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beckland
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# Posted: 14 Mar 2015 10:57pm
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I am going off grid at the beginning of April. I am working on what is needed for power for cell phone charge, hair dryer and laptop. I am seeing 12v batteries with inverter. I am learning all I can and any help is appreciated.
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beckland
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# Posted: 14 Mar 2015 10:59pm
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Recommended sources to keep the battery charge. I can use a generator but looking for alternatives.
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ChuckDynasty
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# Posted: 15 Mar 2015 08:08am - Edited by: ChuckDynasty
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My first purchase would be a Kill-a-Watt meter to see what your usage will actually be. A hair dryer will be 1400-1500 watts. That's as much or more than a microwave. Larger solar system required.
Cell phone, led lights and laptop charging can be done on smaller solar system.
I wouldn't start an off grid experience without a good generator like the Honda 2000i.
Others with off grid experience will chime in. Very exciting, good luck!
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buckybuck
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# Posted: 15 Mar 2015 11:06am
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Yep. You need to figure out what you are actually using. Things like cell phones and laptop don't need much; pretty easy to find power adapters to make them work with a 12 volt system.
Admittedly, like a lot of people here, I have an assortment of generators. But I vacillate on whether or not I actually need even one.
My two cents worth--I'd figure out how often and how long at a time I actually used higher wattage items. If all you need is a hair dryer (sadly, that's becoming less and less of a need for me) or a small microwave that you use only to warm things up for a minute or so, my guess is you could get by with a solar panel, a couple of batteries, and an inverter big enough to handle those items.
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beckland
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# Posted: 15 Mar 2015 12:15pm
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Is there a certain size inverter I will need?
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ChuckDynasty
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# Posted: 15 Mar 2015 12:33pm - Edited by: ChuckDynasty
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I just purchased a Samlex 150 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter only to power and charge my small Apple laptop that uses under 20w to charge and up to 50w when charging and web surfing at the same time. About $100 shipped. This would not power a hair dryer. I guess you'd be looking at a 1500-2000w inverter for a hair dryer. I'd stay away from the cheap chinese components, especially if you're depending on them 24/7
Figure out exactly what you need to power.
I think some good sites have been recommended here for basic solar understanding maybe someone can post a link for you.
There's a lot to take into consideration...Size and types of panels, charge controller, battery bank, wiring, inverter, fuse, all depend on your power needs. Hours of sunshine is important and knowing how many days you'll be able to go without it.
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beckland
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# Posted: 15 Mar 2015 03:47pm
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Every bit of information is helping. Thanks so much. I have lots to learn.
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ChuckDynasty
Member
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# Posted: 22 Mar 2015 08:02am
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Solar panels for the beginner How to Part one Missouri Wind and Solar simple instructions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyxWu2RVQYo
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toofewweekends
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# Posted: 22 Mar 2015 05:41pm
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We run a 16x20 cabin, used a couple of weekends a month, on a pair of golf cart batteries, a 100 watt panel, and a Honda 2000. A 1500 watt inverter handles lights, cell charging, little TV/DVD player, and a small microwave. The microwave is 700 watts, maybe half of what a hair dryer would pull, and we only use it a few minutes a day.
In winter, or if we stay for a longer stretch, we add to the batteries with a 30amp charger. We'll use the generator to run tools, make ice, get the little fridge chilled, etc. We sized our set up to cover our common uses of power, but couldn't justify a bigger solar/battery set up for the amount of time we're there, versus running the generator for a few hours for $1.50.
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