Here is my planned Solar Equipment purchase for my TuffShed - Thoughts?

[Fargonaut]

So I have spent much more time watching Youtube videos than I should admit, thanks to Will Prowse who is, in my opinion, the BEST resource! So after watching most of his videos and others, this is what I have decided to purchase, but I want everyone's thoughts so that I can purchase with confidence.

My Shed:
I have a TuffShed that was installed about 10 months ago. See the attached image for details on the shed. Also, see the proposed layout (top-down) of the solar panels on the shed.

Solar Purpose:
In no particular order, here are the reasons why I want Solar.

• To power/charge the tools that I use in the shed. The largest draw will be from my Dewalt Compound Miter Saw (DWS779). It pulls 15 amps.
• To power my backyard lighting system which is not yet installed. I want to use a low voltage system. BUT I have to use the 108W transformer. So I want to get your opinion on whether with the system below I can easily and efficiently run the lights with this 108W transformer. https://in-sider.com/collections/our-system/products/108w-transformer
• To power a fan under a backyard pergola
• To have backup power for a worst-case scenario. I know it won't run my house, but it can power an essential when needed.

Proposed Solar System that I've Picked Out:
Based on recommendations in Will Prowse video's, I decided to go for a 24v All-in-one system.

All-in-one: Solar Charger & Inverter

• MPP Solar 2424LV-MSD (1x)
  
  

  110Vac 2400w 24V Solar Power inverter 80a MPPT solar charger 60a battery charger | eBay

  Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 110Vac 2400w 24V Solar Power inverter 80a MPPT solar charger 60a battery charger at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

  www.ebay.com

Batteries:
Once again based on Will's review of Valence batteries, I decided to try to get some used ones.

• Valence u-charge XP Series U27-12XP 12-14.6V (2x)
  
  

  Rechargeable Valence u-charge XP Series U27-12XPLithium Battery12-14.6V | eBay

  The green lighting is blinking in all batteries. Batteries have around 300-450 cycles on it.

  www.ebay.com
  • I will wire these in series to create a 24v battery

Solar Panels:
Lastly, I will have 4x 100watt panels. And once again based on Will's review I will be going for the following:

• HQST 100W Solar Panel 12V Monocrystalline (x4)
  
  

  HQST 100W Watt Solar Panel 12V Monocrystalline 400W 300W 200W RV Home Garden | eBay

  Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for HQST 100W Watt Solar Panel 12V Monocrystalline 400W 300W 200W RV Home Garden at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

  www.ebay.com
  • I will be wiring these in series as well to have in effect: two 24v panels

This does not include cables yet, outside of that I think I have all of the safety built into the batteries and the MPP all-in-one that I need.

Questions and Your Thoughts?

• This installation will be in my shed. I live in Albuquerque, NM, lots of sunshine but it is zone 7a so it does get cold in the winter. Low of 8 degrees. Will I need a heating pad for the batteries? I have not measured the shed but I assume it gives 10-15 degrees of warmth. Can I just insulate the box I put it in?
• Did I make the right decision for 12v vs 24v?
• This will cost me about $1,900. Is that a good value? Are there better options for a lower price?
• Will it work well with the outdoor lighting system 108W transformer mentioned above?

Please feel free to tear apart my thoughts as long as you provide a reason and a good alternative. Thanks so much!!

 

[Goosepower]

How much for those batteries? The prices seem to be all over the place. How many amps are the transformer and lights actually pulling? I couldn't find any amp data in the specs.

 

[45North]

Instead of running your dc lights from a transformer why don't you just run them straight from the batteries?
You lose a lot converting from dc to ac and back to dc again.

 

[Fargonaut]

How much for those batteries? The prices seem to be all over the place. How many amps are the transformer and lights actually pulling? I couldn't find any amp data in the specs.

Hey Goosepower! Thanks for the response. I have not been able to get the amps for that transformer either. I will reach out to them to see if they have the detail.

it may be more how many lights I have plugged in. I’m not sure yet but I am guessing somewhere around 20 lights. But I need to pick them out as they have different watts.That’s probably a good next step.

As far as the batteries go, I am seeing them at $350+60 for shipping. So $420 each battery.

 

[Fargonaut]

Instead of running your dc lights from a transformer why don't you just run them straight from the batteries?
You lose a lot converting from dc to ac and back to dc again.

Thanks for the question 45North!
Well, because it is a specific 108W that the lights need. How else would I get that to the lights except with the transformer? I agree it is inefficient to convert DC to AC back to DC, but what else would I use if not that transformer?

 

[Fargonaut]

Does anyone have any other thoughts on this? I just want to make sure this sounds like a good and viable system.

 

[45North]

Thanks for the question 45North!
Well, because it is a specific 108W that the lights need. How else would I get that to the lights except with the transformer? I agree it is inefficient to convert DC to AC back to DC, but what else would I use if not that transformer?

Cut the plugs off.

 

[Craig]

Thanks for the question 45North!
Well, because it is a specific 108W that the lights need. How else would I get that to the lights except with the transformer? I agree it is inefficient to convert DC to AC back to DC, but what else would I use if not that transformer?

Do the lights need 108w or do they use 108 watts usually lights rated for the correct DC voltage will just use what they want and dont need to have a specific input. You can find almost any kind of light you need in 12v or 24v if you look hard enough.

What kind of lights are you looking at?

 

[Fargonaut]

I am looking at these...

108W Transformer

The 108W Transformer is essential to powering the in-lite system. It plugs directly into a standard GFCI outlet and converts your home's power down to 12 Volts to power in-lite Outdoor Lighting. The simplistic design of the in-lite 108W Transformer is perfect for homeowners and professionals...

in-sider.com

So you guys are saying I can cut off the plug and then wire directly to a battery? Even if I am going to wire the batteries in series?

 

[Craig]

if you have 12V lights and a 24V system you can either use a buck converter to convert the 24 to 12. Or you can put 2 12v led lights in series and power them from a 24V system . With your proposed system you will have loss converting DC to AC and then more loss converting AC back to DC

 

[Fargonaut]

if you have 12V lights and a 24V system you can either use a buck converter to convert the 24 to 12. Or you can put 2 12v led lights in series and power them from a 24V system . With your proposed system you will have loss converting DC to AC and then more loss converting AC back to DC

Ok that makes sense. I'll look into the coverter. Thanks so much!