brad2504x4 wrote:
What controller do you recommend?
I will be using 2 - 6 volt batteries, which ones do you recommend?
Wind turbine a good idea?
Where can i get the best prices? (money is the issue as always lol)
I have already swapped too led lights which will save me a lot.
Also use a led TV for 2-6 hours a day.
And I have a catalytic heater to avoid much furnace fan operation.
Would like to use the furnace if the solar panels can keep up with usage, would like to run the fridge on electric as well if it can handle it, if not no big deal.
Wrong section - normally this goes to Technical issues - but since you asked...
- Controller rating in amps depends on how many panels and what panels. So you should figure out this first, and then controller. For me - only decent brands, no Ebay cheapies, though a dozen people here would suggest otherwise. IMO, If you want it reliable, you have to pay up.
- 6V - I "think" this doesn't matter. Trojan is apparently popular.
- No, wind turbine is not a good idea.
- Best prices on what? Check Solar Blvd. They normally have good prices for both panels and controllers, but shop around, by all means. MC4 cable I would buy from unlimited-solar.com
- Furnace with solar panels is TAD possible, depends on how cold is out there.
- Electrical fridge on solar is difficult. Figure out your daily draw without fridge first. You are not sure about furnace yet, and don't know your panels wattage. As a reference point, for electrical fridge 7-10 cu.ft size you need to add 250-300W solar to what you already have for all your other loads.
A lot depends on the time of the year and area. Flat panel in AZ in winter will collect 1.5-2 times less than the same panel in WA in summer.
You should really start with energy audit - determine how much energy you use daily.
I wrote this already and will say it again - 35 AH a day that Fred (Golden HVAC) says is necessary for CO sensors and LP fridge alone, is way too much. Maybe this is so in "some" rigs, but not all of them. My rig draws 12 AH a day for DC circuit of LP fridge and nothing for CO sensor - this one has 2AA battery. Alright, not all of them have AA, but c'mon, if 2AA lasts several months, how much can it draw with permanent 12V wiring? Almost nothing. Plan on 15-20 AH for LP fridge and sensors. 35-50 AH together with lights, pumps and some TV time, without furnace. This is what 250-300W array will collect in AZ in winter.
I would NOT use any plastic mounts for panels. Not down South. Only aluminum or stainless steel. I did what Fred suggested - made brackets of 6" pieces of aluminum angle, with rivet nuts in the panels sides and #10 screws in the brackets feet. With plenty of roof sealant under the bracket.
