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Email Address *
This basic off-grid solar power system is simple to install and
can be easily expanded
By *Greg Seaman, Eartheasy.com* Posted *Jul 18, 2012*
Share on facebook <#> Share on twitter <#> Share on email <#> Share on
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DIY Home Solar power systemBringing some of the benefits of electrical
power to our off-grid home has been a hit-or-miss affair. Over the years
weve tried some very simple approaches to lighting and small battery
recharging for our flashlights, such as hauling a 12 volt car battery to
a small rural school about a half mile away every time it needed to be
topped up. This was time consuming and inefficient. But we didnt want
to lose the feel of our simple home by bringing in a large generator and
the jugs of gas needed to run it, and the prospect of setting up a wind
turbine or solar array seemed expensive and a technological eyesore in a
natural setting.
developing Eartheasy.com using a dialup internet connection on a
phone line strung through the woods was challenging
For many years we managed to get along without the conveniences which
electricity can provide, but developing Eartheasy.com using a dialup
internet connection on a phone line strung through the woods was
challenging, and charging my laptop became a regular necessity. A few
years ago, wireless broadband was introduced to our area, and the
promise of high-speed internet was the stimulus we needed to build our
own reliable, affordable and simple do-it-yourself alternative energy
system.
Today, with the help of a local expert on off grid home solar power and
alternative energy systems, we have the best of both worlds. Our basic
solar powered energy system provides more electricity than we expected,
it has been very reliable and maintenance-free, and it is almost
entirely hidden from view. A solar panel on the roof with a few wires
leading to a small battery bank powers my laptop, and a radio mounted on
a tree for receiving the wireless broadband signal. The system also
provides enough energy to charge several small power tools, run our home
sound system and, amazingly, power a full-size chest refrigerator year
round.
solar battery bank
Our simple home solar power system is comprised of four basic
components: a solar panel, a charge controller, two 6-volt golf cart
batteries and a small inverter. My son and I were able to install the
system in a few hours, and there have been no maintenance issues other
than checking the fluid level in the batteries every few months. The
cost of this complete solar system, in todays pricing for the
components, was less than $1000.
The cost of this complete solar system, in todays pricing for the
components, was less than $1000.
We have already enjoyed about three years of trouble-free use from this
system. The refrigerator has not been off for over two years, which is
pretty impressive considering we live in the Pacific Northwest where the
short winter daylight hours provide minimal solar exposure for the panel.

*/The basic components of this off grid solar power system are as follows:/
*
1. Solar panel
We have a single solar panel mounted on the roof of our home: a 123 watt
Sharp Photovoltaic Module, model 123UJF. The panel is equipped with a
permanently attached junction box for ease of installation of wires and
conduit. Two boards are lag screwed into the roof and the solar panel is
bolted to the boards using wing nuts, so its easy to lift if
maintenance is required. The panel surface is about 5 above the roof
surface. The panel is hinged to the mounting board, which allows the
panel to be tilted towards the sun, and to increase ventilation. We plan
on adding a cog/string system to make it easier to tilt the solar panel
towards the sun from the ground. Two wires run from the solar panel, one
is the power line and the other is a ground line. The power line runs
down the roof to the charge controller, where there is a fuse. A box on
the porch which houses the charge controller, inverter and batteries.
The ground wire runs beneath the house and is attached to a rod which is
driven about two feet into the earth.
solar panel
It should be noted that the panel guidelines state that the installation
of PV modules requires a great degree of skill and should only be
performed by qualified licensed professionals, including licensed
contractors and licensed electricians. We installed our system
ourselves because our supplier, who is a licensed installer, gave us
explicit directions and came by to inspect the installation after it was
done. We suggest that you follow the recommendation as stated in the
module instructions with regard to installation.
You may notice there is a shadow on the panel being installed in the
picture above. This shadow crosses the panel in about 20 minutes, so
there is a small loss of efficiency over the course of a day. But we
live in a beautiful forested area and I value the tress more than 100%
efficiency in solar gain. If there were a major solar loss I might top
the tree, but our system provides for our needs and so we will live with
the shadow, for now at least.
*/The cost of the solar panel in todays pricing is about $425./*
2. Charge Controller
We use a Trace C12 Charge Controller which automatically adjusts the
amount of power running into the battery. The controller has a small LED
light which indicates the state of charge so its easy to see when the
batteries are fully charged or if they are becoming depleted. The light
flashes either red or green, with multiple flashes indicating the status
of charge at any given time. We can see that if the light is red we
should reduce our power use, and if the light is green then we have the
power needed to charge or run additional devices.
charge controller
*/The cost of the Trace Charge Controller is about $90./*
3. Battery Bank

