solardiy

How do I design a large solar system that spans many buildings across a few km?...

Hey guys I am planning to do my own solar and am looking into some kits and prices. I was quoted $22k for a 7.4kw system but I’m thinking of doing a 12.7kw one myself without the bloat of a loan and contractor install....

Can I connect a 5w 5w solar panel directly into a 10k mAh portable battery bank safely via USB 2.0, or does it need some sort of protection in-between like a solar charge controller or a schottky diode?...

Hey all,...

For several years I’ve used a Raspberry Pi Zero for sensors, camera & door motor control which opens & closes a chicken coop door. The Rpi & controller is 5v, the motor is 12v. This has been powered by around 50’ of extension cord, but the elements are beginning to weather the cord & we also need to move the chickens further...

The Renogy Wanderer states that it is optimized for 10A, 12V/24V batteries. What would happen if it was connected to a battery pack containing one 3.6V 18650 battery such as this?

Hi everyone, had anyone played with alternative battery technology to try and bring the cost of storage down when weight and space are not an issue? Zinc bromine? Nicole iron?

As my first foray into Solar DIY, I’d like to try to power a 5V computer fan with a solar panel. My goal is to run it for at least several hours per day. My understanding is that I’d need the solar panel (duh!), a fan, a charge controller, and a battery. As a newbie, I’d like to run my setup by this community since you...

Sorry if this is a wrong community to ask these question since my system is only partially DIY, but does anyone have experience with EPS systems like EcoFlow Delta?...

I’m starting to design a quite large solar pergola, to be built in the southern uk. Has anyone got any advice on the different methods of adding waterproofing between panels? And/or any general tips or experiences in constructing the pergola?

Has anyone here ever had success running either of these in a solar-powered off-grid structure?...

I have three extra solar panels from a pack of 10 I ordered. I don’t have room for them to fit with my other 7 panels and am looking for unique ideas on where to put them. I could throw them up on my east facing roof, or perhaps on a large playhouse in the back yard. I could lean them up against a south wall, or mount them to...

I’m looking to build out a semi-off grid system for a cabin. I have a 2000w generator I’d like to use to feed the inverter/charger to assist with the battery charging. The datasheet indicates that it’ll draw significantly more current than the generator can provide. Can the charge current be adjusted down in software? I...

Will Prowse just posted a video on his DIY Solar Panel YouTube Chanel on installing a Mini-split HVAC system. He goes through the steps of installing one similar to one I installed in 2014. I paid around $678 for the unit with the intention of installing everything and then having a HVAC company charge the lines. I got busy and...

What exists right now for someone who wants to make a very small solar project?...

If your intention is to supply electricity back to the grid, it is advisable to consult your electric company and local permitting offices (such as city, county, or provincial authorities) to determine the necessary documentation. Requirements may vary, with some entities having stringent specifications for plan submissions,...

Currently the best hybrid inverter has got to be the EG4 18KPV Inverter with the Sol-Ark 15K coming in second only due to the $2,600 price difference. Both of these inverters can do it all. They are relatively easy to install, can be used with a small system and can scale up to handle a 200 amp system with as little as three...

Some people are terrified by electricity. I am guessing few in this community fall into that category. What makes you comfortable working with solar systems? For me, my father was an electrical engineer and I learned a lot from watching and helping him run new power and phone outlets. There wasn't anything he was scared of...

Here is my example for a starter system you can pick up to learn more about solar installations:...

Are there any Din Rail Ampere Meters that don't require AC power to run? I currently have a shunt in my system that monitors the DC power coming in from my panels. I am about to upgrade my inverter to a smarter one and I will no longer need the shunt. But when looking around, I found some Din Rail ampere meters for AC and...