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diy solar

diy solar

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  • Post in thread: Father passes on his knowledge to son

  • Post in thread: Best practice to extend battery stud

    How about use a buss bar on the stud and attach you lugs to the other end of the buss bar?
  • Post in thread: Scams

    I ordered a book called "How to scam people online" two months ago. It still hasn't arrived yet.
  • Post in thread: using extra power from panels.

  • Post in thread: want to wire a few outlets in the walls before sheetrock. not sure if i need a box. want to make it easy ?

    Then a 2x4 stud is holding the box instead of only the drywall. Outlets must be in a box.
  • Post in thread: Excerpt from a farmer written romance novel

    Her body tensed and quivered as she felt wave after wave surge through her body. I probably should of told her about the new electric fence.
  • Post in thread: PRAYER FOR BOB

    PRAYER FOR BOB The pastor asked if anyone in the congregation would like to express praise for answered prayers……….Brenda stood and walked to the podium. She said, “I have a praise. Two months ago, my husband, Bob, had a terrible bicycle wreck and his scrotum was...
  • Post in thread: Can Solar DC wiring share conduit with AC power?

    I am not giving advice but you may want to read this: NEC Section 300.3(C)(1) (1) 600 Volts, Nominal, or Less Conductors of circuits rated 600 volts, nominal, or less, ac circuits, and dc circuits shall be permitted to occupy the same equipment wiring enclosure, cable, or raceway. All...
  • Post in thread: Received 230 AH EVE cells

    Just received 16 230 AH EVE cells. Docan Tech with Jenny Wu. Here are some pics; I will post more info after I unpack all of them and begin testing
  • Post in thread: Best boat panel setups?

    I have lived on boats on and off for 30 years. Most noise on a sail boat when in a crowded anchorage or marina is from fools not securing their halyards and poorly secured sails and not securing the dishes in the galley . Yes wind through the rigging can be loud when it really pipes up...
  • Post in thread: NEW TECHNOLOGY

    Solar power with wind back-up. Warning! do not attempt to use when temperature is below 32 degrees F.
  • Post in thread: Dielectric grease with LFP anyone?

    Here is an interesting article: https://www.practical-sailor.com/boat-maintenance/conductive-greases-vs-corrosion
  • Post in thread: How many #12 romex wires can go in a 1"hole?

    Romex is a cable ( multible wires inside a casing). "All cables must be secured to the enclosure with fittings designed and listed for the cable [312.5(C)]. See 300.12 and 300.15. Cable clamps or cable connectors must be used with only one cable, unless that clamp or fitting is identified for...
  • Post in thread: Battery carrier and hand warmer

  • Post in thread: NEWS: Florida legislature considers ending solar net metering (Nov.23.2021)

    "Florida – YES! Florida is awesome for living off grid. Contrary to popular belief, it is NOT illegal to live off grid in Florida. Just like anywhere else in the USA you must have a proper septic system and a clean water source. Many people have exaggerated on a story going around the internet...
  • Post in thread: Upgrade

    I may get stoned for saying this; but I don't believe Lifepo4 are the best choice for every system. There are pros and cons for every battery chemistry; storage state of charge, temp., c-rate,etc..
  • Post in thread: NEW Bluetti Sodium Ion Battery Power Units

    I believe the Parent company for Bluetti is PowerOak a Chinese company, https://www.poweroak.com/company-profile/
  • Post in thread: I want to lay down CALB cells

    From the Calb manual: "Power module or battery shall be operated in accordance with relevant instructions; 1) After clamping, each battery group should be fixed into the power module properly with the terminals upward clamped .Placing the battery on its side is not recommended , installing the...
  • Post in thread: How bad/what will happen over charging by 1.2v?

    I have not seen an example on this forum of a lifepo4 cell or battery bursting or exploding into fire. What I have seen is bad wiring and system construction practices starting fires.
  • Post in thread: I want to lay down CALB cells

    I store my mustard upside down in the frig. I have had no catastrophic failures.
  • Post in thread: Is this safe?

    I hope he stores that American flag properly before something bad happens.
  • Post in thread: Any takers for the new EV outboard, $80,000 dollars and range of 30 miles

    $80,000, is just for the motor. From the article: "Selecting a battery pack will tack on another €79,800 to 239,400 (US$85,550 to 256,650), depending upon capacity." I prefer a trolling motor and a 100ah Lifepo4.
  • Post in thread: High Voltage Tape on Busbars

    This is heat shrink on 1 1/2" wide buss bars
  • Post in thread: Ghetto but functional DIY solar panel mover, only 1 person needed!

    I'm not knocking what you came up with. I use something like this, I work alone a lot...
  • Post in thread: Cold solder joint power supply.

