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Solar power station DIY projects? (palaver.p3x.de)

submitted 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) by hendrik@palaver.p3x.de to c/askelectronics@discuss.tchncs.de

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I just found out I can buy a decent 400W solar panel in the local hardware store for around 90€ these days.

Are there people around with experience in off-grid solar? There is quite some supply in cheap MPTT charge controllers on the internet. And I can't afford a 700€ power station. But I would be able to buy a few power tool batteries or one of the lead-acid batteries people put in their caravan. Are there projects building a power station myself? Is this even worth it?

Maybe someone alredy wrote a blog post with recommendations or findings and failures along the way. Or has something similar running at home?

(Thanks to the mods for steering me towards the correct community.)

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[–] abeorch@friendica.ginestes.es 2 points 2 days ago (2 children)

@hendrik What is this Powerbstation thing? Its just solar panels + charge controller + batteries and some cables. If you must get an inverter but use it only when you absolutely must. Much better is Dc to Dc conversion for most electronics.

[–] abeorch@friendica.ginestes.es 2 points 1 day ago

@hendrik I saw some company selling a 'powerstation' with a 200w panel for what looked like £1300! Nuts!

[–] hendrik@palaver.p3x.de 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Yes. I'm mainly looking for options for the charge controller and batteries part. (Preferably good, reliable and cost-effective.) I already found a solar panel, and I don't necessarily need an inverter and 230V AC. I think something like 12V would be fine for some applications, if I got battery monitoring and over-discharge prevention.

[–] abeorch@friendica.ginestes.es 2 points 1 day ago

@hendrik Yup. Just look online for the millions of people who have put together a MPTT charge controller which will do everything with what ever their budget supports, lead acid or the more expensive deep cycle batteries. Good thick cables from panels to controller and battery are important.

We put 1200watts on our bus roof. Spend your money on as many panels as possible and a controller to support them first then add battery capacity as you can afford it if money an issue.