Small Solar Power Ideas

[Arbo]

I have a remote horse barn that has no electricity. I am thinking about installing a small solar electric system to supply me with a bit of power. My goal is to run a 120VAC fence charger, and about 10 CFL lights as needed (not often, but occasional for up to 30 minutes). I have a 1000W inverter that I can use. I am thinking of a small solar array and at least one deep cycle battery. Anyone have any input on what solar charger I need to keep up with demand?

 

[Gale Hawkins]

That sounds like a good option for remote buildings so you can have light at the flip of a switch. If all you want to power is a 12v fence charger and 10 lights why not go with 12v lighting too like used in RV's and solar powered homes. Inverts eat into battery life in the process of simulating AC.

I want the kids to do a similar project and have the HF solar power kit (does not come with at DC battery) that they have on sale for $149 from time to time.

 

[cqaigy2]

You'd need to determine your load. You might think on 12 volt lighting as well, unless you get a really good inverter, they waste a good amount of power. Not sure you need the added expense of a deep cycle, it's better on the battery to not discharge all the way, regardless if it's "deep cycle" or not.

 

[dave1949]

Did you mean 120 VAC fence charger? I know nothing about them, but they do sell self-contained solar-powered fence chargers.

If you live in a cold location, try to keep your battery as warm as possible.

 

[Arbo]

I did mean 120VAC, Sorry! Edit of OP for clarity.

 

[CliffordK]

I second (or third) the idea of just using a 12V system.

There many 12V fence chargers. Some already setup for solar, some not, but if it takes 12V, you should be able to rewire to your own batteries.
There is a fair selection of 12V compact fluorescent and LED lights.

By running 12V, you don't have to worry about your inverter running on standby all the time.

Then, just get a cheap 2000W or so inverter to run small power tools and other things you may occasionally wish to use at the site.

So you will need:
Solar Panels.... 200W panels are common now, and if you hunt, you should be able to find some for about 65 cents a watt.
Probably should get a MPPT charge controller. Also makes it easier to match your panels to the battery system.
One, or a couple of deep cycle batteries.
Wire it all up for 12V, low amp circuits.

 

[newbury]

HF solar power kit (does not come with at DC battery) that they have on sale for $149 from time to time.

And remember - there is almost ALWAYS a 20% off if not a 25% coupon available.

 

[CliffordK]

I lean towards either the monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells, rather than the amorphous silicon solar cells that HF sells.

Plus, as mentioned, the last panels I bought were 65 cents a watt up in Portland, OR, so I could get a 200W panel for the same price HF cells the 45W 3 panel kit. Even at $1 per watt, you can do better than the HF Amorphous panels.

Although, that may not include the charge controller.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I would not recommend HF for the reasons you stated but ours is still in the box so I can not saw if it is good or bad. It did come with a frame and some kind of controller but have seen neither. It is still a science project in the box.

 

[camshawn]

I would use led for the lighting. The prices are falling and the efficiency is worth the price, smaller panel required, smaller battery, etc. Temporary construction lighting with led bulbs is very cost effective now here in BC for a horse barn or remote location. We have changed all the lighting in our camper to led and noticed a marked improvement in battery life.
We use quality solar products and there the price is also dropping from a solar supplier.
Cam

 

[pwright]

The HF kit is pretty nice for what it is. Yeah, they are cheezy amorphous silicon panels that only put out 45 watts total but the kit comes with the little charge controller, two CFLs that run off 12V on like 25' cables, the controller has two cigarette lighter outlets and a USB outlet for charging stuff like cellphones. It is a pretty handy little kit for not much money.

For another $100 you could put together a better system off of Amazon.

 

[Xfaxman]

I have a remote horse barn that has no electricity. I am thinking about installing a small solar electric system to supply me with a bit of power. My goal is to run a 120VAC fence charger, and about 10 CFL lights as needed (not often, but occasional for up to 30 minutes). I have a 1000W inverter that I can use. I am thinking of a small solar array and at least one deep cycle battery. Anyone have any input on what solar charger I need to keep up with demand?

How much fence do you need to electrify?

I vote for the solar power fence charger and a separate solar system for lights.

 

[weedpharma]

Beware of ratings of any panels you buy. The way the rating is calculated is not a true life result.

I purchased a 180w panel that had a short circuit current of just over 9A. The peak open circuit voltage 20V. This is then used to give 180W. Unfortunately you will probably be using a 12V system so the max voltage will only be about 14V. With the peak current, this is a lot less than 180W rating. Just remember this when calculating your recharge rate. Don't divide 180W by 12V to get your amps!

I bought mine with this in mind.

Weedpharma

 

[HUCKthe1]

I have 2 small panels that came with a fountain pump that I have repurposed for lighting my front porch. I bought a larger 12 volt battery (deep cycle about the size of motorcycle battery) and wired 4 LED's under my porch. I could have bought better lights for more light but they do light up my deck enough to see in the dark and run all night for free. I have had this installed for about a year with no issues. I have another one setup for trickle charging my welder/generator battery.


I agree I would stay with 12 volt. Inverters uses too much of your power.