What else is needed?

ScottBarMtn

Hi,

I am planning to purchase my first system, investigating what is required and coming up with a list of components, trying to estimate costs. So far I have come up with the following list of components:

Solar panel
Charge controller
Battery sensor (for more accurate charging)
Deep Cycle Batteries
Inverter
Battery charger (for use with generator)

Are there any additional components / costs that I need to consider? Note, I will be doing the work myself, and it looks like the panel will sit on a pole next to the shop.

Thanks,
Denver

Cariboocoot

Re: What else is needed?

You need to answer the critical question: Why are you doing this?

The intended use makes a big difference as to what components you choose, and a big difference in the price.

And don't forget the fuses!

BB.

Re: What else is needed?

Fuses, breakers, large DC switches, heavy gauge cable + crimp connectors for battery connections, UV resistant wire for array wiring, optional anti-theft screws/hardware for solar panels. Perhaps a pre-wired panel to take care of much of the DC connection issues.

Also very nice to have is a battery monitor (or Victron Energy version).

But, all of this a bit backwards unless you have 1. Done all of the conservation possible (minimizing electrical load). And 2., added up all of your loads and how many Watt*Hours per day they will use. A Kill-a-Watt meter for AC and some sort of DC Amp*Hour/Watt*Hour meter would be very handy. Then step 3. of planning out the system details

And, a backup genset + battery charger. It is not always sunny, and sometimes large intermitant loads (emergency water pumping, running shop tools, etc.) are just too large for Solar PV system / small genset for charging battery bank. A second, cheap/large genset can be a nice accessory too (plus it will be a good backup for the small/efficient/quiet genset).

Plus, plan on replacing your batteries every 4-15 years, and your inverters/chargers/other electronics every 10-15 years.

Building/maintaining your own power station is expensive.

-Bill

ScottBarMtn

Re: What else is needed?

Ok. Thanks for that. I will do some more planning and homework here, and then get back to you with a more specific plan and follow-up questions.

Denver