Sign up with Google
PhireSide
Honorary Master
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2006
- Messages
- 14,236
Just to keep this thread updated with what I've done so far, budget being the main obstacle at this point in time. I got an electrician in to install a cutover switch and do some alterations to my plug circuits.
So for now, I have my small sub-1kw inverter running my entire lights circuit (11x 4W LEDs, 2x 18W LEDs, 2x 20W LEDs) and certain plug circuits that I have earmarked as NB circuits. This is just for my internet (ONT, router, AP) and my office (2x 24" LED screens and 1x laptop) so that I can continue working without power. In terms of battery power, I have 2x 100Ah batteries and 2x 260Ah batteries connected. They are rather old so I imagine they have about 50% of their useful life left. I set my inverter to cut off at 12.4v so I don't drain the batteries too much, to extend the useful life as much as possible.
What I want to do next is install 2x 350-400w PV panels with a charge controller. Ideally I'd like to expand to an 8kw inverter and LiFePo4 batteries when the cash is available, but I am thinking of going down the solar route just to minimize load on the batteries as much as possible when there is sunlight available. Then I can always expand the solar by adding 2x panels at a time, and upgrade to a bigger charge controller or find an inverter with an integrated charge controller at a later stage.
Is my logic sound, or are there any caveats to be aware of if I should go this route?
So for now, I have my small sub-1kw inverter running my entire lights circuit (11x 4W LEDs, 2x 18W LEDs, 2x 20W LEDs) and certain plug circuits that I have earmarked as NB circuits. This is just for my internet (ONT, router, AP) and my office (2x 24" LED screens and 1x laptop) so that I can continue working without power. In terms of battery power, I have 2x 100Ah batteries and 2x 260Ah batteries connected. They are rather old so I imagine they have about 50% of their useful life left. I set my inverter to cut off at 12.4v so I don't drain the batteries too much, to extend the useful life as much as possible.
What I want to do next is install 2x 350-400w PV panels with a charge controller. Ideally I'd like to expand to an 8kw inverter and LiFePo4 batteries when the cash is available, but I am thinking of going down the solar route just to minimize load on the batteries as much as possible when there is sunlight available. Then I can always expand the solar by adding 2x panels at a time, and upgrade to a bigger charge controller or find an inverter with an integrated charge controller at a later stage.
Is my logic sound, or are there any caveats to be aware of if I should go this route?