Two 6-volt golf cart batteries are wired in series for a 12 volt system.
Each battery is rated at 232 amp hours. The batteries are enclosed in a
wooden chest with hinged lid, and the top panel of the chest is removed
to provide plenty of ventilation. The battery posts and connections are
kept clean, and periodically checked to ensure good connections.
solar batteries
battery box
*/The cost for the two batteries was about $400./*
4. Inverter
The final piece of the system is a small inverter which converts the 12
volt DC power into 120 volt AC power. This enables us to use standard
electric devices without the need for adaptors. Inverters are available
in a wide range of wattages for different size systems. Ours is a small
inverter made by Nexxtech, rated at 300 watts, with a 500 watt surge
capacity. It comes with two cables, red and black, with alligator clip
ends for gripping to the battery posts. In choosing which size inverter
to buy, we calculated how much power was available to our system and
what devices we wanted to run. In calculating power needs, it is
important to add the power requirements when two or more devices are
running simultaneously.
solar inverter
*/Our Nexxtech 300 watt inverter cost about $30./*
What this system provides:
An alternative energy system can be used to provide electric power to
any number of electric devices, such as appliances, tools and computers.
The bigger the system, obviously, the more power it will provide. To
give you an idea of the capacity of a small system like ours, here is
what we use our solar energy system to power:
solar powered refrigerator
This is a DC powered refrigerator, the same size as a conventional chest
freezer (4 wide). The refrigerator draws 40 watts of power and can be
converted to a freezer by replacing the thermostat. Since the
refrigerator is a DC model, it is wired directly to the battery,
bypassing the inverter. So the refrigerator keeps running even if the
inverter is turned off. Our refrigerator has been running continuously
for over 2 years without any problems. Even during the dark days of
winter, the unit has adequate power to keep running.
vers sound systemThis is our Vers sound system
<http://eartheasy.com/gifts/vers-1-5r-ipod-sound-system-2-wood-finish-color-opti
ons>
which lets us use an iPod or direct cable from an iPhone or computer to
deliver a rich sound while drawing relatively little power. We can run
this sound system about 3 hours a day in winter, and as much as we want
in summer.
solar powered laptopOur solar system provides adequate power to run a
laptop computer all day if necessary. We also run a router from our
inverter so that multiple computers can be operated at the same time. In
addition to the router, a small radio is installed on a tree about 300
from our house which receives the wireless broadband and transmits the
signal to the house.

Besides the laptop, we have a battery-powered driver-drill, which is a

very useful tool. Our system recharges the battery for this tool in
about 30 minutes.
These are the principle applications we use which are provided by the
solar power system described above. However, you can use a wide variety
of electric devices as needed. Today, we enjoy the benefits of our
system without feeling a technological intrusion into our off-grid
homestead and lifestyle. The refrigerator especially has made a big
improvement in our day to day living, since storing food is so much
easier. Over time we may expand our system by adding more batteries for
storage, and eventually a second solar panel or small wind turbine.
Bringing electricity to rural locations is something of a balancing act
since we dont want our simple lifestyle changed by too many electrical
gadgets. It does require some restraint to keep things simple, but the
few electric amenities we now have are most appreciated!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Greg*About Greg*
/Originally from Long Island, NY, Greg Seaman founded Eartheasy in 2000
out of concern for the environment and a desire to help others live more
sustainably. As Editor, Greg combines his upbringing in the cities of
New York, Boston and San Francisco with the contrast of 31 years of
living off-grid to give us a balanced perspective on sustainable
living. Greg spends his free time gardening, working on his home and
building a wooden sailboat with hand tools./

