Recent content by CodeJP3

So the cart will use these power sources, in this priority order: Power Working 1.) Grid main power: handles battery float & small inverter load at all times Power NOT Working 2.) Solar as priority to get what whatever small amount we can with our panels 3.) Generator as priority for heavy...

With the 48V SLA AGM storage and plans to integrate solar panel storage into the cart, I needed the larger size and they only had 2-shelf. Believe me, I looked at those too and wish I had a third shelf, but they are slightly smaller length/width and just wouldn't work for my purposes. Sounds...

Thanks everyone for the input so far! Here's a recap of the current unanswered questions I have before I start building. I left out the opinion pieces regarding the optional displays and extra items: 48V DC In/Out: a.) Is roughly 5-6 ft of 2/0 AWG acceptable (#4 in the diagram)? Doing the...

Our area has poor grid power. There's typically brief outages most heavy rains or winds. In the past 5 years alone, I could think of a handful of times I wished we had this system together and functional, or at least a generator. As a former mechanic, I can't stress enough the importance on...

I have enough gas cans to run 1 generator 24/7 for a week and a half. I may get more as well. They're always full and every few months I use it in the car and refill them fresh again. LiFePO4 batteries are on my wishlist for when this first set dies has to be replaced. It was just too much for...

Generator(s) are the primary power source. The solar panels are only to help cut down on the overall total generator use. Whatever the panels charge each day is great, however small it may be. Generators will take care of the rest. kWh usage at night will be far less than during the day so I'm...

I think that about does it. We want a “cart of life” from all of this, not a “cart of death”. Your input is Needed and Valued, specifically for my questions, but really about ANY aspect of this build. ...and if it wasn’t clear, this isn’t a general concept topic - I’m ready to start building!

6. Solar Panel Storage My original idea was to mount the panels to the sides of the cart, 2 per side. But when all the items started arriving and I could see it all in person, it became clear that we really don’t want to go much (if any) wider than the cart’s 24”. That way it still fits through...

5. Grounding Posting the questions from the picture here for search/SEO reasons: a.) Unit has “Grounding Screw Hole”. My understanding is that the unit is internally grounded and does not need this for my specific setup and use-case. Correct me if I am wrong, but this would be used if I...

4. 120V AC OUT Questions here deal with the circuit layouts and the optional Watt / kiloWatthour displays. a.) Either option looks pretty standard. Is one better than the other for performance/safety reasons? b.) Also unsure about the GFCI/AFCI outlets in the first option. This is for...

3. 120V AC INa.) Only real question I have is about better protecting this side of the system. I’ve been quite surprised at how many wall outlets, power strips, and extension cords I’ve found that tested as incorrectly wired, but still worked fine for most devices. As a good practice, this unit...

2. PV DC IN First a comment that the panels will not be grounded. They will only be setup in emergency situations, manually laid-out and picked back up when done being used, and will never see inclement weather. Questions here deal with protection for over-voltage, and the optional display...

1. 48V DC IN/OUT First a comment on the mounting of the batteries. I didn’t draw it up, but I will be making a battery tray from the same ½” MDF and carpeted. A single tray with 1” spacer between each battery (for breathing). Each individual battery area is 14.5”x7.5” (to accommodate larger...

I’m about to build a hand-cart variation of the typical tiny house/jobsite trailer power stations. Looking for input from some of you seasoned pros first. #1 priority is fire and electrocution safety. PURPOSE: I live in Florida, and we have lost power for days or weeks at a time due to weather...