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anewlife
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2018 08:32pm
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Ok so I am new to all this off grid lifestyle but excited to get there. I am going through design stuff right now and seem to be stuck on Electrical. Because of budget issues, my plan is to use the 3000 watt generator to charge a bank of four 6 volt 220 AH batteries to have a 12v 440ah system. I would then use a 3000 watt inverter to get to 120v. The cabin is going to be 16 x 20.
Couple of questions, First can I run the 120 volts with 14/2 cable from the inverter to a breaker box where I can distribute the power to like maybe 3 circuits? Since for right now I am going to choose the most ineffecient means of charging my battery bank with a generator, what size charge controller would I use to protect the batteries? Thanks for any and all suggestions or tell me I am out of my mind....lol
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darz5150
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2018 10:15pm - Edited by: darz5150
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Quoting: anewlife Since for right now I am going to choose the most ineffecient means of charging my battery bank with a generator
Perhaps someone here can help you decide the " Most Efficient " way to charge your batteries with your generator. Also if you could list what electrical devices you plan on using, they could help you make the safest decision.
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old243
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2018 10:50pm
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You mention running , 14-2 cable from the inverter to the box. With a load of 3000 watts at 120 volts, your amperage would be roughly 25 to30 amps. number 14 wire is rated at 15 amp. Number 12 rated at 20 amps, number 10 is rated at 30 amp. Best to figure out your expected connected load and size your wire accordingly. Larger is probably better. old 243
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2018 11:01pm
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I would plan on wiring the cabin normally, then just feed the panel with (input) your power source, ie the grid tie system, your battery bank/inverter system etc.
But run the biggest wire to accommodate the load planned for the panels input. Personally, I'd feed the panels input with 6AWG wire, then you can grow, but can run a small system too. If you start out small wire to panel, you will be limited to that.
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darz5150
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2018 11:23pm - Edited by: darz5150
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https://www.donrowe.com/usage-chart-a/259.htm
This might help you figure out what you will need. Its easier to do it right the first time, than to re do it later.
There's a big difference being "Off Grid" with 2 light bulbs, a fan and TV. And having lights, TV, ceiling fans, fridge, microwave and a blow dryer.
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anewlife
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# Posted: 26 Feb 2018 06:19am
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First, thanks to everyone for the awesome responses. Obviously I was not thinking about how many amps would be running into the panel by saying I would use a 14/2 Cable. I plan on adding on in a few years but for now I plan on converting a chest Freezer to a Fridge, LED Lights, TV, something like Hughs net or another system for tv and internet and small water pump for rain collection system would use Propane for Hot Water and Stove. It is only my wife and I so really can't imagine everything having to be on at once.
The only reason I was thinking of the 3000 watt inverter was for a window A/C if we decide to use one.
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Borrego
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# Posted: 26 Feb 2018 09:05am
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toyota mdt tech is correct. I just finished a system install similar to what you are doing (or will be doing). Bigger is better, that way expansion is easier down the road.....
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creeky
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# Posted: 26 Feb 2018 09:20am
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I would go for a smaller inverter. Less overhead / idle loss. And all the loads you describe could be run, including the a/c at 5000 btu with a 1200w inverter.
Also consider, with that many amps, going to a higher voltage. 24v or even 48. Makes it easier to expand in later years. And by upping the voltage you shrink the amps. Making wiring cheaper.
Why not solar? Your gas consumption will quickly pay for those panels.
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rockies
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# Posted: 26 Feb 2018 06:16pm - Edited by: rockies
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You also have to consider the generator. How often are you willing to run the generator? How much noise and fumes are you willing to endure. You could try a propane generator (since you're already bringing in propane for your stove and hot water. Gasoline can also go "bad" if it is stored for too long a time whereas propane is cleaner burning and can be stored in spill-proof tanks.
http://www.toptenreviews.com/home/articles/portable-power-gas-generator-vs.-propane-g enerator/
Also make sure you don't pick energy hog pumps. Most people know to get the most energy efficient appliances or electronics but forget about the well or water circulation pumps.
http://solarhomestead.com/best-off-grid-well-pumps/
http://solarhomestead.com/off-grid-circulating-pumps/
A good site with a lot of good articles.
Also, if you design your cabin properly with the right sized overhangs on the south side and include lower opening windows on the south wall and high opening windows on the north wall you'll create a natural thermo-syphon effect across the cabin (the warm air rising and exiting out near the ceiling on the north side) so you probably wouldn't need air conditioning.
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