diy solar

diy solar

Search results

  1. Stepandwolf

    18650 Battery Store

    It is surprising how close the prices have gotten between domestic vs. China. When I bought 16 cells a couple years ago, I bought 8 direct from China and 8 from a group buy, and both were much cheaper than any domestic seller. Now when I talk to China, they have a hard time trying to compete...
  2. Stepandwolf

    Help with panel count and wiring configuration

    I was half kidding about tipping over...aside from shelving, the batteries,etc., there will typically be a 6-7,000# tractor and an ATV in the container so I doubt any amount of wind could actually tip it over. The concern is the strength of the hinges and the struts themselves. I mentioned the...
  3. Stepandwolf

    18650 Battery Store

    I was considering an order with them...if they are out of the loop, what is the next best US supplier? I know Basen was going to match them, or try to, but I didn't pursue it as I wasn't buying at the time. I know some of the Chi companies have US inventory to ship from.
  4. Stepandwolf

    Help with panel count and wiring configuration

    And the tip of MN is further north than Maine.
  5. Stepandwolf

    Help with panel count and wiring configuration

    I appreciate your real world strut experience and where my land is located, there is a tremendous amount of wind, but not so much snow. That is why I was joking that a third row of panels would probably launch my CONEX. From a design standpoint, debating if I need one strut per panel, i.e...
  6. Stepandwolf

    Help with panel count and wiring configuration

    You mentioned snow first, which actually isn't an issue, although 6" yesterday. I did some YTing and the first video I found was Red Poppy Farm or something like that. He was using unistruts to mount panels to the roof of his house. He used a horizontal strut attached to the roof and then...
  7. Stepandwolf

    Help with panel count and wiring configuration

    I am ignorant on constructing one of these frames so I don't know how you would attach a plate to the strut? Are you just suggesting that behind where the hinge mounts, you have a piece of steel, i.e. wedging the strut between the hinge and the plate? I don't know how to pin plates together...
  8. Stepandwolf

    Help with panel count and wiring configuration

    Hi guys....I have been Lost In Space for the past couple months and wanted to touch base...Thanks for the great, detailed explanation. I figured to optimize the space, on top of a 40' container, I can go 7 panels wide, and put in two rows for a total of 14 panels. If I am mounting them on...
  9. Stepandwolf

    Help with panel count and wiring configuration

    that drawing would be a 18 panel total, right? If we were doing 6 panels on each string, then wouldn't it be a 2>1 vs. 3>1?
  10. Stepandwolf

    Help with panel count and wiring configuration

    got that, but I guess I didn't ask the question properly. If I start with 12 panels, and I use the 3>1 adapter, I now have 4 sets of cables. Don't I then need a 2>1 adapter to get down to two total pairs? Mr. Confused As Usual
  11. Stepandwolf

    JK BMS Deal AliExpress

    The SA site says they support the 3 and earlier models, not the 4 or 5? "All other Orange PIs, Banana PIs, Rock PIs, etc. are not supported." Just to be safe, wouldn't the Orange PI 3 LTS be best to connect to the BMS being offered in this string that I ordered?
  12. Stepandwolf

    Help with panel count and wiring configuration

    Are the 15A fuses the appropriate value. I think I saw a 8A max on the panels? Wouldn't I also need a 2 into one? 3 panel to one, then a two into one for a total of six on the string? I would still need to buy a disconnect as well.... Thanks!
  13. Stepandwolf

    Help with panel count and wiring configuration

    glad you will be helping me install the system :)
  14. Stepandwolf

    Help with panel count and wiring configuration

    Lets see if I understand. You are saying taking that the 12 panels would be two 3s2p. So, rather than combining 4 or 6 strings into 1 and using one mppt, you are proposing run 6 on each side....then what if I go with 18 or 21 panels? I still don't know the expected power from these various...
  15. Stepandwolf

    Help with panel count and wiring configuration

    I am not sure what that is in reference to? Did one of us say 80A 100V? I quoted the manual which said "8 ga, 80 amp". I am the one that doesn't know any of this :unsure: which is why I am asking, I can only quote manuals and hope the mfg. has a clue. thanks
  16. Stepandwolf

    Help with panel count and wiring configuration

    I just asked about what power I could expect from 12 panels, and if not enough, I could probably go with 21 panels by adding a row of panels on the face of the CONEX. My TT will have it's own solar system, but not powerful enough to power the AC for long...
  17. Stepandwolf

    Help with panel count and wiring configuration

    I found the max volts values, but don't see where you got the max power values from? Either way, you agree with Eggo on number of panels. I could possibly put another 3rd row across the face of the CONEX The LV manual suggested 8 ga, 80 amp PV cables so your suggestion fits easily into that...
  18. Stepandwolf