Posted in Preparedness
<http://eartheasy.com/blog/category/preparedness/> Tags alternative
energy <http://eartheasy.com/blog/tag/alternative-energy/>, DIY
<http://eartheasy.com/blog/tag/diy/>, energy
<http://eartheasy.com/blog/tag/energy/>, Off-Grid
<http://eartheasy.com/blog/tag/off-grid/>, solar
<http://eartheasy.com/blog/tag/solar/>, solar panel
<http://eartheasy.com/blog/tag/solar-panel/>, solar power
<http://eartheasy.com/blog/tag/solar-power/>
Older Comments
<http://eartheasy.com/blog/2012/07/our-simple-diy-home-solar-power-system/commen
t-page-1/#comments>
*
Rajesh Ravindran
very informative. have always wanted to set something like this up.
thanks
*
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Weve since strung up a few LEDs for light. In winter our power is
reduced and we only run lights for reading..
*
RAPTOR555
Im in the process of installing a solar system in our motor home
and the installation instructions here are exactly the same as for
the motor home. Im using two Renogy 100 solar watt panels (200w

total), a 28 amp Nature Power controller, and a 2000 watt Cobra

inverter (hard-wired from the batteries to inside the motor home
w/6ga. solid copper wire). I believe Ill be able to run the motor
home box with very little use of the generator when parked somewhere
where there is no power hook-up. Everything is already installed
except for the two solar panels which should be here this week. It
was an easy job and a lot of fun doing it. Total cost for the system
and wiring will be less than $500. I found that amazon.com has the
best Renogy solar panel prices by far. Do it if you can; its worth
it especially if you put it in a motor home that uses gasoline to
run the generator at 1.3 gallons per hour. We all know how expensive
gasoline is these days. We expect to hit the break-even point in 1
1/2 to 2 years; not a bad investment considering the solar panels
are guaranteed for 25 years. raptor3x5@live.com
<mailto:raptor3x5@live.com>
*
Knightsix
Greg, wonderful article. Ive taken the first step to disconnect my
very large home from the grid. Have to admit my motivation came
about as a result of my power company, constantly shilling for CFL
bulbs and solar power, lost a great deal of $ as a result of
overwhelming customer conversion it failed to account for in annual
budget planning. As a result, it surreptitiously petitioned our
Corporation Commission for a rate hike which was granted! Customers
stabbed in the back by saving (solar and efficient lighting) doing
exactly what the utility showed them to dothen going behind those
same backs to increase rates lost via customer savings!
I live in Arizona, so have a timer on the hot water heater for one
hour daily, then decided to turn it off completely(cold water isnt
very cold anyway), reduced the pool cleaning cycle from 8 to 4 hours
nightly after 9pm, do not use the clothes dryer (I have strung up
plastic chain across the patio and sun-dry my clothing outside or
inside using two drying racks, replaced every incandescent bulb in
the house with CFLs (going to LED soon), and am anal about any light
being on in a room I do not occupy. I use the dishwasher twice a
month- maybe, preferring to hand wash the few dishes I use. I only
run the AC on the floor Im on, and both thermostats are set at 82*.
I have 9 highly efficient ceiling fans that I run on low 24/7, and
recorded a 2* temp drop throughout the house as a result of that
alone. I open all doors for cool breezes after the summer heat. My
highest 2012 Jul~Aug summer bill was $438for one man, living alone
in a two-story house, 3679sf livable.
That same bill has been reduced to $132. If my math is correct,
thats a 70% reduction in electrical cost, accomplished via a simple
change in living stylea change that has not acted to inconvenience
me in any way whatsoever.
But Im not done yet. I fully intend to go completely off-grid;
double-axis solar power stands, power shed to contain all batteries,
charge controllers, sine-wave controllers, system shelving, wiring
to house, power switch box the works. I will leave grid power
available if needed, and will absorb the small monthly service fees
for that, but have a stand-alone generator available if it comes to
emergency power needed. ROI? Forget that. 25~30 year returns on
investment would doom any such project due to high cost/low
efficiency of presently available commercial systems. Ill absorb

