Kyfarmgirl
New Member
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2021
- Messages
- 19
I am trying to put together a solar system for a fully off-grid cabin on my farm. I have Will’s book (and have worked my way through it) as well as watching numerous videos and reading more books. I live in a rural area and the closest supplier/installer is 1.5 hours away (and they really focus on large/commercial builds). I am pretty handy but.....
The system will be totally off grid. I plan to run a refrigerator/freezer that is a new model ac (unless I use an older camper unit), a DC air conditioner, water pump, propane H2O water heater, LED lights, TV/phone/laptop/speaker charging, cell signal booster, and occasionally a whole house fan. Heat is wood.
I currently have the following:
10) 250 watt used Canadian solar panels
1) 12000 BTU 48 volt DC air conditioner.
1) Giandel power inverter (2000/4000): not sure if this will be big enough?
I have several lead acid marine batteries but hope to switch to lithium ASAP. Maybe build my own power wall?
Questions:
1. Do I need to use all 10 solar panels or could I get by with 8 (saving the other two for additional projects).
2. What would be the best solar panel array? 4 or 5in series, 4 or 5 in parallel or...?
3. What size MPPT controller do I need? I have done the math but am still really unsure.
4. Do you recommend roof mounting (roof is southwest facing and the pitch is near perfect) or a ground mount? I know it is a personal preference but I could go either way. Just can’t decide.
5. Any special considerations with a 48 volt system. Most everything deals with 12 volt or 24 volt.
The system will be totally off grid. I plan to run a refrigerator/freezer that is a new model ac (unless I use an older camper unit), a DC air conditioner, water pump, propane H2O water heater, LED lights, TV/phone/laptop/speaker charging, cell signal booster, and occasionally a whole house fan. Heat is wood.
I currently have the following:
10) 250 watt used Canadian solar panels
1) 12000 BTU 48 volt DC air conditioner.
1) Giandel power inverter (2000/4000): not sure if this will be big enough?
I have several lead acid marine batteries but hope to switch to lithium ASAP. Maybe build my own power wall?
Questions:
1. Do I need to use all 10 solar panels or could I get by with 8 (saving the other two for additional projects).
2. What would be the best solar panel array? 4 or 5in series, 4 or 5 in parallel or...?
3. What size MPPT controller do I need? I have done the math but am still really unsure.
4. Do you recommend roof mounting (roof is southwest facing and the pitch is near perfect) or a ground mount? I know it is a personal preference but I could go either way. Just can’t decide.
5. Any special considerations with a 48 volt system. Most everything deals with 12 volt or 24 volt.