed also has an overhang on the opposite side where the door is where I store firewood and I may add a 2nd security light in case I need to get more firewood at night.
Question 1 - disconnect & breaker box - Is this overkill for the small amount of usage/draw that I'm planning on using? A breaker box would allow for more hardwired devices in case in future if I want to add an outlet or two (charging power tool batteries) and keep me from having to convert hardwired security light to plug in. Also, current inverter has 2 plugs only.
Question 2 - grounding - I'm going to use a adjustable angle ground mount for the panel and it'll set at wood line with clear view of sun (maybe on concrete blocks or small wood platform). Should I ground solar panel? suggestions on grounding components inside shed (controller, inverter, etc).
Question 3 - suggestion on conduit for running wires (solar + romex) inside shed? I'm wanting to make sure nothing is able to chew it (mice, squirrels, raccoons, etc). should I use PVC? flexible conduit? old fashioned metal?
Any other suggestions or other tips is welcome for my setup.
Thanks,
Dan
I'm going to add a solar setup to my shed (12x12 previous owner built) which is in the woods (20 feet from wood line/view of sun) across a creek from my outdoor patio/firepit. Here is my current design: 100watt Renogy solar panel, 30A charge controller, 100Ah battery, 400watt continuous/800watt peak inverter. I've ordered all except the inverter, it's something I already own.
I'm going to wire up 2 lights, (1) hardwired outdoor dawn/dusk motion activated 30watt LED security light above shed entry door and (2) 60Watt plugin LED shop light inside the shed. Eventually, I'll add either some LED string type lights or landscape lighting around the firepit and be powered from shed solar system. Shed also has an overhang on the opposite side where the door is where I store firewood and I may add a 2nd security light in case I need to get more firewood at night.
Question 1 - disconnect & breaker box - Is this overkill for the small amount of usage/draw that I'm planning on using? A breaker box would allow for more hardwired devices in case in future if I want to add an outlet or two (charging power tool batteries) and keep me from having to convert hardwired security light to plug in. Also, current inverter has 2 plugs only.
Question 2 - grounding - I'm going to use a adjustable angle ground mount for the panel and it'll set at wood line with clear view of sun (maybe on concrete blocks or small wood platform). Should I ground solar panel? suggestions on grounding components inside shed (controller, inverter, etc).
Question 3 - suggestion on conduit for running wires (solar + romex) inside shed? I'm wanting to make sure nothing is able to chew it (mice, squirrels, raccoons, etc). should I use PVC? flexible conduit? old fashioned metal?
Any other suggestions or other tips is welcome for my setup.
Thanks,
Dan