the cost just to bid the grid system goodbye, and build as much of
the systems as I can by myself, using excellent guidance from good
people like you who have plowed the road before me. Thanks for
sharing your project. John
o
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Thank you John for your inspiring comment. You are ahead of the
curve and a living example for your friends and neighbors.
I have one thought to pass on, based on experiences I see with
others who are moving toward energy independence. Be aware of
the constant change in technology so that you dont
over-subscribe to any technology that becomes outdated quickly.
For example, many in my community rushed to get the new 127 watt
panels. Now just a few years later, everyone wants the newer 253
watt panels, so the 127s are on sale, or simply uninstalled and
left unused.
My advice is to try to keep it simple. It is something of a
balancing act adopting new technology.
Thganks again for your comment, it is truly inspiring.
*
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Most people in my community use the 6v golf cart batteries. Ive
checked mine only twice this summer and they needed only a small top
up/ The maintenance is minimal.
I prefer the 12 v setup, but also keep power needs minimal. My
system has mo transmission issues since the panels are on the roof
and wiring only through the house. The 24v systems have an advantage
as transmission distances increase.
*
Joven lavachado
Great idea, these will help my countrymen back in the Philippines,
because of all year round full sun that mother nature gave us.
Hopefully i have the chance to learn the idea,innovation with this
solar grid while im still here in the U.S. Residing right now in
Sherman Way, Winnetka. L.A. Thus, Eartheasy has office here in Los
Angeles, California? Please let me know. Thank You
o
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Sorry, Eartheasy does not have an office in L.A.
*
Kuyakulit
Hi Greg, thanks for the great blog. Can you share us the list of
materials and the circuit design of your project? Wishing to have
one in our place. The electricity in the Manila is one of the
highest in Asia. Monthly bills is not easy to manage now a days.
Thanks again for sharing.
o
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman

You could show this article to your local solar supplier and
they would be able to set you up. The system is very basic
just a panel, some cable to the charge controller (now a 30 amp
model), two golf cart batteries (the specs are in the image on
this page) and a small 350 watt inverter.
*
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
The system described in this article is designed to provide and
store a certain amount of power. The type of structure does not
really matter. My system has been expanded to three panels and a
larger charge controller (30 amps). In your situation, you need to
decide how much power you will need, then you can scale the system
as needed.
There are no other supplies you would need for a home built using
shipping containers, although you will probably need to drill
through the metal to mount your panels and route the cable, so be
sure to get some silicone to caulk wherever the cable goes through a
wall.
*
SachI
Thanks so much? Would I be able to hire you to do this for me? I
live on Long Island. Let me know if youd be willing, not sure if
you still live in the area. Thanks. It would be a few months from
now not right away
o
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
You would want a certified installer for this. Or you could try
it yourself and have it checked by a professional.
*
pjxii
Love this site!!! I am looking to build a small retitement cabin in
rural Virginia in a few years and this system would be perfect for
my lifestyle. Thank you so much for providing it, I now have the
confidence to have an off-grid system that I always wanted for my
small home.
o
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Thanks. Our system has been used for years now and we are very
pleased with its performance. In a few years the panels will be
even more effective and at lower cost.
+
pjxii
Greg, this may be outside the scope of the article, but how
do you handle hot water for bath/shower in this home? That
is probably the one thing Im still trying to figure out in
planning my small house. I will be using well water and
really am determined to not tie-in to the grid. Taking a
(brief) shower is the only thing Id need hot water for.

