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Nobadays
Member
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# Posted: 30 Aug 2021 10:13am
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I think it depends on the LED light bulb to some degree. If you're bumping up to near capacity of your inverter, that's a different story.
We have mostly 60w equivalent LED bulbs (13w) and they do not flicker at all even using the microwave. We also have 4 decorative LED bulbs, I think 20w equivalent, in the bathroom fixture. Those bulbs will flicker if anything kicks on.... most notably when the Shurflo water pump kicks on. That pump draws less than 10a and is on a completely different circuit than the light fixture. Go figure!
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 30 Aug 2021 11:20am
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Some motors like those of Fridges/AC and even power-tools are "dirty" in the sense that sensitive LED lights will pick it up. I get "LED Flicker" with some Old Tools (old motors). Now I have a bigger system that can take a lot, I can use the MIG and get no flicker (huge draw) but the Air Compressor kicks and WOW flickeroni ! and it's 5 years old ? Now I just run Mig/Compressor and other Heavy Nasties off genset.
BTW, I have a Danby Energy-Star 10.0 Cu' "Apartment" fridge, it uses 540kWh per year. Start Surge from 24V Solar, is 10A which settles to 4A while running.
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krstrout1
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# Posted: 31 Aug 2021 08:58am
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We put our refrig on a timer. It goes off at midnight and back on at 6am. it made a noticeable difference. I hated hearing it cycle on and off at night.
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 31 Aug 2021 10:10am
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I would think if a fridge runs 20-25% less per day on a timer it should last that much longer too 
For many (most?) Off Grid living could well mean re-thinking usage patterns; ie, conserving is way cheaper than building a system that acts just like the grid which is basically we pretty much dont think about it at all until it goes down.
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Maxxx17
Member
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# Posted: 15 Nov 2021 06:15am - Edited by: Maxxx17
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It's hard with these solar panels. Maybe you just don't get enough sun. I live in Ohio and there's plenty of light. That's why I didn't have any problems. I also think it depends to some extent on the LED lamp. Reconsider all your options.
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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 15 Nov 2021 08:21am - Edited by: Steve_S
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Sadly, far too many people have not done their research advance and generally make certain assumptions and jump to conclusions. IT IS COMMON and Far Too Many People do it... I did it too AT FIRST !
Solar Panels ARE NOT EQUAL... Far from it actually !
-- Now you all go WTH ! Obviously, there is Mono-Facial & Bi-Facial but the cells types and how they operate is the more important thing to know.... Some panels are ONLY GOOD in the pure sun, some can handle shading Partially or even completely and still generate power.
Quick View of details here:
Most Efficient Solar Panels 2021 July 18, 2021
https://www.cleanenergyreviews.info/blog/most-efficient-solar-panels
Comprehensive Guide to Solar Panel Types - January 15, 2021
https://www.aurorasolar.com/blog/solar-panel-types-guide/
Another good overview (covers a few more details too) https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2015/09/types-of-solar-panels
Which solar panels work best in the shade?
Last updated: July 25, 2019
https://www.thesolarnerd.com/blog/which-solar-panels-work-best-in-shade/
Solar Battery comparison charts
The detailed battery comparison tables are separated into the following three main types of energy storage systems primarily used for on-grid and off-grid solar and backup power applications - learn more about battery storage here:
* AC-Coupled battery systems
* DC-coupled battery systems
* Off-grid battery systems
NOTE:
There are several offerings for different configurations. A Large Majority have the ability to interact with Solar Charge Controllers, Inverters & AIO's (All In One Solar Units) but you must check for your specific equipment to see if they are compatible.
https://www.cleanenergyreviews.info/battery-storage-comparison-chart
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Jebediah
Member
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# Posted: 18 Nov 2021 10:02am
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I'll be installing a similar system so I'm curious as to what wire size you used on your batteries and to your inverter? I was told I could use 4awg but I'm using 2 awg. Some people said go with 2/0 as bigger is better but I have the 2awg just laying around already from another job....Its a 3000w/24v inverter.
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 18 Nov 2021 10:10am
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Depends....
What size inverter (I hope it will be Pure Sine Wave)
Have you done the projected Energy Audit and upsizes est by at least 25%
No downside to using what you have if bigger than min. needed. By doing so you will already be set for when your desires/requirements go up in load.
But, it isnt just the wire gauge, it is the end connections you use and make and the length of run.
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Nobadays
Member
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# Posted: 18 Nov 2021 10:47am
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3000w ÷ 24v = 125amps #2awg can handle max of 125amps. 2/0 would be safer. That said what is the chance you will max out the inverter? Another thing to remember is a fuse at the battery where the inverter connects. Do not leave out! Size this at 100amp and Bob's your uncle.
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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 18 Nov 2021 10:58am
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I built my original setup with 8x Rolls Surette S-550's for 24V/428AH (gross). 3000W Pure Sine Low Frequency Inverter which handled up to 9000W surge.
Original Battery Cables used was Royal Excelene 2/0 Fine Wire Welding Cable. This worked well but they got warm after 80A Draw ! Not to mention Charge. The Wire Run IS long, for that config the run was 11 feet from batt bank, though to inverter. Length of Run has a Major Effect.
When I updated (under estimated) I stayed 24V but upgraded to a Samlex EV 4024 Pure Sine Low-Frequency Inverter that can handle 12000W surge. At this time I had to upgrade battery abling to 4/0 ! $ OUCH $ but then also my Run Length increased to 14' to accommodate my 1190AH/30kWh LFP Bank.
Even with 4/0 Wire, when charging over 75A they warm up a little. By 120A Push they are noticeably warm (NOT hot).
It is really important to NOT under estimate the wire or to go with "just enough", you can safely oversize battery cables and the lugs MUST be very well crimped.
I always recommend using the following items for building your setup.
Royal Excelene Fine-Wire Welding Cable by Southwire See the number of strands & amperage Handling in the tables on linked webpages.
UL Rated: http://www.industrial.southwire.com/en/tile/10/spec/70300/?country=CA
Non-UL Rated: http://www.industrial.southwire.com/en/tile/10/spec/70305/?country=CA
SelTerm Tinned Battery Lugs
* NOTE, Not all Lugs are Equal, These are some of the Best!
https://selterm.com/collections/tinned-copper-battery-cable-lugs/finish_tin-plated
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