Thread where I got advice on setting this system up: https://diysolarforum.com/threads/starting-off-my-first-solar-setup-got-a-few-questions.68557/
So long story short, I got a bunch of different solar panels from a local auction place that handles Amazon returns at about .30 cents per watt on average. Decided I want to get a small setup, sort of Proof of Concept going to see how things go.
Wasn't ready to mount stuff to my home roof, so mounted some up on this covered bench thingie I have out back. To start off, I went with some of the matched pairs of solar panels I have. So two 175 watt 12v panels in series, and two 100 watt solar panels in series. All connected to a combiner box. Run from there via about 35 feet of 4 gauge cable into a MPPT then out to charging a DJLBERMPW 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery. Still in the process of getting a Inverter setup.
Built a custom rack/shelf for the two 100 watt panels:
The two 175 panels mostly strapped down to the top of the rack:
One thing I love that I found while looking for options at Lowes, was these sort of adjustable pipe holders which I am using for running the 10 gauge cables from the panels to the house. These things are about $5 each, and are easy to undo to add more cables in the future.
It is then run into a Combiner box, where I adapted the 4 gauge cables running out of it with reducer adapters so they would easily fit into the breaker switch inputs:
That then runs into the house via a window to the basement which I built a door and input using a Solar Cable Entry Gland (the hose opening above that is for a spray paint booth exhaust):
Finally run into a HQST 40 AMP MPPT and then out to the battery via more of the 4 gauge power cable:
Pretty late in the day for peak sun hours, but getting pretty good input from it all:
Some links to items I bought for this:
- DJLBERMPW 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery 12V Lithium Batteries Built-in 100A BMS at $224: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09JNK13YH/
- 50 ft 4 gauge Red and Black wire at $135: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LIB7ZOY/
- 120 PC Copper Wire Lugs at $22: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BYZ2HQK/
- Audiopipe PBER4 4 Gauge Wire Reducer at $10: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W563RXF
- ILSSLI Solar Cable Entry Gland Waterproof Double Cable Connector at $8: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJTDWJQT
- LOKMAN Cable Gland 34 Pack Plastic Waterproof Adjustable 3-16mm Cable Connectors Cable Gland Joints at $12: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077R1RT2T
- Holdrite 1 inch to 2 inch Plastic Adjustable Clamp at $5: https://www.lowes.com/pd/HoldRite-2-Pack-1-in-to-2-in-dia-Plastic-Adjustable-Clamp/1001080896
So long story short, I got a bunch of different solar panels from a local auction place that handles Amazon returns at about .30 cents per watt on average. Decided I want to get a small setup, sort of Proof of Concept going to see how things go.
Wasn't ready to mount stuff to my home roof, so mounted some up on this covered bench thingie I have out back. To start off, I went with some of the matched pairs of solar panels I have. So two 175 watt 12v panels in series, and two 100 watt solar panels in series. All connected to a combiner box. Run from there via about 35 feet of 4 gauge cable into a MPPT then out to charging a DJLBERMPW 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery. Still in the process of getting a Inverter setup.
Built a custom rack/shelf for the two 100 watt panels:
The two 175 panels mostly strapped down to the top of the rack:
One thing I love that I found while looking for options at Lowes, was these sort of adjustable pipe holders which I am using for running the 10 gauge cables from the panels to the house. These things are about $5 each, and are easy to undo to add more cables in the future.
It is then run into a Combiner box, where I adapted the 4 gauge cables running out of it with reducer adapters so they would easily fit into the breaker switch inputs:
That then runs into the house via a window to the basement which I built a door and input using a Solar Cable Entry Gland (the hose opening above that is for a spray paint booth exhaust):
Finally run into a HQST 40 AMP MPPT and then out to the battery via more of the 4 gauge power cable:
Pretty late in the day for peak sun hours, but getting pretty good input from it all:
Some links to items I bought for this:
- DJLBERMPW 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery 12V Lithium Batteries Built-in 100A BMS at $224: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09JNK13YH/
- 50 ft 4 gauge Red and Black wire at $135: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LIB7ZOY/
- 120 PC Copper Wire Lugs at $22: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BYZ2HQK/
- Audiopipe PBER4 4 Gauge Wire Reducer at $10: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W563RXF
- ILSSLI Solar Cable Entry Gland Waterproof Double Cable Connector at $8: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJTDWJQT
- LOKMAN Cable Gland 34 Pack Plastic Waterproof Adjustable 3-16mm Cable Connectors Cable Gland Joints at $12: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077R1RT2T
- Holdrite 1 inch to 2 inch Plastic Adjustable Clamp at $5: https://www.lowes.com/pd/HoldRite-2-Pack-1-in-to-2-in-dia-Plastic-Adjustable-Clamp/1001080896