#
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
We have a wood cookstove (Elmira Oval) that has a water
jacket in the firebox. The water jacket is connected to
a water heater which is plumbed to the shower and two
sinks. It takes about an hour of fire in the cookstove
to provide a generous shower. Faster for subsequent showers.
In summer when it is too hot to fire up the cookstove we
have a small solar shower in the garden.
*
jonathanjames61
Hi Greg,please I will be grateful if you send me further information
about this your solar project, i will like to use the same in my home.
o
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
I thin most of the information you will need is already here in
the article. Only change would be to get a newer solar panel
with more capacity, in the range of 250 watts. A larger panel
also would reuire a larger charge controller. A 30 amp charge
controller should suffice for a 250 watt panel.
*
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
We bought the system components from a dealer who sells alternative
energy products. This system is designed to provide basic power for
our limited needs. If you want to supply a bigger house with higher
electrical needs, a system like this can work but it has to be
scaled up more panels, batteries and larger capacity charge
controller and inverter. There are many variables so you should
definately consult with a qualified alternate energy provider for
the best answers to your question..
*
Norma Griffiths
Thanks so much for simplifying a complete system. I live in FL. You
would think everyone would have solar but few do. I am determined!!
We shall see how I do with your wisdom!
o
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Thanks Norma. The batteries are key, so be sure to keep them
topped up. With my system, I usually need to add a bit of
distilled water every couple months.
*
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
We use paired up 6v golf cart batteries, the specs are shown in the
photo in the article. The inverter is small at 350 watts but
sufficient for our needs. We did not make our panel, it was
purchased from a qualified dealer.

*
Angel
Fascinatingly creative, could you tell us about your outside solar
shower?
o
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Very simple system. Just a black bag hung on the fence with a
spigot and hose. The garden hose is brouight alongside so we can
mix in cold to get the right temperature. Takes about an hour to
heat in the summer sun.
*
carl hall
Awesome Post, been interested in going Off Grid for a couple of
years..Grow my own Veg/Fruit at the moment, and looking into Brewing
my own Pear Cidre..the whole Green and sustainable living is my
Goal..live in Town in a flat, but grew up on a Farm and miss it
so..with bit of Luck will be buying old farm house with a bit of
land in Ireland..by the time this happens..i dont want to be using
Mains Elec..and would like to draw my own water,Grow my own crops etc..
Again Great post..my first visit to this site.
UK reader
o
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Thanks, and good luck to you. I think youll find it exciting to
break new ground. Go for it!
*
carl hall
Awesome Post, just kinda stumbled across this Site..glad i did.
*
John
Do your two batteries run 24/7 keeping the fridge going from the
solar panel?
o
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Yes. The fridge is DC and wired directly to the batteries. This
runs 24/7. The frdige has been running nonstop for about 3 years
now.
The rest of the system is run through the inverter so we can run
AC for powering the laptop, some LED lights and a few other items.
+
John
Thanks you Greg! John W. Samarin

*
Billy Darroux
I live in the Caribbean, and thought that this is the most practical
piece i have seen on DIY power. You must have been a teacher in
another life.
o
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Thanks Billy. What a fine compliment!
Greg
*
Hana Horack-Elyafi
This is a brilliant, succinct post. Just what we need to save
ourselves a good chunk on our electricity bill!
*
Knightsix
Greg, its been awhile. Im focusing on isolating my
refrigerator/freezer from the grid now. Its the only device left in
my house running 24/7. The data plate shows 120vac @ 9.5amps. Im
rounding up and want sufficient backup, so my plan is four
batteries. I went back and re-read your article on solar panels,
specifically the point about switching from 127v to 253v solar
panels. Would you be kind and provide the brand name of the 253v
panels. Any new info on those would also be greatly appreciated.
Also, Ive been doing some reading on desulfation of batteries.
Seems there are some positive aspects of such devices, in that they
are able to remove and/or prevent a buildup of sulfur on battery
platesthereby extending battery life. Any thoughts on this issue?
Thanks in advance. John
o
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Hi John,
The panels are 235 watts, not the 253 which I mistakenly wrote
earlier. Sorry for my not so sharp memory. The panels are made
by Sharp and should cost about $250 $300 depending on the
supplier.
I am not very knowledgable about desulfation, we dont have much
of a problem in this regard although there is likely some sulfur
buildup occurring. Our batteries cycle regularly which is key,
and the refrigerator runs 24/7 which further increases cycling.
I also equalize the batteries every few months which helps
prevent sulfur buildup.
+
fosterparrots
I am new to this technology and am hoping to set up a system
in Costa Rica, well off the grid. What does Equalizing the
batteries entail? Thanks. Marc

