Solar Power Thoughts

I'm really itching to get started, but I can now see why the delays I've been experiencing might be a good thing. I'm learning new things every day.

I've been going back and forth between putting together my own system from scratch, to buying major components and assembling those into a system to getting two or three "plug-and-play" solar power stations (which people mistakenly refer to as "generators"). It seems to me that Jackery has done more advertising than all the other manufacturers combined, but there are a number of other very capable units I'm considering. I'll be sure to write a post when I do finally whip out my credit card.

I mistakenly thought I could do what I have done so far, but just more and bigger. Turns out that is not the case. I just found out yesterday that hooking two solar panels together and using those to recharge a battery (or battery bank) is fine. But when you have three or more panels, something called a combiner is needed to safely bring all the wiring into a central location. I didn't know that two days ago. I wonder what else I might not know.

And maybe a couple of weeks or a month ago, I found about they are now making what they call bifacial solar panels. (They may have been making these for some time - I don't know, but I just found out about them.) These have cells on the front and back of each panel, improving the electrical output throughout the day. I most likely will be using those. The reflection of the sun from where they are installed (not just the direct sunlight) is a consideration when installing them. People have been putting gravel under and around them and painting the gravel white to increase the reflectivity. Others also erect a stub wall behind and to the sides of the panels and paint that white (in installations that are not very close to an existing building or wall).

Right now I'm thinking (for sure to start with) I will get an "all-in-one" complete system (some come complete with solar panels, some don't). I'll most likely get one that doesn't come with solar panels, because those panels are made primarily for portability and light weight for camping or traveling in an RV. Those are more expensive and possibly not as "energy dense" sturdy as permanently installed panels.

Maybe after a few months of living on the property and assessing my energy needs, I might end up getting a couple more (and possibly higher capacity) power stations. Then I can move them around the property as needed.

It's sort of like the early days of PCs. You could make one yourself for less than buying one from a company. But now, with more companies making them and with more people buying them, the companies are increasing their output and buying all the necessary component parts in bulk to meet the demand. One person can't compete with a large company's purchasing power. Because of that, buying one already made and ready to be put to use makes sense. It's also a huge time saver. And, as long as you choose a company that has a proven track record, safer to use.

Purchasing and using these ready-to-use power stations means, if/when I sell the RV, I just move them out of the old RV and into the new one.

I can have one for the shed, one for the RV, one for the greenhouse and one on wheels to move around the property as needed for projects. The only thing I have to keep in mind as I go through this process is the solar panels. I have to make sure I have enough of them and that they can charge more than one of these at the same time.

I can either plug the solar panels directly into the power station, or into an inverter putting out 120V that is hooked to batteries that are hooked to the solar panels.

Many of these power stations have additional batteries designed to be used with the main unit. Most likely, these will be less expensive than getting additional standalone units.

Lots to still learn and consider. Thank God for YouTube. Sure - lots of fun, time-wasting black holes, but also LOTS of good (and FREE) information.

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After spending the past week watching YouTube videos every day educating myself about all the various solar power stations available, I'm not going to break out my wallet just yet (at least for one of those).

There are some great versions at great prices if your goal is to use them for a long weekend of camping. But if your goal is to supply 100% of your electrical needs on an everyday basis, that is another (expensive) story.

I was considering one for an interim system, that is, until I found the least expensive system was right around $1,200 - and which increases as you add more batteries.

I already have a DIY system and will expand/upgrade it as required until I put together my full-blown system.

I spoke with my contractor today. He found out why it has been so nearly impossible to get the gravel we needed. Apparently some big construction project in the area had "first dibs" on all the gravel it could get its hands on. Now they have just about all they need, so us "little guys" should be able to get back on the list for deliveries.

I'm hoping this last bit of work on the property will be done by the middle of July. Then I should be able to order the shed. Once I order that, I'm hoping it will be delivered in 6 to 8 weeks. Then the real fun begins!

I'll insulate the interior and maybe put a couple of solar-panel-powered ventilation fans to keep the interior reasonably cool (hopefully).