    JK BMS Deal AliExpress

    I have never bought a pi....should I just get the same Orange PI 3 LTS as SA sells or should I get something newer, like a 4?
  19. Stepandwolf

    JK BMS Deal AliExpress

    meaning you would buy the pi and software separately and save the $$$?
  20. Stepandwolf

    Help with panel count and wiring configuration

    So....if I only go with the two CONEX top options, and if 3S is best, then it seems like 12 panels would be the right mix vs the 10 or 14 panel limit. So, two rows of 6 giving me 4 strings if I am understanding? Is something like this too wimpy? Seems the strings might exceed the amperage?
  21. Stepandwolf

    Help with panel count and wiring configuration

    Hello, I bought a LV6048 knowing it has some voltage limitations, but I am ignorant of all the electrical talk I am not sure what options that leaves for panels. The LV6048 manual says it has two MPPT controllers with these specs: Max PV Array Open Circuit Voltage 145Vdc PV Array MPPT Voltage...
  22. Stepandwolf

    JK BMS Deal AliExpress

    Is it easier to buy the software installed or buy the pi separately? They sell the package for $180 or the software for $56. The pi they are selling goes for about $50 by itself...is there a difficult factor going from the $50 pi and the SD image vs spending $74 more to have it installed? Thanks
  23. Stepandwolf

    JK BMS Deal AliExpress

    You wouldn't know this, but this solar set up is off-grid, not where I live. So aside from initial setup, I would like a way to monitor remotely. Without digging deeper, I am hoping something like this will help with that? If not, given I will be using the JK BMS and the LV6048, is there a...
  24. Stepandwolf

    JK BMS Deal AliExpress

    That is the same BMS I have on order, but didn't know to buy other things with it. Should I get the USB adapter on A>Z or buy it with the JK module?
  25. Stepandwolf

    JK BMS Deal AliExpress

    That product replaces both of the items it says are needed?
  26. Stepandwolf

    JK BMS Deal AliExpress

    Pardon my ignorance, but this page: https://solar-assistant.io/help/battery/jk-bms shows needing: "JK BMS RS485 module USB RS485 adapter (ensure it's not TTL). We recommend FTDI chip adapters. " I readily admit this is out of my wheelhouse, but I want to be sure I buy everything I need. Thanks...
  27. Stepandwolf

    JK BMS Deal AliExpress

    Hadn't heard of that product. Looks like it is a Pi that connects to the inverter, and if connected, a cable from the BMS to the inverter? Does this BMS have the right port to talk to the LV6048 so the Solar Asst. can talk to it? Thanks!
  28. Stepandwolf

    JK BMS Deal AliExpress

    I am not familiar with these JK's...are there any options I should have ordered with the BMS? I intend to build a 16 cells 48V system with 280 or 304 cells with the LV6048 I bought at the Black Friday Special. Intend to buy 250w used Trina panels. Do I need anything for the BMS to talk to the...
  29. Stepandwolf

    JK BMS Deal AliExpress

    just ordered one, now I need to find a good source of cells...
  30. Stepandwolf

    Lithium batteries

    A YouTuber, Chrome is setting up a SOK dealership on Vancouver Island.
  31. Stepandwolf

    Basen 48v/100ah Server Rack Battery

    I had two orders from Basen and all was well and am getting ready to place another order with them. It has been 2 years, but what happened to them in that 2 years as they were a preferred supplier when I bought?
  32. Stepandwolf

    Black Friday 200A 48V systems under $700

    What is the best bang-for-the-buck solution these days? If you are willing to assemble the pieces instead of plug and play, what is the best deal on cells you know of? Thanks
  33. Stepandwolf

    Black Friday 200A 48V systems under $700

    That is without the shipping so the total price would be more. Trying to get some cells as the price would be better. I wouldn't mind B cells if it came to that..
  34. Stepandwolf

    As the Worm Turns, or some such stories.

    The Google 5/19 image of your property only shows tire tracks. As you said, the Bing image is later, and it seems what the County uses, but it is lower resolution. I use the free Google Earth Pro but nothing since May, 2019. You have 2 more acres than me... I have an awesome view of Windsor...
  35. Stepandwolf

    As the Worm Turns, or some such stories.

    BTW, since you can use a Visible SIM that is $25/mon for service, why would you pay for Starlink? To me, Starlink is only useful when there is no cell alternative. I have cell service with 3 of the carriers to ensure service most of the time, anywhere and the cost of having all 3 is less than...
Back
Top