Ask Electronics

3656 readers

10 users here now

For questions about component-level electronic circuits, tools and equipment.

Rules

1: Be nice.

2: Be on-topic (eg: Electronic, not electrical).

3: No commercial stuff, buying, selling or valuations.

4: Be safe.

founded 2 years ago

MODERATORS

DavideAndrea@discuss.tchncs.de

linker3000@discuss.tchncs.de

Solar power station DIY projects? (palaver.p3x.de)

submitted 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) by hendrik@palaver.p3x.de to c/askelectronics@discuss.tchncs.de

9 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I just found out I can buy a decent 400W solar panel in the local hardware store for around 90€ these days.

Are there people around with experience in off-grid solar? There is quite some supply in cheap MPTT charge controllers on the internet. And I can't afford a 700€ power station. But I would be able to buy a few power tool batteries or one of the lead-acid batteries people put in their caravan. Are there projects building a power station myself? Is this even worth it?

Maybe someone alredy wrote a blog post with recommendations or findings and failures along the way. Or has something similar running at home?

(Thanks to the mods for steering me towards the correct community.)

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] Numse@lemmy.ca 8 points 1 day ago (7 children)

I believe it is worth it, but you will have to invest some of your time in research. You need to understand how to properly size your system. For example the MPPT is sized, not only to the specs of the solar panel array (or single panel in your case), but also to the nominal voltage of the battery bank (12V vs 24V). Then, if you want to use that power, you will need an inverter. It is all doable but all-in-one power stations are becoming cheaper and cheaper. You could look at refurbished or wait for sales. It's not much more than a DIY setup. If you do opt for DIY, I would use lithium batteries. Initial cost seems higher but they are ultimately cheaper and safer over time. There are several low-cost brands today that sell lithium close to led-acid prices (li-time, watt-cycle).

[–] Vimana@feddit.uk 1 points 1 day ago

I would also add to make sure there's a good battery management system (BMS).

Apparently very easy to build your own lifepo4 battery bank using (prismatic) cells connected in series and extremely cheap to diy- huge power for much much cheaper than trying to afford a higher power battery. This is my next upgrade.

Works extremely well if using LEDs etc Victron energy has all the info. My project was to upgrade power on my old (fixer upper) boat so I only needed 12v info Delighted with result.

Plenty of info around once usecase gets more specific... I focused on sailing specific forums etc I mean... Envision LiFePO4 315Ah Prismatic Cell (Grade B) for less than £50

https://www.fogstar.co.uk/products/envision-lifepo4-315ah-prismatic-cell-grade-b?variant=53483558732153&country=GB&currency=GBP&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17176519818

load more comments (6 replies)