    Must be a shortage in China. I checked all the solder joints in the power supply.
  • Post in thread: Best practice to extend battery stud

    A picture of the terminal/stud without the lug installed would help. Extending the stud and using it as a conductor is not a good idea.
  • Post in thread: Small LFP in // or one BIG ?

    You might want to read the articles at: https://nordkyndesign.com/featured-articles/ He recommends using smaller cells because the larger cell do not hold up structurally in the motions of a boat.
  • Post in thread: Finding Chinese evasion tactics U.S. to expand solar panel tariffs.

    "The Commerce Department investigation, which launched in March, looked at eight companies that manufacture solar panels and parts in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The department said Friday that four of them – BYD Hong Kong, Canadian Solar, Trina and Vina Solar – should be subject...
  • Post in thread: Sailboat batteries: EVE/CALB or Fortune/Winston?

    You are free to do what you like. I tend to take the advice of people who have more experience than I have. Here is an excerpt from: https://nordkyndesign.com/assembling-a-lithium-iron-phosphate-marine-house-bank/ "Single 3.2V prismatic LiFePO4 cells can nowadays be obtained in huge capacity...
  • Post in thread: Using Roofing Tin as EMP shield

    My cat wears a Faraday cage
  • Post in thread: Wind Turbine Blades Can’t Be Recycled, So They’re Piling Up in Landfills

    They are recyclable it just needs to be done. https://www.globalfiberglassinc.com/
  • Post in thread: Our NEW GO-TO LiFePO4 vendor...09.20.21

    Jenny Wu: I bought from Docan Tech. they have a Texas warehouse. It was a good experience. https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Jenny-Wu-Docan-Tech-EV-LF280_1600240879614.html?spm=a2700.shop_plser.41413.11.71815a203AMFLy and https://www.docanpower.com/index.php?route=common/home
  • Post in thread: Best practice to extend battery stud

    I looks like the lug is on the base of the welded stud If so a larger hole is needed in the lug so it will land on the battery terminal.
  • Post in thread: Circuit breaker fail.

    The one i posted is not a chinese knock off. They can also supply this one. I have no affiliation with any supplier. This breaker is designed to be used as a switch as well as a breaker. https://powerwerx.com/eaton-187f-waterproof-circuit-breaker-surface-mount
  • Post in thread: What happened to the 24v DIY system web page?

    Many boats have 24v DC systems.
  • Post in thread: Air gap mounting for flexible panels

    Thanks for your replies everyone. Tito's method is nice and clean looking. I wonder how much difference there is in heat dissipation. I am looking for a way to mount that helps with heat dissipation and holds the panels rigid. I think I will get some corrugated plastic like 'Tito' did and...
  • Post in thread: U.S. begins detaining solar panel imports over concerns about forced labor in China

    "CBP imposed the ban in June on Hoshine Silicon, which produces raw materials used in solar panels. The agency said it had information “reasonably indicating” that Hoshine, which operates plants in China’s Xinjiang region, uses forced labor, a finding that triggered the ban because U.S. law...
  • Post in thread: I want to lay down CALB cells

    It is very much preferable to do as the manufacturer recommends. In the case of the Calb cells their instructions state that they should be upright. If at all possible in the OPs situation he should follow what is in the manufacturers manual.
  • Post in thread: Picking brains...help with Engine swap to electric...32ft Cabin Cruiser

    Keeping your speed 20% less than hull speed is even more efficient.
  • Post in thread: Cold solder joint power supply.

    I put ring terminal posts on the power supply so I don't have to use the banana/alligator clips on my batteries. I was using the alligator clips to wake up a screw gun battery.
  • Post in thread: DC - DC Charger for Chassis battery?

    Thanks fixed it
  • Post in thread: 12V or 24V for a 2000W inverter with induction cooktop

    Don't forget to use a pressure cooker to speed up cooking time.
  • Post in thread: Interest in starboard battery boxes?

    Where my batteries will be onboard, if they are getting wet, I've got a lot more to worry about than batteries
  • Post in thread: Electric Jet Motor

    My electric dinghy:
  • Post in thread: Lithium Trolling Motor Question

    We can get all technical here; but the answer to the original post is that he will be fine with his batteries as long as he doesn't constantly run at 100% of the voltage available from his LifePo4 power supply.
  • Post in thread: Interest in starboard battery boxes?

    For Aluminum brazing I use Hobart 770206 aluminum rods. They are a low temperature rod (700 degrees ). Propane torch works for sheet aluminum; if you are trying to braze castings you need oxy/acetylene. Just don't leave the flame in one place; thatswhen bad things happen.
  • Post in thread: How bad/what will happen over charging by 1.2v?

    1.2 volts between 12cells (36 volt battery)? 1.2 /12 = .1
  • Post in thread: Charger+inverter, instead of charger/inverter&isolation transformer?

