400 sq ft weekender cabin, off grid, designed for cooling

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  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #32
    I'd run the generator at 120v to both, unless you have 240v loads.  

    The generator wouldn't be loaded that much, so not a big deal, but running 240 limits capacity to 1/2 per leg, and could be an issue if one leg was loaded much more than the other.

    I have mine wired for 120v even though I now have a 240v pump.  I figured it was better to use an autoformer for the pump rather than deal with the leg load issues.
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
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  • Mike 870
    Mike 870 Registered Users Posts: 42 ✭✭✭
    #33
    Here is my final video with shoutout to NAWS at the end.  My system isn't really done but I want to move on to other topics as far as the videos are concerned.

    https://youtu.be/vNQ9d-13QO8
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  • MrM1
    MrM1 Registered Users Posts: 487 ✭✭✭✭
    #34
    Very Cool.  Great Video and set up. 
    REC TwinPeak 2 285W 3S-3P 2.6kW-STC / 1.9kW-NMOT Array / MN Solar Classic 150 / 2017 Conext SW 4024 Inverter latest firmware / OB PSX-240 Autotransfomer for load balancing / Trojan L16H-AC 435Ah bank 4S connected to Inverter with 7' of 4/0 cable / 24 volt system / Grid-Assist or Backup Solar Generator System Powering 3200Whs Daily / System went Online Oct 2017 / System, Pics and Discussion
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  • Mike 870
    Mike 870 Registered Users Posts: 42 ✭✭✭
    #35
    Thanks Mr. M1
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  • Mike 870
    Mike 870 Registered Users Posts: 42 ✭✭✭
    #36
    I expanded my system with stuff mostly purchased from NAWS.  I added a East and West facing array each on a new charge controller.  Still a slow work in progress but getting there.  Cabin is coming along slowly and steadily.

    https://youtu.be/MuNLANBqZLg
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  • softdown
    softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,876 ✭✭✭✭
    #37
    You sound pretty darned experienced while talking.
    First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
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  • Mike 870
    Mike 870 Registered Users Posts: 42 ✭✭✭
    #38
    Ha ha, well I try my best.  I've done a couple RV installs in addition to this.   Most of what I know I learned from reading stuff here...
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  • westbranch
    westbranch Solar Expert Posts: 5,183 ✭✭✭✭
    #39
    If you can get at them, taking a few of those shade creating branches that is, you will get a lot more  output for your batteries. The shade of even a small Aspen branch can cut production by 50% or more...  have fun.
     
    KID #51B  4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM
    CL#29032 FW 2126/ 2073/ 2133 175A E-Panel WBjr, 3 x 4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM 
    Cotek ST1500W 24V Inverter,OmniCharge 3024,
    2 x Cisco WRT54GL i/c DD-WRT Rtr & Bridge,
    Eu3/2/1000i Gens, 1680W & E-Panel/WBjr to come, CL #647 asleep
    West Chilcotin, BC, Canada
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  • cjpetrie
    cjpetrie Registered Users Posts: 4 ✭
    #40
    This is one reason I built a ramada for solar and rain water collection first and put the house in later. https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/charles-petrie/ten-years-off-grid/paperback/product-1dgpvmym.html
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  • Bluedog225
    Bluedog225 Registered Users Posts: 27 ✭✭
    #41
    What a great project!  Thanks for sharing this.
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  • littleharbor2
    littleharbor2 Solar Expert Posts: 2,100 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #42
    All I'm getting is a link to buy the book. Am I missing something here?

    2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old  but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric,  460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.

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  • NANOcontrol
    NANOcontrol Registered Users Posts: 273 ✭✭✭
    #43
    Have you considered concrete siding like Hardie.  Square footage is pretty cheap.  I built a 24X24 garage and only had a little box of scrap left from the entire job.  Try doing that with vynal. Paint will last on it forever and not peel.  After 12 years my paint still looks new and this stuff won't rot.  I live in a high moisture area and this was the clear choice not to mention fire resistance.  I had a big saw and found that an angle grinder with thin metal cutting disk was easiest to use.  A proper nail gun is a must. Who doesn't want another tool.
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