Choosing Solar Module System

Power Consumption

References:

Short Term

Measurements are done in daily usage:

2 Laptops: 50w x 2 x 6 hours = 600wh 2 Phones: 20w x 2 x 4 hours = 80wh 2 light bulbs: 20w x 2 x 4 hours = 20wh Mini fridge: 120w x 8 hours = 960wh

Battery Size: 1660wh * 3 (the number of autonomy days) = 4980wh Solar Array: 4980wh / 5 hours (sunlight hours) = 996w

Build 1:

Inverter: 1 x Growatt 5000ES US with transformer = $1,248.00 Battery: 2 x EG4 48v server rack = 2 x $1,499 = $2,998.00

Total Cost: $4,278.00

Build 2:

Inverter: 1 x MPP LV6548 = $1,575.00 Battery: 2 x SOK battery server rack = 2 x $1,739.00 = $3,478.00

Total Cost: $5,053.00

Build 3 (CHOSEN):

Inverter: 1 x Growatt 48V SPF 3000TL LVM = $699.00 Battery: 2 x EG4 48v server rack = 2 x $1,499 = $2,998.00

Total Cost: $3,697.00

Build 4:

Inverter: 1 x MPP LV6548 = $1,575.00 Battery: 2 x EG4 48v server rack = 2 x $1,499 = $2,998.00

Total Cost: $4,573.00

Long Term:

Induction Cooktop: 1800w (max) Measurements are done in daily usage:

2 Laptops: 50w x 2 x 8 hours = 800wh 2 Phones: 20w x 2 x 4 hours = 80wh 8 light bulbs: 20w x 8 x 12 hours = 1920wh 1 Induction cooktop: 1800w x 2 burners x 1 hour = 3600wh 1 Mini fridge: 120w x 8 hours = 960wh 1 Water heater: 4000w x 3 hours = 12000wh 1 Well/Water pump:700w (2100w surge) x 5 hours = 3500wh 1 Washer dryer combo: 500w x 5 hours = 2500wh 1 Speaker: 20w x 16 hours = 320wh 1 Projector/TV: 300w x 2 hours = 600wh

Battery Size: 26280wh * 3 (the number of autonomy days) = 78840wh Solar Array: 78840wh / 5 hours (sunlight hours) = 15768w

There are 3 types of systems

How much energy do you need?

Calculator to measure AC electricity output: https://pvwatts.nrel.gov

Array Type?

Calculate System Efficiency

An average loss of 18% should be expected

STC Ratings is a standard efficiency test for solar modules, similar to a car-mileage test. PTC Rating is similar to STC but based on more realistic scenarios.

Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline?

Monocrystalline is usually more efficient, but more expensive (this is changing now, the price is almost similar to Polycrystalline).

Design

12v vs 24v vs 48v

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi7eswWwosk https://www.mobile-solarpower.com/all-in-one-122448v-packages.html

Higher voltage is more efficient as batteries like to be in series. Wires will carry fewer amps, meaning less expensive.

Though, the higher voltage will require more voltage input from the solar modules. If the modules get shaded, it'll reduce overall voltage input and won't charge the batteries.

Solar Modules

1kw for a string of

Inverter

I-V Curve?

Power loss from inverter vs direct DC

Fridge

DC: https://www.recpro.com/rv-refrigerator-10-7-cubic-feet-12v-stainless-steel/