MEXICAN SOLAR

MAJORQUATTRONUT · Aug 23, 2021

We'll be moving to Mexico soon and the property we are interested in is Mountaintop with Utility grid power several kilometers away. I'm very impressed with Will's knowledge however the topic I am wondering about is not covered. Wind Power might be an option for me since the wind blows at 10+ MPH all the time. I have great sun exposure also but also need to conside wind (or both$$!). Also, can I go DC-powered Recesssed LED lights for allm y lighting? Does that work out more economical?
I know I'm asking a lot but any piece answered will help...thanks!

David in nh · Aug 23, 2021

with the price of solar panels coming down so much it would be hard for me to justify the extra maintenance and cost of wind turbines , also small turbines tend to make noise , and work the best they need to be above all structures and trees so add in extra tower cost and a charge controller

so look into it ,but in the end i think just adding another panel may be better

good luck on your project

Hedges · Aug 23, 2021

Of course you can do DC lighting, and it would be convenient to have light when inverter is off.
At 1/10th the voltage, 10x the current, so much thicker (expensive) copper wire to minimize losses.
I think most lighting as 120VAC is most practical, if your system is large enough that the inverter is on all the time.

Wind turbines need wind speed and lack of turbulence. You could tilt up a tower with an anemometer and log wind speed. That won't tell you about turbulence. Look up how high above obstructions is necessary. Mountain top could help, but might direct turbulent wind higher, so I'm not sure how tall a tower is needed. Tower could cost as much as turbine.

Certainly some production at night and during overcast would be useful.
If 10+ mph all the time is accurate, then it could make a lot of power.

As for solar, if you can aim panels both East and West, that spreads power production over the day, cycles the battery less.
PV is cheap, batteries are expensive, so it is cheaper to over-panel and waste unused production.

What about water source? If you have flowing water and a hill, that can be a great source.

MAJORQUATTRONUT · Aug 24, 2021

Hedges said:
Of course you can do DC lighting, and it would be convenient to have light when inverter is off.
At 1/10th the voltage, 10x the current, so much thicker (expensive) copper wire to minimize losses.
I think most lighting as 120VAC is most practical, if your system is large enough that the inverter is on all the time.

Wind turbines need wind speed and lack of turbulence. You could tilt up a tower with an anemometer and log wind speed. That won't tell you about turbulence. Look up how high above obstructions is necessary. Mountain top could help, but might direct turbulent wind higher, so I'm not sure how tall a tower is needed. Tower could cost as much as turbine.

Certainly some production at night and during overcast would be useful.
If 10+ mph all the time is accurate, then it could make a lot of power.

As for solar, if you can aim panels both East and West, that spreads power production over the day, cycles the battery less.
PV is cheap, batteries are expensive, so it is cheaper to over-panel and waste unused production.

What about water source? If you have flowing water and a hill, that can be a great source.

good point about higher amps on DC. Your point about turbulence is also good..There is in fact some present
I could go up to 16 panels if they are 1m wide. I'm going to try to price those ERDM panels made nearby the site.
Maybe purchase a wind Station o put up on a pole before deciding. want one anyway
here's the panel.....

MEXICAN SOLAR

MAJORQUATTRONUT

New Member

David in nh

dreaming of 48 volts

Hedges

I See Electromagnetic Fields!

MAJORQUATTRONUT

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