#
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Heres a video demonstration of equalizing a battery bank:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xuca4JFL7jI
*
fosterparrots
Thank you.
*
Hazel Pj Grey
I went to Interstate and bought a 35 Amp 12v deep cycle Gel battery
for just under $100. It was designed for an electric wheel chair so
is half the size of an automobile battery. It is safe enough to be
kept inside your living space as most electric wheel chairs sit
right next to the bed all night plugged in and charging.
o
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Gel batteries are safe for use in limited ventilation areas. As
long as the cells are physically intact, not damaged, and
charged properly, there should be no problem.
*
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Hi Pat. Yes, wind turbines are practical here in the NW, and
becoming more widespread as newer designs hit the market. One thing
to think about is the noise of the whirring look for designs that
are quiet.
*
Sara Sparks
Im presently in the middle of an ice storm. I installed propane for
situations like this to keep me warmbut was wonderingeven if my
house is wired on the gird, could this be utilised to lets say give
light, computer, maybe fridge for one room. Do I have to go through
the power system already set up or can I wire a couple of outlets
off of this (Im not an electrician and would have to consult on of
course) Dont know the lingo .but you get the idea.
o
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Yes. You can install a simple, independent system for emergency
lighting and computer and a small fridge, especially if the
fridge is designed for energy efficiency, such as the SunDanzer
models. However, the solar gain is low in winter for northern
locales. If you dont have enough solar power you may need a
small generator for backup. We keep a 750 watt generator (very
small) for times when solar power is unavailable.
*
swampdaddy

Love the information. I always enjoy reading about other people that
are using solar and living off the grid. I will be moving to Alabama
to my small cabin and am looking forward to living off the grid and
getting away from the hustle of the city.
*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dBCfifPtAk Beth Winters
Ive been searching for Orlando Residential Electrical Contractor
when I discover your page. I love the solar panel idea, also thanks
for the prices provided, really helped. Have a great day!
*
Donna P
I would love to solarize our (gravity fed ) well pump.Im thinking
this would have to be large enough to provide our whole houses
electric requirements. ( 220) Any ideas?
*
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
We know several people who use tankless water heaters. They work
great. For us, the propane is heavy to carry in to our place, and
very expensive. One caution with the tankless water heaters be
sure the line is drained if theres going to be a freeze and your
unit is in an unheated space.
o
Richard Powers
Roger that on the draining of the lines for freeze.. But as for
the propane transport inconvenience; Years ago I had and 1969
Ford RV which my girlfriend and I actually lived in for about a
year or so, which had a gas tankless hot water heater which we
would only light for showers.. The water would instantly get
scalding hot, so we had to be sure to adjust the cold water
stream to compensate before getting in. You could take as long
of a shower as you wanted and the temperature would stay
constant. Anyway, what Im getting to is this; I just used one
of those small 20lb propane tanks like you connect to a BBQ
grill and interchange the tanks at most any convience store..
Each of us would take a 10 minute hot shower at least 3 times a
week (totaling at least a full hour of hot showers per week),
and only one portable propane tank would usually last us about 6
week or more.. My point is, a to carry a single 20lb tank once a
month or so to your place would be effortless and inexpensive!..
You might want to look into such an option.
By the way, I only mention the Eccotemp L5 above, but Ive never
used that model, but it looks to be about the same size as the
one I had.
I want to thank you again for your blog, its presented in such
a way that makes it simple to understand, and doable.
+
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
I hear you about using the smaller 20lb tanks, this is what
I use for my backup lights and a 2-burner range so we can

