Let ’s face it , establish an off - grid solar power organisation to a small cabin , spill or barn can be a bit of a challenge for anyone unfamiliar with solar power .
For starters , there is the task of figuring out how and where to attach the solar panel . And then of row , figuring out everything else – from batteries , to wiring , check the charge and more .
One thing is for sure , we certainly qualified as rookie when it came to installing solar power to our lilliputian cabin at the farm . ( See : Tiny Off - Grid Cabin Project )
Other than a few small solar lighting labor , we had never take on installing “ tangible ” solar big businessman .
And by real exponent , we stand for enough vim to ladder indoor and out-of-door lighting , a umber maker , laptop , TV , and a few other small appliances when needed .
We knew although our system would n’t demand to be huge , it had to contain the basics :
And we also know it would have to be easy enough for two “ solar rookies ” to figure out .
As you will see below , the project actually turned out to be quite uncomplicated to install . And that includes an leisurely and economical way to set up solar panels to a cap as well .
The Answer To Installing Off-Grid Solar Power With Ease
Assembling and wiring all of the various components of a solar system can be a complicated process for a initiate . Not to mention , it can get quite expensive . Especially if you make any error along the direction .
For us , the ultimate reply was to use a component part Kodiak / Apex solar panel & generator organisation from a party calledInergy .
The panel and telegraph all fit and plug together with relaxation . And in place of using a freestanding comptroller and battery system , a single small battery / source unit of measurement place in the cabin handles salt away and dispersing the electric automobile .
More significantly , it annihilate the need for us to set up an electric panel and outlets in such a small blank . For us , it was a huge delivery in time and money .
make it even better , the battery power pack and outlet whole is portable . Meaning , when we want to , we can easy just raise it up and take it anywhere on the farm where we might need crying remote office . Having said that , there are numerous other solar options on the market – even Tesla has started make them ! Thisarticle by EcoWatchgives further details .
Here is a straightaway aspect at how we installed our scheme , admit a simple and inexpensive way to installsolar panelsto any roof .
Installing The Solar Panels To The Roof – Without Spending A Fortune!
Any solar major power app first of course with solar panels . Without them , nothing can ever be bill or used .
We chose to use ( 2 ) 150 watt solar panels to power our system . The two control panel are enough to charge our assault and battery / author system completely in about 8 60 minutes of comme il faut sunlight .
We did a lot of research before install our panel . And honestly , the more inquiry we did , the more lost we became .
There are so many method acting and product to install panels . you’re able to use bracket , special clamps , or even all over rail systems to install multiple panels .
One thing is for sure , most of them are fantastically expensive !
So we decided to install our panels using 2 x 4 ’s and a small DIY ingenuity . Although our roof is alloy , this method would shape for a shingled roof as well .
We first installed an aluminum “ L ” distribution channel on the back of the two panels to connect them together . Each panel had an electrical connecter as well that sloven - tailed them together .
Using humble bolt and screws , we attached it to the panel , depart the other portion of the “ L ” as a cleat .
We then installed ( 4 ) 2 x 4 ’s onto the roof with 3″ long galvanize roofing screws . Each 2 x 4 measured 36″ in duration , just slightly shorter than the panel and the “ L ” cleat .
As an added safeguard , we used a silicone polymer sealant on the back of the Ellen Price Wood to help keep any water out as the jailer went into the alloy roof and the studs below .
From there , we merely slip the exterior of the “ L ” cleat over the sharpness of the wood .
To complete the control board install , we run screws through the atomic number 13 channel into the edge of the 2 x 4 ’s . And just like that , our 2 solar panel were in lieu for a grand aggregate of about $ 5 in wood !
Getting Power Inside The Cabin
From there , the rest of the solar install was a cinch !
Since the Inergy unit are stop up and utilise , we simply ran the great duty charging cord from the panels into the cabin .
All that was get out was to plug it into the solar source / battery clique , and we had full top executive !
The source gang has 6 standard issue , 2 USB charging ports and even a 30 amp retail store . And it has solve attractively in the cabin .
We utilise it every night to power our outside lights , and we have used it inside for everything from lights to making coffee . It has even helped to produce an crying pot dinner in the cabin with ease !
Here is to a little off - power grid cabin living ! Jim and Mary
Jim and Mary Competti have been write horticulture , DIY and formula article and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm . The two are frequent speaker on all things gardening and love to travel in their scanty meter .