    On my new boat ,power vessel, that is what I am going to do. Being a power vessel with a hard top canopy it will have sufficient solar that I normally won't need shore power. Having only a charger connected to shore power you effectively have an isolation transformer. Your charger should not...
  • Post in thread: Getting rid of the buss bars

    Add up your current usage 'amps x volts = watts' . https://www.cerrowire.com/products/resources/tables-calculators/ampacity-charts/
  • Post in thread: rust on bord of pv panels

    If you use steel wool instead of bronze wool when refinishing varnish on a boat; that's what your deck looks like after a day or two.
  • Post in thread: New to the group

    New member here; been reading and learning a lot. In the middle of building a new boat, 38 ft power, for cruising Florida, Bahamas and points South. I will be using 24volt LifePO4 batteries, 800 watt+ solar panels and engine alternator for charging. Thanks to everyone here that shares their...
  • Post in thread: I have a plan!

    See if this helps: https://www.bluesea.com/support/articles/Circuit_Protection/1437/Part_1%3A_Choosing_the_Correct_Wire_Size_for_a_DC_Circuit
  • Post in thread: How do you keep your batteries from moving?

    It's posted in the Marine forum.
  • Post in thread: rust on bord of pv panels

    "Much like painted surfaces, an anodized finish should be cleaned using mild soap solutions to retain its original beauty. Products that are safe for use with bare hands including most commercial cleaning products can be safely used. The cleaning solution should be applied with a soft cloth...
  • Post in thread: Best boat panel setups?

    I've lived with a wind generator on a 35ft sailboat. I wouldn't do it again they are noisy and can be dangerous in a blow. With the improvements in solar I think that is the way to go.
  • Post in thread: Renogy DC Battery Charger - Alternator Wiring

    The DC-DC charger can also be connected to the positive + buss bar.
  • Post in thread: NEWS: Florida legislature considers ending solar net metering (Nov.23.2021)

    "Sixteen state-level studies, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, have disproven the cost-shift argument, as has a national study, completed by Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Berkeley found that 40 of the 43 states and Washington D.C. with net metering programs have a...
  • Post in thread: NEWS: Florida legislature considers ending solar net metering (Nov.23.2021)

    You can download the proposed bill here: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2022/1024/?StartTab=Amendments
  • Post in thread: 12V or 24V for a 2000W inverter with induction cooktop

    Finally found a DC powered induction cooker; bad news is its only 700 watts. http://www.amorzs.com/product/82.html
  • Post in thread: Boat based solar failures

    On boats when we (I) say 24 volts we are talking about the DC side of our systems. The main reason to stay at 24 volts DC is the availability of 24V DC marine electronics.
  • Post in thread: Energy Efficient Heater

    Since you are using a 2000 watt heater I am assuming you are heating a small space. (more info?). The most efficient space heaters are oil filled. As Punchy Sunshine said for a small space; an oil filled space heater and an electric blanket, under a quilt, are the way to go.
  • Post in thread: 12V or 24V for a 2000W inverter with induction cooktop

    found this:
  • Post in thread: Sailboat batteries: EVE/CALB or Fortune/Winston?

    I am assembling my batteries using 230ah cells. My usage will be mostly coastal cruising / bahamas in a powerboat.
  • Post in thread: Bow thruster battery

    I would be interested in how your battery installation works for you. If you don't mind posting your results.
  • Post in thread: Electric Jet Motor

    Yes I built it. 10 1/2 ft. strip built fir/epoxy. Adapted from a William Atkin design from the 1940's. It was designed for a small inboard gas engine. Motor is a Minn Kota trolling motor lower unit.
  • Post in thread: NEWS: Florida legislature considers ending solar net metering (Nov.23.2021)

    I don't believe that's true.
  • Post in thread: 23.000€ New install, generator kicks in most nights. Normal?

    Those caps are a watering system ie: https://www.powerstridebattery.com/gnb-forklift-battery-watering-system-18-cells-glp
  • Post in thread: Very good quality butt connectors needed

    I like this clear adhesive lined heat shrink and their un-insulated connectors about 10 cents each. ; https://www.delcity.net/store/Clear-Heat-Shrink-Tubing/p_326.h_76221
  • Post in thread: Upgrade

    I'm no expert 'but'; I would put the brakes on any upgrades. The first thing I would do is get your system working properly. The next thing would be to work on reducing your consumption; Air cond. (I like inverter mini splits), appliances, etc. Those new batteries will have a long...
  • Post in thread: Best boat panel setups?

    Generators like this have been used for many years they only make sense for long range blue water cruisers. https://www.hamiltonferris.com/categories/Water_Power/16
  • Post in thread: How to maintain 50% SOC when away from the boat?

