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08-02-2016, 01:35 PM | #3061 | ||
Call me dirt... Joe Dirt
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Back in Perth for good
Posts: 5,302
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So we finally had our Solar system installed last week; a 3KW system with 12/265W Canadian Solar panels + Fronius Primo inverter.
Just in time to take advantage of some very sunny (and hot) weather in Perth over the next few weeks. Output so far is great; over 21kwh/day since installation. I didn't realise at the time of installation, but the inverter sits in full direct sun from about 2PM onwards. How bad is this? The unit does get very hot to touch. Does this affect warranty and power output? I'm thinking of building a little canopy over the unit to block the direct sun... Is it worthwhile? Cheers.
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08-02-2016, 01:49 PM | #3063 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: by the beach
Posts: 1,982
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Mine recieves full afternoon sun 120 metres from the ocean 3 1/2 years now. so far all good .i did ask when it was installed and they said that they are designed for it plus my warrantee is for 15 years on the inverter and by then i hope to be off grid with new inverters anyway
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clevo mafia (sadly sold) 351c xe manual (now with short shifting 5sp goodness) xc gs coupe project...hmm more clevo for me new daily 2005 ba sr |
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08-02-2016, 09:36 PM | #3064 | |||
Regular Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 89
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Quote:
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08-02-2016, 09:39 PM | #3065 | |||
Regular Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 89
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Quote:
Batteries are only cost efficient if you have small feed in tariffs or your wanting to have an emergency power supply due to frequent black outs. |
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09-02-2016, 12:38 AM | #3066 | ||
Performance moderator
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: St Clair..N.S.W
Posts: 14,875
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Or have solar to go pretty much off grid ?
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Real cars are not driven by front wheels,real cars lift them!!... BABYS ARE BOTTLE FED, REAL MEN GET BLOWN. Don't be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the Ark...Professionals built the Titanic! Dart 330ci block turbo black pearl EBXR8 482 rwkw.. Daily driver GTE FG.. Projects http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=107711 http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...8+turbo&page=4 |
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09-02-2016, 07:34 AM | #3067 | ||
Cabover nut
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Onsite Eastcoast
Posts: 11,473
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Have been living offgrid solar/wind for around 25 years but most of my stuff is smaller RAPS ie motorhome, yacht, cabin.
I've been using shade tolerate (amorphous) unisolar panels by Canon most of that time with back up windpower by an air403 generator afloat and 913 Rutlands ashore. Good reliable gear.
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heritagestonemason.com/Fordlouisvillerestoration In order that the labour of centuries past may not be in vain during the centuries to come...... D. Diderot 1752
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14-02-2016, 04:42 PM | #3068 | ||
If it ain't broke........
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sunshine Coast Qld
Posts: 18,873
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Looking at going off grid at our bush block. Wondering how much for a 3 or 5kw system would cost these days. I know you need panels, invertor, regulator and batteries (how many). Got Quoted $140k to put power on ............
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14-02-2016, 04:51 PM | #3069 | |||
Experienced Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Australasia
Posts: 7,753
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Quote:
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14-02-2016, 10:12 PM | #3070 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 89
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Buggerlugs, go round check all appliances for wattage and write down, then think of what combos will be used at the same time.
Options for batteries are lead acid with 50% Depth of Discharge tend to last a couple of years and fade out or go with Litium Ion with 80% DOD no maintenance and should last 15 years approx. Do you want auto electric start generator incorporated to provide back up to battery charge in bad weather ? Pricing is all dependent on multiple options and needs. |
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15-02-2016, 07:36 AM | #3071 | |||
Cabover nut
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Onsite Eastcoast
Posts: 11,473
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Quote:
They are not referred as "deep cycle" but have the exact same wide 11 plate construction. If you look after them they'll serve you well.
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heritagestonemason.com/Fordlouisvillerestoration In order that the labour of centuries past may not be in vain during the centuries to come...... D. Diderot 1752
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15-02-2016, 05:30 PM | #3072 | |||
If it ain't broke........
