Figure Out How Much Power You Use Per Day
Before we can figure out how many solar panels you need, we need to figure out how much power you actually consume at your cabin.
The best way to do this would be to add up all of the average usage of the electric devices and appliances in your cabin. Appliances should state in their owners manual and often on a label somewhere how much power they use on average. If the number they give is yearly kWh, divide that by 365 to get daily usage in kWh. If the number is just in Watts, then multiply that number by how many hours per day its in use then divide that by 1,000 to get the number of kWh per day.
For example, a 400 Watt appliance that runs constantly will use 400 Watts times 24 hours divided by 1,000 which is 9.6 kWh per day. Many appliances are only used occasionally, like a toaster. That might get used 30 minutes per day. So a 500 Watt toaster uses 500 Watts times 0.5 hours divided by 1,000 which is 0.25 kWh per day.
How many lightbulbs are there in your cabin? Whats their output? A 60-watt bulb uses 60 Watts. Multiple 60 watts times the number of bulbs to get total Wattage for all the lights in your cabin. Now multiply that times the approximate number of hours per day that each light is on. Divide by 1,000 and voila! You have kWh per day.
For your reference, the average home in the US uses about 900 kWh per month but can range from 200 up to 2,000 or more. 900 kWh per month equates to about 30 kWh per day.
The Answer To Your Off
Refrigerators in Class A, Class B and Fifth Wheels have gone to residential types. These residentials types will not runn off of your battery bank alone. You need an inverter, a large battery abnk and solar panels to operate seamlessly. A generator on board is always a good choice as well.
Go Power AE-6 Solar Kit
Designed for refrigerators and larger loads
More power from the sun for faster recharge times
Just add a battery bank of 500 to 1000 amp hours, and this kit will usually support your fridge off-grid. There will always be low light weeks where a short generator run or plugin will kepp you going. The AE-6 has the power to keep it charging and running.The six in the name is for 6 solar panels.
A simplier power system for your cabin may just be a powerpack. Our Portable Power Guide may provide some insights into how a portable power unit could make your off-grid cabin livable with basic electronics with a single purchase.
Powerful expandable portable power station
Ecoflow Delta Power Station
What Is An Off Grid Solar System And Who This Is For
Solar power systems are great alternatives to your typical electrical systems. Aside from obvious benefits like energy-efficiency, solar power systems are also cheaper and are friendlier to the environment.
There are three types of solar power systems: 1) on-grid, 2) off-grid, and 3) hybrid solar systems. This article will tackle and focus more on the second type, the off-grid solar power system.
As in their name, solar power systems like a home off grid solar system operate on solar power. They then convert that solar energy into electricity.
Also called stand-alone power systems, off-grid solar systems are basically not connected to any electrical power grid. Because of that, they are equipped with a high-capacity battery bank to store the electricity harvested by the solar panels.
Because of the battery storage, an off-grid solar system is perfect to use in long winters, during adverse weathers or emergencies. During these conditions, there is a high possibility that power outages will occur which can sometimes last from hours to days to weeks.
With an off-grid solar system, your home will not be affected since the system can provide electricity for you. Just make sure that your solar system is designed to have the capacity to meet the electricity needs of your home.
This type of solar system is also perfect to use in remote areas located far from the local electrical grid or in areas that are prone to power outages.
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Using Alte’s Off Grid Solar Calculator
This video will walk you through the process of using the altE Off-Grid Solar Calculator. Our off-grid calculator will help your determine your energy storage needs and the solar exposure at the site where the system will be located. With this information you can confidently size your battery bank, build out the solar array and pick a charge controller.
Canada’s Largest Network Of Solar Professionals Dealers And Installers
Charge Solar proudly serves Canada from coast to coast with warehouses in Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Barrie, Montréal and Halifax. Our incredible network of solar professionals, dealers and installers provides unmatched service and support for Canadians looking to go green with solar energy.
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Understanding Off Grid Power
A refrigerator does not use a lot of power. But they need a brief large draw to start the compressor. Consider upgrading to the next higher package.
These are a few of the requirements that a quick phone call to the Solarwyse Guy can answer for you. He also can help in selecting the right off-grid solar cottage or cabin power package. Above all a package your family will enjoy for years
That is why Solarwyse offers a variety of Solarwise Energy Packages. Custom designed for your cabin solar projects and also peace of mind.
