The Green Cabin |
Today I want to talk about setting up a solar panel system.
To start with you need to know a little about what your doing. Being a
handyman or tinker helps but with a little research, anyone can setup a
solar power system. For a stand alone system you need these basic
components; A solar panel, a system or charge controller, a battery bank
(one or more deep cycle batteries) to store the power. a power distribution
panel (optional), an inverter and some wire.
The solar panel makes the power, the charge controller keeps the solar panel
from over charging the batteries, the batteries store the power, the power
distribution panel divides the power output, the inverter changes the DC
power to AC power. But the power distribution panel will let you tap into
the DC power before the DC reaches the inverter, for use else where or in
other ways to drive a DC device or two while at the same time sending DC
power to the inverter.
Most of these you can make yourself if handy or you can opted to buy them
already made. You need one thing most of all, a dedicated room or safe area
to store your battery bank and the electronics to keep them safe, and safe
from the kids and to keep you and your family safe from them. The batteries
should be kept is a well ventilated place but also kept from extreme
temperature changes and dry. Lead-Acid batteries off gas Hydrogen gas which
is very flammable when they get in an extreme state of discharge and need to
have said gas vented to the outside. But while in a good state of charge the
batteries are safe to the extent their off gassing is very very low. Making
the major hazard a shorting hazard by shorting them out. The system or
charge controller keeps the batteries from over charging shortening the life
of your batteries. Thus the controller saves your batteries and extends
their live.
For my cabin design I need only one or two deep cycle batteries, a small
charge controller, a power distribution panel, a solar panel or two and an
inverter. I should be able to get the system up and running for under $1,000
by building most of it myself.
Took my first step today. I ordered a "Led-light" off of
eBay. Two bright white tail-lights for cars that is make up of "leds" for
only $1.00. But shipping to my door is $3.95. Making the total $4.95. I'm
thinking this may be the led-light fixture I'm looking for for my cabin. I
will have to add a reflector later on but we'll see how that goes.
Also found another web site on building a "Solar Panel".
http://www.diypvsolarenergy.com/basic-solar-panel-design/
To make a Solar Panel you need to do your reach until you are comfortable
with what you intend to do. IE: have an understanding of most of the fazes
of the construction and of the different parts of the project.
My Parts list in order of construction and testing;
Solar Cells -- off "Ebay"
Multi-meter -- Have already. to be used for continuity, voltage, polarity
and current output testing.
Misc; Wire, solder, soldering iron, euro style connector strip, project box,
heat shrink tubing, cable routing clips (see note#1) -- Radio Shack
Trailer Connecter "2-wire Flat" to be used to connect panel to system so as
to make it easy to disconnect.-- Local Auto-parts store
Silicone Caulk, Acrylic plastic sheet, screws, nails, plywood and other wood
to make the rails of the panel frame with -- Local lumber supply store
Note#1 Silicone Caulk may also be used to secure wiring inside the Solar
Panel then there is no need for the wire routing clips.
Note#2 Make vent holes in the Solar Panel to let it breath and vent heat or
moisture to the outside. But do not make the holes so large as to allow rain
water to enter the panel and remember to angle the vent holes downward to
keep water out of the panel case.
Note#3 make all electrical connections water proof.
Once the Solar Panel is constructed, buy or make a charge controller to keep
from over charging you battery bank.
Acquire one or more deep cycle 12V batteries. (If you wish to use standard
12V car cranking batteries) Please note that cranking batteries are not
designed to do discharged and recharged over and over again, while deep
cycle batteries are. But you can use cranking batteries to get the system up
and running.
Note #4 make sure to store your batteries (battery bank) in a safe, dry and
well ventilated space. And install fuses in all power circuits.
Acquire a DC to AC inverter to change your DC power from the battery bank
into AC power in order to use your AC devices.
Note; The size of the inverter and the battery bank has a direct affect on
how much or how big of an AC device you can operate on the system. If you
make enough panels, have a big enough battery bank and inverter you can run
your whole house off of the system. IE; live off the power grid. But as you
increase the size of the system, so too increases the safety issues involved
in the system. With that said I plan to start small and get fully familiar
with the system before I try to make one to supply a "normal" household.
#1 Buy a smallish "pull behind" camper.
Reason being, campers are already setup to use AC, DC and Propane gas to
power all of the appliances in the camper. They also already have all the
plumbing done.
#2 Build solar panels to recharge the battery system on the camper. Then buy
more deep-cycle batteries to increase the power capacity of the battery
bank.
#3 Buy a state of charge controller to control the charging of the battery
bank so that that solar panels do not over charge the batteries.
#4 Build a "wind turbine" to help the solar panels keep the battery bank
charged at night or whenever the wind is blowing.
#5 Buy an inverter (one or more) to change the 12volt DC power from the
battery bank into 120volt AC power to be used with the appliances that can
not be found in 12v DC. The size and capacity of the inverter depends on the
item it is providing power to. At the same time install a junction box to be
able to tap into the 12v DC power before it reaches the inverters so I can
use 12v DC power when and where needed.
#6 Once I have my own land, move the camper to said land and built a
permanent camp site with an outdoor fire pit. And cabin to live in during
colder weather and to house a washer, wood stove (for heat and cocking). Use
low wattage LED's for lighting where ever possible and also use low wattage
appliances. IE; washer, micro-wave, a cloths line for dry my cloths.
#7 Build a workshop as going green will be an on going project.
#8 Build bigger and better as time and money permits.
The "led" tail-light replacement bulbs came in. They look great but I still have to see how much light they put out.