Recent content by thr0ttl3j0ck3y

Darn, I thought a dehumidifier would produce more water than that. I might have to figure out how to build a solar distiller then. I really didn't want to have to trial and error another contraption, but I guess I'll have to go down that rabbit hole.

I want to try it in a dry spot on my land. It's arid grassland. Zone 5 I think, NW Montana. I've started trees out there already, just by putting a laundry basket over the young start and putting a 5 gallon bucket of water next to it, with a 1/16th inch hole in the bottom. That keeps them from...

The only thing I'm unsure about, is how to make the thing run day after day by itself. I don't want it to just get low on power and turn off and not turn on again.

I was thinking of using a small mechanic's cart, mounting the panels atop it, enclosing the electrical components in the bottom part with some louvred panels, and then just leaving a couple feet of drain tube out the bottom.

Hey, winter is coming, and I'll probably need to use grid power between sunny days. I've been planning on adding an auto transfer switch, but I've been trying to figure a way to make it run a relay for the inverter, so switch to grid=inverter off, switch to solar=inverter on, but I want a few...

I have plans to get one eventually, but I'm doing all this with basically zero money. Bit by bit, I'm getting it done, though.

We recently spent a day without power here in NW Montana. I have been building up a battery backup out of cheap 6v flooded lead acid batteries I've been buying from NAPA as cores. Initially, I was worried about how well they would work, as they've supposedly been turned in because they're no...

Ok, I'm trying to figure out how much power I use at maximum usage. I turned EVERYTHING on. Stereo cranked, fridge and freezer open to keep them running, ALL the lights on, computer on, heater blower motor on high, microwave on, and the meter says less than a watt. It's reading the shore power...

Hello, I need recommendations for a grid tie inverter that a battery backup can be added to when budget permits. For now there are six 265 watt panels, 44 volts nominal each, going in series sets of 2, three sets in parallel. I'll eventually be adding a 24v battery bank and the proper inverter...

I think Will should start a solar discord server. They're free, and discord is awesome! I've only found one discord relating to anything alternative energy/homesteading, and it's terrible.

The connectors on these panels are all rust coated, I'm going to have to clean the heck out of them and use dielectric grease on them. That's one thing I haven't heard much mention of in Will's videos, like the red/green pads for batteries that do AMAZING things for battery terminals, or...

Those are the panels I have, got ten of those suckers, but six are going up at my Dad's place, he'll stay grid tied, his system is easy. Mine is to get me off grid, and it's a bit harder with my trailer already being half 110, half 12v, but I'm making good progress with Will's help. Man, is he a...