S To Designing A Diy Off
Getting started going off-grid? This video is a great place to start. We’ll take you through the 6 major steps to designing your off-grid-solar systemand we identify the tools you will need to complete the project. Watch the video to learn:
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Benefits Of Off Grid Solar Systems
The most significant benefit of an off-grid solar systems is how you dont have to worry about power outages. Since youre not tied to the citys power source, you wont have to worry about disruptions caused by inclement weather or damaged power lines and equipment.
Another great benefit is that it helps with reducing electricity costs. Although youd be forking out a little more money initially to purchase the off-grid solar system, youll be saving money in the long run, thanks to the low monthly rates and maintenance costs
The installation system of off-grid solar systems is also much easier because they dont have a complex infrastructure. All you need is some tools, and youre good to go, you wont have to fork out extra money to pay for a professional and can do it yourself.
If you live in a rural area, off-grid solar systems are also a great choice. Since theres less advanced infrastructure in those areas, the chances of blackouts are more common. An off-grid solar system can help make your home self-sufficient and more independent from the inconsistency of city power.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Off Grid Solar Power Systems
Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of a product is needed to make an informed choice about it. with this, youll know what to expect and be ready in cases of damage.
Like all devices, an off-grid solar system has its own share of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
Reduce electricity costs
One of the main advantages of solar systems is the reduced electricity costs. For one, solar energy is free unlike your electricity. This is especially advantageous to people living in sunny areas.
Moreover, you can also save in terms of oil and gas prices. Since you rely on solar power, the continuing rise on fossil fuels wont bother you.
Environment-friendly
Since off-grid solar systems rely on solar power, they are also the friendlier choice in terms of the environment. Not only is it cheap, you can also do your part in saving the environment by going solar. Moreover, you can reduce your own familys carbon footprint.
Great for remote areas
Off-grid solar systems are also beneficial to those who live in remote areas. Instead of spending on extending your power lines, you get to save by living off the grid. You also have the freedom of choosing where you live since you can generate your own electricity.
Emergency-ready
Living off the grid is also suitable for those in areas that are prone to power outages or have power failures.
Low maintenance
Moreover, these systems generally have long warranties , so in cases of damages, you can always return them.
Disadvantages
Bulky
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Benefits And Drawbacks Of Off
Off-grid power has many benefits, including:
- Full energy independence, freeing you from tapping into the nearest grid and paying the power company each month for the privilege.
- A nearly non-existent carbon footprint, an attractive option for those concerned about their impact on the environment.
- A way to sidestep the fear by some folks that the grid infrastructure will eventually collapse, along with the economy.
Off-grid power system drawbacks include:
- A system completely independent of the grid requires expensive equipment, which the owner must buy and set up before switching on the lights. On a personal note: When my wife and I were building our cabin in the woods of Ontario, Canada, we initially looked at solar energy as our main source of electricity. Trouble was, even a simple system would have cost us nearly $30,000 and still not satisfied all our electrical needs.
- Off-grid power systems are location dependent. Depending on the type you choose, it wont produce energy all or even most of the time, requiring a backup generator to pick up the slack.
How To Heat Water With Solar Hot Water Heaters
In addition to producing free electricity, solar is also great for heating water. Cost-effective solutions can range coiling up a black water hose inside a black box with a window so that the suns solar UV rays can be absorbed and used to heat hot water and store it in an insulated tank all the way up to very fancy systems that use copper tubing and a host of add-on features that will keep the water from freezing at night when the sun isnt shining.
In addition to household hot water, solar water heaters can be used to heat stock tanks and ponds, water troughs, greenhouses as well as water used for outdoor bathrooms, hot tubs, showers and radiant floor heating.
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Off Grid Solar System Factors
First and foremost, calculate your load. Figure out the total load of your home. This will determine the power and quality of your off grid solar system. Next, youll want to consider the battery your system will need to store electricity.
There are different types of batteries, and it depends on the appliances youll be running and your power sources. However, these systems will use lead-acid batteries, and a larger system will require a more significant bank.
As part of your solar array, youll need to consider the solar panel. Make sure that youre getting sufficient solar energy, and thats determined by the number of hours the sun is shining on your solar panels.
There are different types of solar panels available, and the most popular is monocrystalline solar panels. These generate the most electricity, but they can be pricey. For smaller loads, amorphous solar panels are a great choice.
Ecoworthy 800w Solar Wind Power Kit
The EcoWorthy 800W comes with a Wind Turbine Generator that solves the problem that solar panels could not work during night time or when the sun is not strong enough. It has a low start-up speed, high wind power utilization, lightweight, low vibration with 3 blades and auto windward direction adjustment.
