What else is needed?

ScottBarMtn
ScottBarMtn Registered Users Posts: 6 ✭
in Solar Beginners Corner #1
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
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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #2
    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! :D
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,642 admin
    #3
    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
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • ScottBarMtn
    ScottBarMtn Registered Users Posts: 6 ✭
    #4
    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
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