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sunshine Coast Qld
Posts: 18,873
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Quote:
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17-02-2016, 03:15 PM | #3073 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: A.C.T
Posts: 1,606
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I am about to go Solar again("2nd" system.) 4.16kw,16x260w "Rene"Solar high efficiency modules.1x4kw "Solar Max 4000p inverter @ cost of $5890.Should be generating roughly a bit over 20kw per day.(Our average daily use is around the 9kw mark.) Cost has come down a reasonable amount since we last installed in 2011.That system was roughly the same price but a lot lower spec (2.30kw Solar system, 10xSP 230 Panels &JFY 3000 Inverter.(Chinese inverter.)Solar max is a Swiss Manufacturer,but now owned by a German company,apparently very good inverter's.Cheer's
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2022 Honda HRV e:HEV in Premium crystal red. |
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18-02-2016, 01:20 AM | #3074 | ||
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ipswich QLD
Posts: 4,697
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Just recently installed a 6.2ish kW system (bad memory)plus a new power box(extra 1k) for just under 7k all up. Did a fair bit of research on the panel types,warranties and the converter type and quality and it's all very good gear. (I can expand if anyone wants more details. I'll be checking my daily kW usage and so on tomoro and update)
The guys were great too. Repaired a few leaks in the roof, adjusted the toilet vent pipe,moved the custom in roof antenna pole, rescrewed down part of the roof and installed an extra external double waterproof PowerPoint for my water tank pump.....for FREE, no extra charge!Didnt even haggle, he just said nah it's all good mate. Thought I was screwed when my Ridgeback jumped up an "warning" bit the young fella on the forearm he had there. Oops We will need to change the inverter if we go batteries later tho, but we have two separate panel banks on different sides so that may make it easier utilising half and half at first! half on the grid,half off the grid Oh...in the Brisbane area too! |
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18-02-2016, 04:01 PM | #3075 | ||
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ipswich QLD
Posts: 4,697
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Update^^^^^^
$5.8k 6.5kw system. 25x260w Trina Honey panels (10yr warrant You+80%efficiency after 25yrs performance warranty) Power one Aurora 5000 inverter (5yr full warranty, 20 year design warranty) Atm it's getting 22.1kw daily Atm it's getting 5038w peak It also says daily energy savings.....11euro or 17$ (Not sure how that's calculated) We use 14kw daily (but we're home every day) Just in case anyone's interested....the average usages are... 2people.....13kw winter. 14.2kw summer 4people.....18.4kwwinter. 20.3kw summer |
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19-02-2016, 02:44 PM | #3076 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 656
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Quote:
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19-02-2016, 04:32 PM | #3077 | |||
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ipswich QLD
Posts: 4,697
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Quote:
Colour-bond Single story (but house on stumps...ground lvl one side to 1.5m raised on low side) 5.8 covered everything bar the new power box. 1k for that. Was the same price quoted by my sparky buddy so I just got the same guys to do it while they were here! |
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26-02-2016, 03:51 PM | #3078 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Top End
Posts: 456
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Happened to see an episode of the ABC Catalyst program entirely on solar battery storage. Excellent info/ overview.
http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/4398364.htm or http://www.offgridsolarkits.com.au/o...attery-storage |
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27-02-2016, 02:32 PM | #3079 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: here and there
Posts: 610
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Question
Our air conditioning died a few years ago, a 12kw 3 phase system. Is it possible to run a 3 phase system off batteries/stand alone system. Or am I best to replace it with a single phase system. cheers in advance
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08-03-2016, 05:31 PM | #3080 | ||
If it ain't broke........
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sunshine Coast Qld
Posts: 18,873
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Pappa, your back !!!! Bout bloody time !! Have you been looking into the "off grid" set ups yet ?
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08-03-2016, 06:20 PM | #3081 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: outback S.A...hiding in a workshop
Posts: 3,513
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thanks mate, some ways I'm glad to be back, other ways, well I'd rather be watching those Kimberley sunsets and snatching the big fish.......never mind, reality beckons.
Battery storage is still a can of worms here, I've looked into quite a few but as yet the price is still too high for a very small system, $6,000 for a 2 KW pack is a bit rich. there are some systems coming on line in the near future that look to be very interesting but they are still a fair way down the tube. I had high hopes for the graphite mine around by lincoln to supply a new local industry but they are in strife last I heard. Govco couldn't give a rats and general consensus is against renewable, state gov have blinders on for wind. But as soon as I find a decent size system that is reliable and capable I will be on it. I looked at old forklift batteries as well as standard truck/dozer batteries but in reality they are almost a waste, I know of folks who are doing it but gee! they do it tough.
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--------------------------------------------------------------- G'day....I'm Dave, ...everyone calls me Poppa,..05.. B.A. Fairmont mark II... may your day's be filled with smiles, your life be filled with love, may your children know nothing but happiness and joy, cherish the memory of those who strove before us for they cleared the way, spare a thought for those who serve we owe so much to so many, life and the freedom to enjoy it is a special gift that can be taken away far too soon! |
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12-03-2016, 09:51 PM | #3082 | ||
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ipswich QLD
Posts: 4,697
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^^^^^whats with the truck batteries?, someone else I think mentioned them earlier as a great/cheaper option!