make tea in the morning before the wood stove heats up.
My neighbor uses a Paloma and it has worked well for them
over 20 years.
For our location, I have to row about a 3/4 mile, hike a few
hundred yards to get the 20 lb tank, them carry it back to
the boat. Then up a steep hill about 65 to the house. The
costs for the propane is about $20 per tank. Too much work
and cost. Insteasd, we have a water jacket in the cookstove
for showers, and in summer we have an outdoor solar shower.
*
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Im not qualified to give you a reliable answer. You could put this
question to a dealer of solar products, they would be able to answer
your questions.
*
http://www.electricsaver1200.com/ Patricia Salvales
Very informative, this is great.. most people dont know much about
solar though they want to have one, and this article nailed it its
complete and easy to understand.. thank you..
*
AC Aglipay
Hi Greg,
Excellent blog I must say. I really learned a lot on how solar power
set-up works. However, im still hoping you can give me a suggestion
on how to star up my own system.
I just want to power up a normal household refrigerator about 6 cu
feet, I am wondering what it takes to do this.
Im not quite sure if this set-up also works for regular
refrigerator since what you posted is DC powered.
I have already contacted a contractor but they seem to want me spend
more than what i need (only figured that out after reading this blog)
THIS IS THE SETUP THAT THEY SUGGESTED: ( do I really need this kind
of set up just to run a single refrigerator for a at least 12 hours?)
Solar Panel, MonoCrystalline, 100W/18V/5.99A
Controller, 30A/12/24V, Auto Voltage Function
Off-Grid Inverter, Pure Sine Wave, 600 Watt 12V/60Hz
Battery, Deep Cycle, 220Ah/6V
They also told me that I cannot use a car battery as a battery bank
as it will not be efficient I see now that isnt true.
Any help and suggestion will greatly be appreciated! Im just trying
to figure out a way to make this as cheap as possible.
o

http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman

Im not qualified to give advice. ut the estimate you receives
seems reasonable. And the deep cell golf cart battery is much
more effective than a car battery, although we used a car
battery for years before getting a better battery back.
I suggest you do some more reserch via the internet before
making any decision.
*
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
The 400 watt inverter will run the fridge but, depending on the amp
hour rating of your batteries, will probably run the batteries down
in a few hours. You want to make sure to use a deep cycle battery,
as a regular starting battery will not hold up to the contant
discharging/charging cycles.
You would be better off to buy a 12 volt RV refrigerator.
o
http://www.logospayroll.com/ Brent Sherman
Hello Greg, If I wanted to purchase the items in your system for
backup power for my A/C refrigerator and A/C horizontal freezer,
would it help to just buy more batteries? Or, do you know of
anyone who has used an A/C to D/C converter for a refrigerator
or freezer in a backup power situation?
+
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
To expand capacity you might do better adding panels rather
than batteries. However there are other factors to consider
such as your location and the type of panels. Best advice is
to ask your local solar installer since they have experience
in your climate zone.
#
http://www.logospayroll.com/ Brent Sherman
Thanks so much Greg! Best Wishes to you and yours!
*
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
The batteries are still running and are in good shape. Have done
little maintenance other than keeping them topped up. Once in a
while I equalize them..They cycle frequently and regularly. The
brand is US Battery, US 2200 XC.
*
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Hi Doug,
The panels are grounded but the inverter is not. This was approved
by an installer who inspected my system.
The refrigerator is DC, directly hard wired to the battery,
bypassing the inverter (since we want it running full time). I did
install a fuse in that line.
The inverter has detachable connections to the batteries so its

