Recent content by dbuckles

Duh. Right, no heat source, no benefit. I suppose I could connect a small 6 volt light to the battery to generate heat. Seems like a potential complication though if trickle charging the entire winter is all that is needed.

Correction: the solar panel is 350 Watt, 60-cell mono PV module

I'm still looking for advice on winter battery storage in Canada (Sudbury, Ontario, as cold as - 25 C some days), and whether or not an insulating box for the batteries is a good idea. I plan to leave the batteries (Two x Torjan SPRE 06 255) connected to the solar panel (150 watts) through the...

To clarify, system is in a remote cabin, and only occupied for 5 months. Rest of the year (late fall and winter) it sits empty with no load required.

Can I leave my solar system on, with no load and charging over winter (Sudbury, Ontario, -30 C sometimes)? Should I build an insullated box for the two lead acid batteries, Torjan SPRE 06 255? Any other considerations?

Thanks. I'm still uncertain about whether to go for AGM or Lithium battery system, for summer use in a remote Cdn. context. What should I read to help make this decision? Daniel

Thanks Steve. Can you recommend sources for components, preferably in Ottawa?

Thanks. The fireplace insert fan will only run 4 hours a day, at most, in September. Want a design that I can increase in time, with a few extra lights. Maybe to recharger a trolling motor in a few years time.

I have a plan for a remote cabin system, with specific energy requirements. Comments? Cabin, remote location central Ontario SOLAR IRADIANCE (Facing south-south west (22.5 degrees) kWh/m2/day panel set at 59 degree angle: June 5.41; July 5.31 Aug 4.81 Sept 3.95 Energy audit: 10 cubic foot...

I now have a design. Comments? Cabin, remote location central Ontario SOLAR IRADIANCE (Facing south-south west (22.5 degrees) kWh/m2/day panel set at 59 degree angle: June 5.41; July 5.31 Aug 4.81 Sept 3.95 Energy audit: 10 cubic foot fridge, 600 Wh/24 hrs, operation July 1 to end of...

I now have a design for Cabin in remote location central Ontario. Comments? SOLAR IRADIANCE (Facing south-south west (22.5 degrees) kWh/m2/day panel set at 59 degree angle: June 5.41; July 5.31 Aug 4.81 Sept 3.95 Energy audit: 10 cubic foot fridge, 600 Wh/24 hrs, operation July 1 to end of...

Hi. Further to my questions about 'just right' system for remote cabin where only electric appliances are a fridge (2 A) and a fireplace blower (1.5 A), during three summer months. What I've understood for sequence of decisions is: First determine what system capacity you need. Attached is an...

You are right. Dumb worry. Is there any problem with a lead-acid battery system? Put another way, other than price, why go for Lithium systems?

Understood, thanks. I will continue to explore the pros and cons of battery options (acid/lithium, and trickle charge) for storage in cold weather settings.

Good info. Sorry, are you using acid or lithium batteries? I'm a beginner, so another dumb question. I thought these systems were set up to use solar energy in the winter to keep the batteries on a trickle charge all winter.