A small solar power setup

[argalax]

Examining of the power source options for a small cabin:

http://www.small-cabin.com/small-cabin-off-grid-power-source.html

Concludes a small solar power setup is a good choice.

[RangerRick]

Cool, unfortunately it's not enough. *I'm planning a small week/month-stay type cabin on the lake at around 600 sq ft with a sleeping loft. * Probably wood frame on piers. *Power is available but I'd rather be off grid. *Septic is in but wanting to be off grid power is a problem as Texas is hotter-n-hell in the summer. *I'd really like to put in a window unit for afternoon/night use and maybe a couple 2/3 new tec 15w 110 v light bulbs around for occasional use. *Primary lighting will be via Aladdin. *Water will be gravity feed. *I salvaged a small *travel trailer with a 5 gal propane water heater for quick trips to the rain closet. *The refer is propane/12/110 volt, power converter and propane/12/110 volt water pump. *I plan on occasionally running the water pump for filling the gravity feed water tank.

Any suggestions for beefing up the "small solar setup" without breaking the bank?

Rick

[kawalekm]

Hi Rick
Since you have both a propane frig and propane water heater that sounds like a place to start. Do you have a bulk tank, or will you be filling 5 gallon portables? One thing that can cut power consumption at least in the winter is propane lighting. You can buy wall mounted propane lights that will both illuminate and heat the cabin in winter, though you'll still want electric light for the Texas summers. Here's a lamp you can buy from lehmans.

http://www.lehmans.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=192&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCa t=669&iSubCat=684&iProductID=192

[RangerRick]

The travel trailer water heater is normally feed by water hose however my plan is to feed it from a gravity feed water tank mounted on a 15' tower. I've got two 100 gal polly tanks, one white for cool water and one black like in use in Gutamala. They produce warm water due to being heated by sunlight so I figured I'd run it to the small hot water tank for supply to the shower and kitchen sink. I've got several Kerosene Aladdin Lamps for lightings so I'm not too concerned about lighting. My main desire is for power to run a window unit AC. As I said, I've got a power pole but I'd just rather be off grid, call me fickle.

Rick

[12vman]

Boy, Rick.. Idunno..

If there's a lable or panel that tells you what the wattage is for the A/C'r, I'll sorta figure how many watts of panel you'll need to operate it. (Ya better be sittin' down when ya read my answer) ;)

There is an alternative.. ;D

Check this (http://mb-soft.com/solar/saving.html) out..

[12vman]

Each of those Aladdin lamps are like a 10,000 B.T.U. heater! Using 'um in the summer will run ya outta the house! Great for the winter but..

Have ya ever took a good look at those 12 volt landscaping lights? Different wattage bulbs can be purchased to install in them. Of course, less wattage means less light BUT 3 of the 4 watt bulbs only uses close to 1 amp@12v.d.c.! 3 fixtures will light up a small area pretty good. I have 2 in my mud room that turns on when I open the door to give me some light to get into the main part of the house. I mounted them to the wall with a reflector (mirror) behind them (think wall sconce) and they're great!

To give ya an idea of how much light a 4 watt bulb puts out, I converted a standard kerosene lamp to a 12 volt unit. If you're away from it 5 ft, you can't tell the difference! It even has the same color light as the kerosene.. *8)

Just some food for thought..
Don

[12vman]

argalax..

Nice little cabins! I could have fun settin' one of those up for solar.. ;D

[RangerRick]

Argalax - yep, that's what I'm going for up to a max of 600 sqft.

You're right about the Aladdins - they'll be for Fall/Winter use and probably candles for the rest of the time.

My window unit is a 110 v 5000 btu and I just can't figure how to power it without breaking the bank. *I've got a 5K generator but I don't want to run it but for emergencies. *It's lake front but no running water. *Too many trees around for a wind generator but I do have a good bit of sun most of the day.

Rick

[12vman]

Rick..

You have a choice.. run the generator or connect to the power company. Even with my set up, I couldn't support an air conditioner that size. I have around 6k in mine..

Did ya check out that link on free A/C? If you have enough area for maybe 3-4 runs of pipe about 30' long, I'll bet it would work for ya. Maybe not as cool as a standard unit but a bunch cheaper..

Is the ground too rocky to run a ditch witch? 4' deep would be plenty. If you insulate the place good and put a light covered roof on it, 600 sq. ft. wouldn't take a whole lot to cool..
~Don

[RangerRick]

I'm thinking maybe a water cooler type unit. The are routine down there and run on low amp so that may be the ticket.

Rick

[12vman]

Is that like a swamp box set up? You're in Az, correct?
Don

[solarman]

I have a 255 watt system with 3 deep cycles for my cabin that I live in year round. Opperates my lights, tv, computer, 12 volt water pump, fan, radio and assorted gadgets. Heat, stove, water heater and fridge are all propane.

LaMar

[machinemaker]

Just a thought on your cabin. Does your state have net metering? If so it might pay to be on the grid with a solar aray. When your not there, the meter will be spinning backwards making you money, and with some battery back up you could be set for when you are there if the grid and/or society is down.
kent

[argalax]

Interesting idea - didn't think about it... I do have electricity line at the edge of the property.

Few thoughts on this subject:
1) Account with utility company will likely to have some sort of monthly maintenance fee that had to be paid (they have to cover metering costs, etc.) – my energy contributions my not cover it every month.
2) In that case the property will be classified as “serviced” and my property taxes for sure will go up.

[HockeyFan]

I'm glad that people are posting thoughts on this subject. I'm interested too, but am currently building and not ready to invest in solar yet. However, I am planning for it and am building with that in mind (hoping that it'll come later).