The solar power kit features a PWM Hybrid Controller that protects the battery. This feature allows it to shut down when the battery is charged, protect it from overcharge and short circuit.
Pros:
- Durability issues under harsh weather conditions
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Finding Peak Sun Hours
Now, you already know how much electricity your cabin uses, thanks to the above table.
But how many peak sun hours does it receive?
To figure this out you need to use a website called Global Solar Atlas.
We created a quick video to show you what to do:
In our example video, we determined that your cabin receives 5.4 peak sun hours a day.
Windynation 400 Watt Solar Kit
- Complete kit and ready to install
- High efficiency solar panels
- Ideal for cabins, homes and recreational vehicles
- May need battery replacement
- Charging varies from sunlight availability
When shopping around for a good off-grid solar system, you should also not miss the WindyNation. It is a complete kit that will give you the convenience and ease of installation as well as use. Choosing it, you will not have a hard time to set it up in your cabin, home, recreational vehicle or boat, among others.
One of the things that make the WindyNation a good choice is its a complete kit. This model includes a 100W polycrystalline solar panel, solar charge controller, solar cable, connectors, mounting hardware and so on. Buying it, you dont need to buy any other accessories because it is ready to install.
Another thing that I liked about the off-grid solar system is that it comes with battery cables and AGM deep cycle batteries, which are maintenance free, too.
In addition, I liked the solar system because it is good as a remote and backup power source. You can also use it in boats and other applications you need power source. So if youre living off the grid and want an efficient system, you might want to take a look at the WindyNation.
On the downside, the solar system requires battery replacement. Its charging also varies from sunlight availability.
So whenever you need a power source or a remote power source, you can rely on the WindyNation 400W solar system kit.
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Canada’s Full Service Provider Of Custom System Designs And Engineered Solutions
Charge Solar has been delivering custom engineered renewable energy solutions to our trusted dealers and installation partners throughout Canada for over 30 years. We have designed and developed solar electric systems for commercial, industrial, institutional, military, multi-residential, and telecom applications.
Using Alte’s Loads List Calculator
Confused about determining how much energy you will need for your off-grid solar electric system to create? That’s where our loads list calculator can help. The altE electric loads list calculator will help you tally all of your appliances to get the how many watt-hours per day your system will need to cover. Take a look at the video then head over to the loads list calculator page to get started.
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Renogy 100 Watt Off Grid Solar Premium Kit
This off-grid solar system comes with a regular monocrystalline panel thats both sleek and durable. Its meant to provide you with the highest efficiency per area, while the rover charger controller will ensure peak conversion efficiency.
Your purchase comes with a four-stage battery charging process thats quick and efficient. For complete protection, the set also comes with a junction box. Those who have purchased this kit mentioned that its of high quality, and they felt that the quality of the components was nearly flawless.
Performance-wise, it tends to vary, but individuals have mentioned that they could get 22-24 amps out of the system. Others have also raved about the Bluetooth module that they can use for monitoring performance while dry camping.
Pros:
Determining System Size & Number Of Panels
Now you can continue using our formula to determine your systems size and the number of corresponding panels:
214 kWh ÷ 164.32 = 1.30kW
This means your cabin will require a 1.3kW solar system in order to offset your daily energy usage.
Now, using the formula, lets figure out how many solar panels that equals:
÷ 300 = 4.3 panels needed for our solar-powered cabin.
Note:
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Adding Solar Panels To Your Cabin
We all like to get away. Some of us like to really get away. This is where small off grid cabins are found. These are cabins found in the middle of the woods where power and cable lines are few and far between.
Solar power is perfect for these small cabins. Solar can provide basic power for lighting, power inverters, and battery charging.
Most solar setups will require that your cabin meet certain basic solar requirements.
- Cabin must have southern exposure that receives full sunlight.
- Owner must be able to bring solar panels to cabin, even if one at a time.
- Solar panels should be able to be secured for inclimate weather.
- Solar Exposure should be within 50 feet of cabin to reduce wire size.
- Owner should expect to also need batteries, power inverter, and charge controller.
A basic solar cabin uses the following components.
- Cables from inverter to Battery Bank
- Solar Charge Controller
This diagram does not include every feature or design item, but is a simple layout to help you understand what components are included in setting up a cabin for off grid solar use. Many people use DC lighting in combination with higher quality AC lighting to fill in when needed. We can help you calculate a system for you. Expect to buy a really large solar setup to run even a small air conditioner, electric heater or normal refrigerator. However other loads can be done even with a modest solar panel setup. Check out our Solar Cabin Page!