    The salvage company will love you if you disconnect everything (bilge pumps).
  • Post in thread: Nickel Fuses - Thumbs up or thumbs down?

    nickles are too big; pennies are what you need.
  • Post in thread: Silicone wire on your solar system setup

    Check your building codes. Wire manufacturers do not set amp ratings.
  • Post in thread: Speed controller

    If your trolling motor is a variable speed instead of set speeds; it already has a pwm as it's control.
  • Post in thread: Advice Building an electric boat

    You might be interested in reading this article: https://www.proboat.com/2018/11/in-brief-two-smaller-startups/
  • Post in thread: Sailboat batteries: EVE/CALB or Fortune/Winston?

    My power boat is not fast; Hull speed= 9.4 mph, top speed= 20mph, economical cruising speed= 8.5mph Not fast but for those used to sail boats; being able to maintain over 8mph 24/7 it's great.
  • Post in thread: Advice Building an electric boat

    Sam Devlin has been involved with some solar boats. https://devlinboat.com/solar-sal-27-the-latest-launch-from-our-shop/
  • Post in thread: Complete Electrical Overhaul Design - 1976 Islander 36

    Some manufacturers recommend 100ah or 200ah for assembling marine battery banks, with 100Ah being preferred and 200Ah acceptable. Large cells don’t have the structural strength-to-weight ratio required onboard small crafts and would have a shorter life because of internal damage. “It is...
  • Post in thread: Use solder paste on terminals-busbar to improve conductivity?

    "Dielectric means that it does not conduct electricity, so it would seem counterintuitive for use in an electrical connection. In fact, a dielectric grease is perfectly acceptable for most electrical connections. You want something that will seal out water and air, preventing both galvanic and...
  • Post in thread: 50' Gulfstar sloop "B-Hoppy"

    Install all the solar panels that will fit; and a boatload of batteries.
  • Post in thread: Received 230 AH EVE cells

  • Post in thread: ABYC standards

    Not really a choice for DYIers. The free Coast Guard Handbook has what you need for free
  • Post in thread: NEW Bluetti Sodium Ion Battery Power Units

    Not about Bluetti but sodium batteries: from 2020 "A recent news release from Washington State University (WSU) heralded (1) that “WSU and PNNL (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) researchers have created a sodium-ion battery that holds as much energy and works as well as some commercial...
  • Post in thread: Suppliers Of Overkill Solar BMS Close To Australia?

    https://www.lifepo4.com.au/shop/lifepo4-bms/12v-4s/jbd-sp04s028-l4s-100a/
  • Post in thread: dies for 8 awg wire?

    https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800640254755.html?spm=a2g0o.ppclist.product.2.7a4aEIFTEIFTQ6&pdp_npi=2%40dis%21USD%21US%20%2414.90%21%2412.66%21%21%21%21%21%400b0fdc6a16716272124118622e950d%2110000008656451879%21btf&_t=pvid%3A950ca130-7fe6-40d5-a122-ff1dd229c5a3&afTraceInfo=4000826569507__pc__...
  • Post in thread: Our NEW GO-TO LiFePO4 vendor...09.20.21

    those are a relay based BMS...
  • Post in thread: One large battery vs multiple smaller ones

    Here is an excerpt from an article you may want to read: " A sales manager at Sinopoly I was talking to was adamant about using 100Ah or 200Ah cells only for assembling marine battery banks, with 100Ah being preferred and 200Ah acceptable. Large cells simply don’t have the structural...
  • Post in thread: First time top balancing - Doing it Right?

  • Post in thread: NEW Bluetti Sodium Ion Battery Power Units

    From Feb 2022: "Sodium-ion batteries are a promising technology for electric vehicles, the energy grid and other applications because they are made from abundant materials that are energy dense, nonflammable and operate well in colder temperatures. But engineers have yet to perfect the...
  • Post in thread: dies for 8 awg wire?

    Your correct they are solar but not Amphenol; the description indicates that you need to use a hexigonal crimper.
  • Post in thread: Advice Building an electric boat

    Nordkyn Design has some excellent articles on LifePo4 batteries. https://nordkyndesign.com/featured-articles/ Also: https://www.custommarineproducts.com/ I think both of these do consulting work.
  • Post in thread: storage increase

    google 'victron lead acid parallel lifepo4'. There are several discussions on that subject there.
  • Post in thread: Lifepo4 trolling motor help

    I would change the control of the trolling motor to a pwm controller. Minn Kota suggests that that when running with a LifePo4 battery to only run the motor at 65% for extended periods. Lifepo4 batteries provide a higher voltage than the trolling motor is designed for.
  • Post in thread: dies for 8 awg wire?

    a parallelogram with opposite equal acute angles, opposite equal obtuse angles, and four equal sides. any parallelogram with equal sides, including a square

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