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13-03-2016, 07:10 AM | #3083 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: A.C.T
Posts: 1,606
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Quote:
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13-03-2016, 10:13 AM | #3084 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: outback S.A...hiding in a workshop
Posts: 3,513
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Quote:
the amount of power I need makes the storage (using lead acid) a huge affair. I have helped a lot of folks place these systems in and they are working well but many still need the grid for welding, air-con, workshop needs. when I get off the grid I will be fully self sustaining off, solar, self storage as well as maybe a small generator. I will be doing mine as soon as a decent AGM or similar battery setup is available for a reasonable cost and the size is not dinosaur like. won't be long before a decent size storage system comes down to a reasonable physical size and price. every year the storage capacity is increasing, physical size is diminishing......price is the next factor.
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--------------------------------------------------------------- G'day....I'm Dave, ...everyone calls me Poppa,..05.. B.A. Fairmont mark II... may your day's be filled with smiles, your life be filled with love, may your children know nothing but happiness and joy, cherish the memory of those who strove before us for they cleared the way, spare a thought for those who serve we owe so much to so many, life and the freedom to enjoy it is a special gift that can be taken away far too soon! |
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13-03-2016, 11:28 AM | #3085 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Taromeo
Posts: 10,622
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The bloke over the road from me is totally off the grid but I don't particularly like his set up. He has 8 panels, batteries and a bloody big generator. The generator runs almost every day and certainly every night! It was a demo system he bought and it cost him $30000.
I haven't been game to ask how much diesel he goes through a week but he is able to skite that he's 'off the grid!' |
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13-03-2016, 11:42 AM | #3086 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: outback S.A...hiding in a workshop
Posts: 3,513
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council bylaws here do not permit me to run a generator after a certain time, can't remember what it was, 6 PM jumps to mind but that may not be correct, too many arguments with them over different things, use of grey water, use of rainwater, storage of rainwater, wind turbine, height of caravan carport, position of carport......the list goes on.
I have "setup" quite a few "off grid" shacks/ small houses but really none that I wold be happy with at home, I like my air-con and my 200 amp welder too much......I still mess about with other folks motorhomes and vans.....use of power tools is a must. battery gases can be a problem, draw down on batteries, weight and physical size of storage, life of batteries, maintenance of lead acid batteries, corrosion of terminals. I know all of these things can be circumvented but at my age I don't want to be pulling a bank apart to find a faulty cell. the catalyst program was a very good one but it still relied on being connected to the grid, I want to get right away from the bloodsuckers forever without problems. however the future tantalises us with glimpses of what is out there.
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--------------------------------------------------------------- G'day....I'm Dave, ...everyone calls me Poppa,..05.. B.A. Fairmont mark II... may your day's be filled with smiles, your life be filled with love, may your children know nothing but happiness and joy, cherish the memory of those who strove before us for they cleared the way, spare a thought for those who serve we owe so much to so many, life and the freedom to enjoy it is a special gift that can be taken away far too soon! |
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13-03-2016, 12:55 PM | #3087 | |||
If it ain't broke........
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sunshine Coast Qld
Posts: 18,873
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Quote:
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13-03-2016, 01:00 PM | #3088 | |||
Thailand Specials
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 49,791
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Quote:
Deep cycle lead acid or AGM or Gel would be the go to for a solar setup using normal battery technology, but if you want them to last you have to be careful about how far down you let them go before they are charged up, 50% depth of discharge is best for long battery life for a deep cycle, you can go lower but then it won't last as long. Lithium has its own challenges but you can discharge them down further and bring them back up quicker without negative effects, but they are dangerous if not looked after correctly. |
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13-03-2016, 01:06 PM | #3089 | ||
3..2..1..
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Bellbird park
Posts: 7,218
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I love this thread, I'm slowly drawing up plans for my shed, which I'm planning on being totally solar/battery powered.
It will have aircon but given it won't be used all the time, or even the shed used every day I'm hoping il get away with a lower amount of battery storage for the time being. |
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13-03-2016, 01:19 PM | #3090 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Taromeo
Posts: 10,622
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Quote:
Haha - I probably pay less for diesel that you do. If I have to go to Caboolture, Brisbane or Toowoomba I always fill up either in Blackbutt or Colinton, it's usually about 6c (at least) cheaper than those places. I think it's an expensive way to be off the grid as well. I certainly wouldn't be following suit. At least I have 20 panels and a compatible inverter for starters. |
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