Mike@Asheville wrote:
So here you go:
Morningstar 300W inverter $245,
100ft MC4 cable #10 $70
2*140W solar panels $288,
Controller Ecoworthy MPPT 20A $100.
Yes Almot, that is what I'm thinking except I may get the Xantrex C35 for the additional $200. I'd rather buy larger than I need now in case I want to add other panels/batteries later.
3 more questions please.
1. What is the practical difference in 12v and 24v panels. How do they impact the user different?
2. Is a 300 watt inverter enough to run most drip coffee machines? I'm sure the other electrical needs I have will be more than covered by 300w. A few LED lights, a little TV occasionally, charging phones, and the sleep machine at night when my wife is along. When I'm alone I'm normally outside until close to bedtime so I don't use much A.C.
From 3 Tons: "What I did is wire the output of my Morningstar inverter to a 30 amp RV receptacle. Before I turn on the inverter, I turn off the converter. Then all 110V outlets are live, which is very convenient. The only caution is when doing it that way, don't try to run the microwave or AC. If I want those heavy draw items to run, I plug the 30A power cable into my genset."
3. I'm still confused on the 110 outlets. From 3 Tons post it sounds like you can make all the outlets live but you risk someone forgetting to turn converter or inverter off and causing a significant repair bill. Is that correct?
if so It sounds like it's best to have one or two NEW dedicated outlets run directly to the converter. is that right?
Thanks guys for being so patient with me, as you can tell I know very little about this but I'm learning.
That quote in item #3 above is from me. I have a remote switch to the Morningstar inverter inside my TT (very small gauge wire allowed per instructions). And in large letters on the switch plate it says, "TURN OFF CONVERTER BEFORE TURNING ON INVERTER". Once before I put the notice on my switch, I turned the inverter on with the converter still on, and it immediately tripped off the inverter, and caused no damage whatsoever to my equipment. I turned the converter off, reset the inverter, and was right back in business. Others can feel free to chime in, but as I said, I had no damage from my error. I like having all the 110V outlets live, but you certainly can put in dedicated outlets.
To determine how many watts your coffeemaker pulls, I would recommend buying a Kill-a-Watt meter. You can plug any 110V item into it and see exactly how much it draws. The ratings on electrical appliances are usually inaccurate, usually quite a bit on the high side in my experience, that is, the appliances actual draw is usually less than that shown on plate on the back or bottom of the appliance. The Kill a Watt doesn't cost very much and are very handy when you are working up a solar system.
Kill a Watt Meter clicky here.
