A Forum run by Enthusiasts of MidNite Solar

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: zarathust on May 09, 2014, 09:50:24 PM

Title: Wind and/or solar power add ons.
Post by: zarathust on May 09, 2014, 09:50:24 PM
  I have an off grid system, 48 volt battery bank, dual 6kw schneiders currently charged by a generator that I'm looking to add wind(preferable)/ and or solar to. I have a lot of steady wind and sun available on my property and would love to take advantage of it. Any info and knowledge that would be of benefit to me would be appreciated. Relatively new to the world of self power generating. Economical options and even DIY if its effective and efficient to build. I have time and tools to get some stuff done. Thanks, Brian
Title: Re: Wind and/or solar power add ons.
Post by: Halfcrazy on May 10, 2014, 06:02:47 AM
My advice is add solar. You are in a perfect scenario. Calculate how many KWHs a day you must produce with the generator and try to add say 125% or more than that in solar. Panels are as cheap as they will ever be I think so now is a perfect time. Let us know how many KWHs a day you have to make with the generator and we can help sizr the array and charge controllers
Title: Re: Wind and/or solar power add ons.
Post by: zarathust on May 12, 2014, 05:40:48 PM
My system probably would need about 15 kWh per day, give or take. I don't wanna rule out wind power supplement due to the access to lots of wind here day and night. Anyway any info would help in planning out what I need to get this system where it should be.
Title: Re: Wind and/or solar power add ons.
Post by: dgd on May 12, 2014, 06:03:57 PM
What is the capacity of the 48v battery bank?
I'd agree with Ryan that solar should be the first way to go and if it were me I would be getting about 5 to 6 Kw worth of PVs and a couple of Classic 150s (combiner boxes,breakers,etc for 3Kw into each Classic).
dgd

Title: Re: Wind and/or solar power add ons.
Post by: zoneblue on May 12, 2014, 06:47:22 PM
Listen to half crazy ryan, he knows a lot about wind.

Wind only works if:
- you are in a high wind zone, and have a proper tower
- you have the budget for top quality gear
- you have  the stomach for the required maintenance.
- your solar insolation is truly awful.
Title: Re: Wind and/or solar power add ons.
Post by: zarathust on May 12, 2014, 06:56:22 PM
Battery bank capacity is about 32,000 watts. It rated for no more than 50% discharge rate. I understand that wind equipment can be a pain to maintain. Just thought it might be good to take advantage of the wind i have especially at night. Its a pretty windy area here.