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diy solar

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Square Peg

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Oct 15, 2022
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Hope this is being posted correctly (new to forums and solar). I’m building a detached pole barn/2 car garage in SW Michigan and have just begun to look at solar kits. I want to be able to run 2 garage door openers, 3 lights and possibly 1 120v outlet for small hand tools. Will 200 watts be enough? Also what should I look for in a panel that will stand up to snow and ice?
 
Without further info its impossible to answer the question for your situation. Based on experience, 200W of solar will probably not be enough.
Since the garage door motor is going to be the largest current consumer, although for short periods, the inverter must be sized not only to operate the motor at its Full Load Amps rating it must be large enough to supply the initial inrush current which can be significant. These values should be on the device name plate along with the model and serial number.
Battery storage capacity must be based on actual or estimated average daily usage. How many times will the garage doors be opened and closed in a day? How long are the lights going to be on and how many watts do they draw? How many hours are the hand tools going to be used or charged?
 
Welcome to the Forum!

Two big things to learn and always keep in mind.
Watts = Volts X Amps
Loads drive supply needs.

So start with your loads and figure up run wattage, start current and length of operation (1watt for 1 hour = 1wh). Many people pick up a Kill-A-Watt meter to get those numbers. Once you have all your loads calculated out than you can come up with the supply you need to fulfill those loads. Be aware that it takes power to make power. So your calculation for supply needs has to account for that.

Well made solar panels will stand up to decent snow loads and icing. However they do not produce power if the sun is blocked. A factor to keep in mind if you are thinking of roof mounting or ground mounting.
 
Thanks for the info (& patience). I’ll start by getting the correct opener. I wonder if it’s possible to use solar to charge the opener’s battery rather than run the motor as it will only be used a few times per week.
 
Thanks for the info (& patience). I’ll start by getting the correct opener. I wonder if it’s possible to use solar to charge the opener’s battery rather than run the motor as it will only be used a few times per week.
I just rewired a new resturant kitchen, and the warehouse side has three new garage door openers. The built in battery kept the opener operational for a week while waiting on various inspections. I haven’t measured the wattage of the charging circuit, but it is likely around 60W. I will check specs next time I go out there for checks.
 
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