Off-grid PV upgrade complete

Is Solar Power going to give the UK the energy it needs for the 21st century?

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mikepepler
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Off-grid PV upgrade complete

Post by mikepepler »

Well, after numerous questions on here over the past few months (thanks for answers, esp, Adam!), I've finally got the upgrade done on our PV system. As you might expect from me, there's a write up on my blog, including three videos (overview, installation of the charge controller, software access to the charge controller over a network):
http://www.peplers.blogspot.co.uk/2013/ ... grade.html

The overview video even includes our washing machine running off grid! :D
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DSC_6678 Suntech solar panels by mikepepler, on Flickr
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emordnilap
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Post by emordnilap »

Congratulations Mike. :lol:
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Post by mikepepler »

Just saw the output peak at 800W, due to 'cloud edge effect'!
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biffvernon
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Post by biffvernon »

My system, rated at 3.98kW, seems to think that producing over 20kWhr/day is the new normal. The upside of fine weather.

(Long term average is about 9kWhr/day)
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Post by mikepepler »

biffvernon wrote:My system, rated at 3.98kW, seems to think that producing over 20kWhr/day is the new normal. The upside of fine weather.

(Long term average is about 9kWhr/day)
Ours is getting up to that level per kWp installed, though is limited by how much power we can use with it being off-grid and the batteries full...

Will be a different matter in the winter of course! But for now, we've had the fridge, freezer and washing machine off grid for 2 weeks now (plus computers, router and solar thermal pump). Saving the washing up for sunny days, as we've had a few cloudy too.
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Pepperman
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Post by Pepperman »

mikepepler wrote:Ours is getting up to that level per kWp installed, though is limited by how much power we can use with it being off-grid and the batteries full...
I believe the Morningstar can handle load diversion quite easily - couldn't you hook up an immersion heater and make use of the excess?
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Pepperman
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Post by Pepperman »

ah never mind. I see you have solar water heating!
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mikepepler
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Post by mikepepler »

Well, I found space on the roof for two more solar PV panels, so it seemed rude not to fill it...
http://peplers.blogspot.com/2014/04/off ... 1250w.html
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Post by adam2 »

mikepepler wrote:Well, I found space on the roof for two more solar PV panels, so it seemed rude not to fill it...
http://peplers.blogspot.com/2014/04/off ... 1250w.html
Congratulations ! More PV is good.

Grid tied PV tends to make more sense in strict economic terms, but battery charging systems are invaluable for independance, esp in case TSHTF.
"Installers and owners of emergency diesels must assume that they will have to run for a week or more"
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