Three weeks ago I sent this email to a relative that is knowledgeable about solar systems and he was going to give me input. Turns out he is not well and hasn't looked at his email in over a month.... best laid plans and all of that. In 2 weeks I will be moving to an off grid location to build a small home. Initially I'll be living in a very rustic hunting shack. Any input anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated. The moving process will be a week or 2 so the deadline isn't drop dead. For logistics I'm planning on having the panels shipped to my new location (about 350 miles from my current location).
Thanks in advance - Doug
Hi **** I want to make sure I don't purchase junk, incompatible, too expensive or just plain unwise equipment. My hope is to start small and expand without repurchasing everything piece of gear again. I'm on a tight budget.
Usage - w/ compact florescents or LED light I'll go 150 watts
- small freezer 130 watts
- computer (infrequent use because no internet) 700 watts
- at some point I'll need to add a pump for water but at the moment its an unknown
- assorted personal items; phone charger, Ipod charger and battery charger - I already have a separate personal solar charger
Questions
1. Would I be unwise to go 12 volt?
2. I see battery banks using 2 volt batteries for 12v and 24v systems. Can I use 2 12v batteries for a 24v system.
3. Considering the above usage, how long could I use a 200 amp hour battery before I recharged (battery at 50%)
Shopping list
generator for charging and construction
http://www.amazon.com/Westinghouse-WH6500E-Portable-Generator-Starting/dp/B009PVNAYI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1MO3QGHMB0HFR&coliid=I2EW7WSUTUQAIG
inverter/solar charger/battery charger - I called and talked w/ them. I can't afford the 3000 watt 24v but it looks like the wise decision
http://www.theinverterstore.com/low-frequency-inverter-chargers.html
batteries - I'm wandering in the dark here one or two of these depending on which voltage I decide
http://www.apexbattery.com/universal-power-group-ub-4d-agm-battery-car-batteries-bci-battery-group-numbers-group-4d-batteries.html
panels - 1 or 2 of these. I know the more I get the happier I'll be (the batteries too)
http://www.wholesalesolar.com/products.folder/module-folder/ET/ET-P672300WB.html
I know this is a lot of info and that there are an incredible number of variables.
I'm really looking for your overall view of if I'm on the right track.
