Harvesting Photovoltaic (PV) in My Back Yard

 
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McGiever
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Post by McGiever » Fri. Jun. 17, 2016 1:13 am

warminmn wrote:McG,

What % of that batteries capacity can be used before it should be recharged? In a perfect world I should add. 50% is pretty much the max you would want to take...less is better. Tow motor/fork truck batteries are build very rugged as for the thickness of the lead used to make the plates etc., they can take a pretty good beating compared to thinner lead plates, after all they pound them for most of a 8 hour shift and then leave them plugged in for over night then come back in in the am and do it all over again each day. They don't build batteries any "beefier" than they absolutely have to for the purpose intended. But, remember not every solar system uses a battery back up. But those without them are in the dark when the grid is down.

And is there a certain amount of times it can be recharged before its life goes to crap? feel free to add details if you want to, but remember I'm not a scientist :lol: Sulfate build up that cannot be reversed on plates is what takes out a battery if the plates don't open or short beforehand.

What are the advantages of this type of battery over using multiple smaller batteries to get to the same power amount? As mentioned, the heaver built plates, but having to maintain 24 cells total is less effort than 48 cells or 96 cells of multiple battery strings in parallel. The water level needs maintained on a regular basis and if the discharge cycles are heavy and often you will have "dang near" a part-time job keeping after them. :)

 
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WNY
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Post by WNY » Fri. Jun. 17, 2016 6:18 am

Good for you! looks like a fun project. looks like you did your research too.!

I put in solar in our summer/farm house. 1500 watts with batteries (690aHr). works for us for a weekend getaway, etc....

Good luck, keep us posted. :)

 
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warminmn
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Post by warminmn » Fri. Jun. 17, 2016 7:08 am

Thanks McG! I know Ive used those forklifts until they wont move. As long as it doesnt get shorted somehow it should last a long time.

 
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McGiever
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Posts: 10130
Joined: Sun. May. 02, 2010 11:26 pm
Location: Junction of PA-OH-WV
Stoker Coal Boiler: AXEMAN-ANDERSON 130 "1959"
Hand Fed Coal Boiler: BUCKET A DAY water heater
Hand Fed Coal Stove: Warm Morning 414A
Coal Size/Type: PEA,NUT,STOVE /ANTHRACITE
Other Heating: Ground Source Heat Pump and some Solar

Post by McGiever » Sun. Jun. 19, 2016 12:03 am

IMG_1076.JPG

Another look at the battery.

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IMG_1253.JPG

A start on hanging everything on wall.

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IMG_1295.JPG

Used 2 common wireways, under all the gear, one for all the AC and another for all the DC.

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IMG_1294.JPG

That is the AC side here.

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lsayre
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Post by lsayre » Sun. Jun. 19, 2016 6:22 am

How many charge controllers did it take for that many solar panels?

 
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McGiever
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Posts: 10130
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Hand Fed Coal Stove: Warm Morning 414A
Coal Size/Type: PEA,NUT,STOVE /ANTHRACITE
Other Heating: Ground Source Heat Pump and some Solar

Post by McGiever » Sun. Jun. 19, 2016 10:06 am

lsayre wrote:How many charge controllers did it take for that many solar panels?
Taking into consideration number of panels/modules and the coldest possible winter day(s) that drive the voltages sky high, it req'd 2 CC.
I had 2 originally system matching OB FlexMax 80s but sold them and jumped ship to the Midnite Classics. :)

 
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lsayre
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Post by lsayre » Sun. Jun. 19, 2016 10:10 am

McGiever wrote:
lsayre wrote:How many charge controllers did it take for that many solar panels?
Taking into consideration number of panels/modules and the coldest possible winter day(s) that drive the voltages sky high, it req'd 2 CC.
I had 2 originally system matching OB FlexMax 80s but sold them and jumped ship to the Midnite Classics. :)
Good move! The Midnight Classic 150 is a 150V x 96 amp charge controller.

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