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RE: Tiny House Episode 9: Electrical System Rough In
That's all my house needs is to be wired. I've lived off-grid for five years here nd carry a lantern around everywhere I go. It would be awesome to have it wired to be able to use my solar power in more than one room.
So you don't mind having limited power too much then?
I wouldn't say I like it. But I have adapted, haha.
I noticed you mentioned your solar panels in this post.
Do you mind telling me how many watts of panels you have and what you run on it? Or you could do a post on it? Unless you have one already and I missed it?
I have 3000 watts but don't let that fool you. I live in the woods, so shade is a huge factor. I do have the panels in a cleared area but In the summer, I harvest on average 4 hours of sun a day and in the winter months only 2 hours. I'm a bit backwards compared to most folks. I have way more battery than panels needed.
In the winter all I use my panels for are lights in one half of the house, my computer, router, modem and an internet booster thing the kids fixed for me. I live in a concrete berm house with a metal roof, so it's very hard for a signal reach me.
In the summer months I can run a full size refrigerator in addition to the rest.
Thanks for the reply. We will likely be getting some solar in the next year or so and it is always good to get the perspective of people who are already using it.
My biggest advice: The numbers don't mean squat unless you take into consideration the weather conditions it will be used in first. My system (that I love) would be a different beast if placed 2000 ft. right of me. A solution I am working on.
I haven't found a map similar to the ones I use here, but what you are looking for is a photovoltaic resource map, taken in the winter months. Make sure to size your system for its worst conditions (dead of winter) and all will be well. I did find this to help start you out - http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/18366
I love the freedom that solar has given me and even if I won a pot of money, I would never go back to living on the grid again. Though I would jazz up my system to be top notch.
Thanks, I took a solar seminar about 6 months ago and am aware of the effects shading, solar aspect and cloud cover can have on the efficiency of a solar system. I was more curious about the components you are using like the charge controller and batteries and how they are working for you. Also what it is like having limited power and how you have adapted.
Thanks for the resource also, I will check it out.
You are ahead of the game then. I use two HuP 31 batteries for a 24v system. They are amazing batteries that I would buy again in a heart beat. I've been using them now for almost six years. Not something you could incorporate in a mobile tiny house though. Each of mine weigh in at over 1200 lbs. each.
Click around on this sight to learn more about them. http://hupsolar.com/buy-HUP-batteries-prices-pricing
BTW I went back and read your introduction post and I think you are awesome!
Well, thank you very much.