Bradish
New Member
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2021
- Messages
- 5
Howdy all -
New to the forum, looking to source the vast array of knowledge. Been reading some of the material in the Newby and FAQ section, but not finding everything I'm looking for.
Figured I would start a thread to ask a few questions and document the install process once I get there.
I am building a cabin (nearly a house) in Alaska. This is in a recreational area, considered semi-remote, and definitely off-grid. If anyone is interested I am documenting that build process on the Small Cabin forums here: https://www.small-cabin.com/forum/6_10671_0.html . I won't rehash everything that has gone into that, but try to focus on the solar portion here.
Design theory:
I currently run a Honda 2200i generator for all my power needs at the cabin we borrow while building my own. It works great, and fulfills all the needs of the our current place. I am currently planning on continuing the use of this generator in my new cabin, but also having a solar setup to supplement that usage. I have no hesitation in running the generator and burning some gasoline, I am just looking to curb my usage of it where practical and feasible. In my mind running the generator on ECO mode 80% of the time doesn't make sense when I'm just powering lights of the room I'm in, a few Exterior lights, and a TV. Based on our current usage of our borrowed cabin, we estimate we will be there roughly every other weekend, plus the occasional week long outings throughout the year.
With that said my previous experience revolves around building an inverter setup in a travel trailer with a small battery bank. It was a very simple installation, with a Samlex EVO 1212-HW inverter/charging and 4 Costco GC2 6V batteries. There was no solar elements to this installation. This provided about 6-7 days worth of power for us in the camper which more than met our needs.
I am looking to essentially recreate this setup, times two. So I'm currently looking at the Samlex EVO 2012 or 2024 HW (I am a big fan of Samlex based on my last experience), 8 GC2 batteries, and the addition of some solar panels. Obliviously the solar element is where I am lacking experience.
My goal is to not have to run the generator at night, and namely having the option of int/ext lighting for the wife to use the facilities as needed, as well as to be able to shut the generator off in the evening as we wind down our activities (So 3-4 hours of draw). Ideally the solar panels ideally take care of the bulk of the charging for the battery bank during the day, in order to be able to coast at night.
A few random questions:
Attached are a few photos to spice it up a bit. First is the cabin we stay at while building, second two photos are of our building site for some perspective.
Thank you in advance for your input, wisdom and ideas.
-Brad
New to the forum, looking to source the vast array of knowledge. Been reading some of the material in the Newby and FAQ section, but not finding everything I'm looking for.
Figured I would start a thread to ask a few questions and document the install process once I get there.
I am building a cabin (nearly a house) in Alaska. This is in a recreational area, considered semi-remote, and definitely off-grid. If anyone is interested I am documenting that build process on the Small Cabin forums here: https://www.small-cabin.com/forum/6_10671_0.html . I won't rehash everything that has gone into that, but try to focus on the solar portion here.
Design theory:
I currently run a Honda 2200i generator for all my power needs at the cabin we borrow while building my own. It works great, and fulfills all the needs of the our current place. I am currently planning on continuing the use of this generator in my new cabin, but also having a solar setup to supplement that usage. I have no hesitation in running the generator and burning some gasoline, I am just looking to curb my usage of it where practical and feasible. In my mind running the generator on ECO mode 80% of the time doesn't make sense when I'm just powering lights of the room I'm in, a few Exterior lights, and a TV. Based on our current usage of our borrowed cabin, we estimate we will be there roughly every other weekend, plus the occasional week long outings throughout the year.
With that said my previous experience revolves around building an inverter setup in a travel trailer with a small battery bank. It was a very simple installation, with a Samlex EVO 1212-HW inverter/charging and 4 Costco GC2 6V batteries. There was no solar elements to this installation. This provided about 6-7 days worth of power for us in the camper which more than met our needs.
I am looking to essentially recreate this setup, times two. So I'm currently looking at the Samlex EVO 2012 or 2024 HW (I am a big fan of Samlex based on my last experience), 8 GC2 batteries, and the addition of some solar panels. Obliviously the solar element is where I am lacking experience.
My goal is to not have to run the generator at night, and namely having the option of int/ext lighting for the wife to use the facilities as needed, as well as to be able to shut the generator off in the evening as we wind down our activities (So 3-4 hours of draw). Ideally the solar panels ideally take care of the bulk of the charging for the battery bank during the day, in order to be able to coast at night.
A few random questions:
- I am struggling to find very clear documentation about the limitations/sizes of wiring to run from my panels to the Charge controller/Samlex unit. Ideally I would like to house all my electrical components under a stairwell located on the North side of my cabin. The panels would be placed on the South side of the cabin. The cabin is 20' wide, plus 6-8' of cord for the drop into the electrical center, plus 4-8' to run from the panels into the wall. So I'm looking at a 30-46' run of wire from the panels in total. Does this seem feasible?
- I may be making this up, but I thought I had heard that there needs to be some way to burn off excessive power generated by the solar panels once the battery bank is fully charged. Is this true? Being that we will be away from the cabin more than we will be there I am wondering what the best option for this is (assuming it is in fact an issue and I'm not just crazy)?
- Assuming I am using GC2 lead batteries, I am wondering how much consideration should be given to them 'venting'. Ideally I would house them in the closet under the stairwell with the other components, however if venting is deemed unsafe there, I could relocate them just below the floor of the cabin in what will be a covered (albeit unheated) space. Below the cabin will be skirted for storage etc while still allowing for some airflow (ie: not sealed tight). It is not uncommon to see temps as low as -40F, with average temps in the teens much of the winter. Regardless of where I locate the batteries when we leave the cabin we let it go to ambient temperatures. So inevitably even if they are housed inside, they could reach temperatures well below zero. If they were to be housed inside they would warm up with the cabin interior once we arrive and before any load was put on them.
- Based on the temperature issue in the last question and because we never used our previous travel trailer battery bank in the winter, I am unaware of how the cold may effect the battery performance. I understand it has an impact, but am unsure as to what degree.
Attached are a few photos to spice it up a bit. First is the cabin we stay at while building, second two photos are of our building site for some perspective.
Thank you in advance for your input, wisdom and ideas.
-Brad