easy to replace with my spare inverter. (Sometimes in heavy rains a

few drips find their way to the inverter and short it out. I put it
over the heater to dry, and use the replacement during the interim.)
The best sources for design information have come from neighbors who
are doing the same thing. We share knowledge, and run things by a
professional before making any purchases.
*
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
It is difficult toi estimate your voltage needs without the
specifics on the appliances you plan to use. For example, is the
refrigerator AC or DC, and what size. You will need to write dwon
the specs for your refrigerator and the washer, and then estimate
how many lights you want, which should be LEDs. Take this
information to the panel supplier and they will tell you what panels
are required, as well as the ideal charge controller and inverter.
*
actofcourage
Great stuff thx
*
Ted
Hi Greg, Im interested in the radio used for wireless broadband.
Does that supply your internet or ?? The reason I ask is Im
planning on moving aboard a sailboat and looking at options. Solar
and wind are the main focus for power.
Ted
o
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Its a small (about 8 square, 1 thick) lightweight unit I have
mounted on a tree. It receives a signal from a distant tower and
provides my internet. There is a wire from the radio to my
house, it runs 325, which is the max without signal loss. My
battery bank (located at the house) powers the radio via the
same wire. The draw is tiny, so power is not an issue except
during stormy days of winter. On a sailboat you might get away
with a smaller unit since reception is usually pretty good on
the water.
*
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Good comment Cliff, thanks!
*
http://nuttynnice.wordpress.com/ SMH
I thought we will be making our OWN solar power system (from
scratch) LOL. Apparently we have to buy a solar panel.
*
http://www.howtoelectriccar.com/ Michael Greig

And you guys live in the Pacific Northwest?? Just imagine what can
be done with a few more panels in California! Thanks for the
article, great read.
*
ice
Nice way to make the most of solar
energy by DIY.
*
corq
Thanks for your post I feel a little better now about having to use
consumer grade inverters; I am powering a self-sustaining watering
system for a largish patio from a rainbarrel. I brokedown and used a
cigarrette style socket barrel connector with car inverter to power
the fountain pump, and powering a raspberry pi via 5v usb to a
special power plug to schedule the watering on/off switch. I found
many of the off the grid -marketed solar inverters to be a bit
heavy for my needs, but I can always scale up later. Im a ways off
from retirement and not sure Ill ever be completely off the grid,
but I look forward to some minimalism where I can find it. Your
work here is very inspiring!
o
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Great comment, thanks!
*
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
In our location we have no electric power.
*
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Thank you Onye for your kind comments. It is very gratifying to me.
Saludos to you!
*
Onye Onye
Hi Greg. Thanks for getting back. You know what, I am thinking of
collaborating with Eartheasy once i get back to Nigeria next two yrs
to start developing individual power unit completely independent of
the National Grid. It is a shame that in Nigeria, there is frequent
blackout inspite of the windfall from crude oil, large water bodies
which can be damed, or even generate power from Gas that is been
flared to the atmosphere in the refineries. Your solar set-up is the
simplest available in the web. to testify to that , u can see the
huge interest and post on it, over 100. Its simplest is quite
encouraging. By the way, I am an agric engineer and u know that
solar energy utilization in engineering or agric has the sky as its
limits.of water. I am getting back to u in future meanwhile i enjoy
reading the posts. Hasta luego seor.
*
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman

Yes, it is getting to where independent power systems are viable for

small applications like homes and small communities. The prices have
been steadily going down and the technology continues to improve.
Thanks for your comments.
*
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Calculate all your anticipated electric needs and take the list to a
solar power dealer or an alternate energy provider. They should give
you a free estimate of what your system requirements will need to be.
For the refrigerator, read our blog about solar refrigerators. Our
suggestion is to go with a chest style, DC powered, with easily
replaceable thermostats. Thay way you can convert it to a freezer
when needed. We use the Sundanzer model 225.
*
http://eartheasy.com/ Greg Seaman
Your local solar installer should be able to give you a free
consultation.
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