Hello DIY Solar Forum Members,
Thank you for starting to read my post! I’ve begun designing my first system which is meant to be a small(ish) solar generator for camping. I’ve been reading (Will’s book included), reviewing forum information, planning my build and sourcing parts. This post is meant to publish my design in hopes of receiving honest feedback on any potential design flaws and best practices. Although I have no electrical background and I am a victim of the Arizona education system, I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night and feel that I’ve prepared myself for this endeavor.
First, a listing of the capabilities sought with rationale for specific component selection:
Lastly, the stages to my plan.
1) Source and build battery. The battery back will have at least a basic BMS (Daly). I do not anticipate using the generator in temperatures below 0C and for now won't include low temperature disconnect.
2)Assemble components. Amazon and Aliexpress will be my primary sources. The cells from Spirit Energy have my eye as you can get the 4s 12v 60ah cells without BMS for $250 and 5yr warranty (I’m not affiliated with Spirit).
3) Assemble generator.
4)Test.
Wow, if you are still reading at this point then I say a big THANKS! For those who took the time to provide feedback know that it is most appreciated. I intend to buy the batteries this weekend. I was going to include all my source links for feedback but based on forum rules relating to affiliate links, I thought it best leave them out.
I look forward to hearing from anyone who will respond. Have a great day!
Thank you for starting to read my post! I’ve begun designing my first system which is meant to be a small(ish) solar generator for camping. I’ve been reading (Will’s book included), reviewing forum information, planning my build and sourcing parts. This post is meant to publish my design in hopes of receiving honest feedback on any potential design flaws and best practices. Although I have no electrical background and I am a victim of the Arizona education system, I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night and feel that I’ve prepared myself for this endeavor.
First, a listing of the capabilities sought with rationale for specific component selection:
- -Price. Guess this is an obvious one, I didn’t want to buy a unit (Jackery, GoalZero) which I thought would have a higher cost, provide less longevity and lack modular features for maintenance and future improvement.
- -Weight. I wanted to keep total weight below 50lbs while maintaining high durability which led me towards 60ah LiFePo4 prismatic batteries.
- -12v DC. Based on the devices we use, a marine-style 12v accessory 4 slot panel should answer the mail. I want to run a 12v fridge which led me to add the voltage regular to the schematic.
- -AC Power. Right now we don’t have a regular need for AC power but I wanted to over build this set up. I feel a 700w inverter is sized right for this battery set (4s, 12v 60ah LiFePo4)
- -AC Charging. While in storage I would like to have the batteries maintained by a small (3-5a) charger specific for LiFePo4 chemistries.
- -Solar Charging. My calculations indicate a 100w 12v array feeding a 20a MPPT charger will be sufficient for the battery capacity previously indicted. I may cheap out and get a PWM charger but welcome feedback about any future pitfalls from such a decision. The unit will not be under constant load and 5-8a of current would be sufficient under most conceivable circumstances.
- -Self Cooling. I want to build in a small fan with temperature switch.
- -Internal light. Guess that speaks for itself….
- -Battery monitor (shunt). I feel this provides the best bang for the buck without having to shell out for something like a Victron unit.
Lastly, the stages to my plan.
1) Source and build battery. The battery back will have at least a basic BMS (Daly). I do not anticipate using the generator in temperatures below 0C and for now won't include low temperature disconnect.
2)Assemble components. Amazon and Aliexpress will be my primary sources. The cells from Spirit Energy have my eye as you can get the 4s 12v 60ah cells without BMS for $250 and 5yr warranty (I’m not affiliated with Spirit).
3) Assemble generator.
4)Test.
Wow, if you are still reading at this point then I say a big THANKS! For those who took the time to provide feedback know that it is most appreciated. I intend to buy the batteries this weekend. I was going to include all my source links for feedback but based on forum rules relating to affiliate links, I thought it best leave them out.
I look forward to hearing from anyone who will respond. Have a great day!