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As a project to learn more about solar power, reduce my electricity usage, and build a small bit of resilience against power outages, I’ve build a small-scale (two 100W panels panels, 440Wh of battery capacity) solar system. The outcome: it’s been a lot of fun, I’ve learned a ton, and I can keep my essential battery-powered devices running for longer when the power’s out (indefinitely if it’s sunny), but not my whole home or even HVAC. Cost-savings was not a primary goal, which is good because I’m saving only about $1/month on my power bill (electricity here is cheap at $0.16/kWh), and would need a much larger solar setup to increase that.
Components of Solar Generation
- Solar panels: solar panels work when the sun’s rays knock electrons out of silicon crystals by giving those electrons a place to go and generate a voltage that can do work along the way.
- Wires: called “conductors” by electricians, these carry the voltage to where it can be used or stored. Solar panels commonly use waterproof, locking MC4 connectors between conductors. Make sure the type of connectors used by your panels are compatible with the other components.
- Charge controller:
My Setup
- Panels: two Renogy N-type solar panels rated at 100W each for a total of 200W of potential solar generation. So far the most I’ve gotten on a sunny day is 160W, but I’m only a couple weeks in.
- Power Station: Bluetti AC50B 448Wh, chosen for its decent capacity
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX5JBZNY?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1 Bateria Power 30-foot sheathed extension cable w/ MC4 connectors
Next Steps
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