Hello, New Newb here

[Sherwood]

Hi all,

I am not only new to the forum but new to working with and trying to utilize solar power. I have zero experience but have been collecting information in order to get started on my first DIY solo project. My first project is planning out and then assembling a system for pond aeration. (I would like to start another thread that mentions what I've planned so far and to have knowledgeable forum members tell me if it would work and if not, what I may need to adjust. After completing that, I may expand to another small project. Eventually, my wife and I would like to start building a system for our home but it looks like it's going to be baby steps for awhile first. My hope is that we can start small with a system that we can add to and build upon as time goes by and our finances allows for. As I mentioned, I'm a complete newb but I am also eager to figure out how to do what I can do for myself on my property. I hope those with experience can be patient with my lack of knowledge on this topic.

 

[Nobodybusiness]

I am Glad you decided to join the field.

First thing I would suggest is to Determine how much power you will need.

You can work backwards from your energy requirements.

Dont try to build or buy stuff beforehand..

 

[Rednecktek]

Well, I'll start the default answer to these questions and we can work from there. Here's you To-Do list:

1: Power audit! This will give you some important information on how big your inverter needs to be as well as how much battery capacity you'll need. There is a link in the FAQ section (I think, or someone here will post it shortly) so fill in the blanks and see what it comes up with. You'll probably need some sort of Kill-A-Watt to get accurate measurements. Are you going to be running a 12v system? 24v system? 48v system? What are the specs on your solar panels? VoC? Vmp? Being as this is a new build, throw together a wish list of what you want and estimate on the high side.

1a: Where do you live? Speccing out a system for Scotland is a LOT different numbers than Arizona due to the amount of light you actually get. Someone here can post the link to the PVwatts.com or JCR Solar Uber-Sun-Hours calculator sites to help figure out how much you'll have to work with. That will be a box in the Power Audit form.

2: Parts list: You don't need a make & model list, just a parts list to start from for reference. You'll need an inverter, a MPPT charge controller, fuses, shunt, buck converter, batteries, wire, etc. Once you have a basic list it can be fine tuned to make & models after that. If you're looking at the All-In-Ones check for correct voltage outputs (120v or 240v Split Phase for North America, 220v Single Phase for European type areas) and make sure it has enough capacity for a little bit of growth and fudge factor.

3: Budget!: Steak is great but doesn't mean anything if your wallet says hamburger. Figure out what you're able to spend now vs what you'll have to cheap out on now and upgrade later.

4: Tape measure! Figure out where you're going to stick all the stuff you'll need. A dozen 3000AH batteries sounds great until you're sleeping on the floor because there's no room left for a bed. Is there a compartment that can house all this stuff? Will the server rack batteries fit? Are you going to have to make space? Physics can be pretty unforgiving.

5: Pencil out what you think you need and throw it at us so we can tell you what you've missed (because we ALL miss stuff the first go-round ) and help figure out which parts and pieces you're going to want to get.

 

[Rednecktek]

Dont try to build or buy stuff beforehand..

This! Learn from the mistakes and expenses we have paid.

 

[Warren93nature]

Hey everyone, I am a nature lover and also a guy who has always been fascinated with renewable energy. I am also a newbie here, just want to greet yall!!

 

[Ranger Rick]

Here is a solar aerator kit (I don't know your and size, but there is a picture at the site:

https://www.amazon.com/Oxygenator-Gardening-Circulation-Landscape-Decoration/dp/B087D62YKG/ref=sr_1_7?crid=19KTKXJMKCVIQ&keywords=12+volt+fish+pond+aerator&qid=1649415678&sprefix=12+volt+fish+pond+aerator%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-7