150 Sq. Ft. Cabin Build. Help with solar ideas.

[CoachEarl]

I had a grand plan in my head, but once I get to work on the cabin, I'll probably start small and learn how it all works along the way then make it fancy as I progress.

 

[CoachEarl]

Here are the basics I have discovered so far for a simple system.

What you need:

Solar Panel - Plan to start with a 100W and work up from there

Charge Controller - this goes from panel to battery to charge battery

Inverter- connected to battery to make usable power

Again, this is the super basics and I am going to research benefits of buying a starter kit or building it piece by piece myself. I think it will cost more to build it myself, but quality could be much better.

If anyone has some recommendations, I'm all ears.

 

[GLyford]

I suspect you know all this, but just to touch all the bases: inverters all lose some of their power in the process, so anything you can run off battery voltage without converting first will save you run time.

Running 12v lights and charging phones and such are all pretty easy using car battery adapters without making house current first. Even some stuff like CPAP machines can have car adapters.

Only run an inverter for the one or two things you can only run that way, and only for just as long as you need it (so the inverter is not draining the battery doing nothing on standby). Sort of like RV camping without the wheels...

Anything that makes heat (hotplate, toaster, hair dryer, space heater, microwave etc.) sucks down a lot of juice even when running 12v versions, so consider using gas/propane where possible for those tasks.

 

[Diggin It]

You only need an inverter if you want 110AC for some appliance. You won't need one if you only use low voltage items. Lights, fans, radios, even TVs are available in 12VDC models now. I think there are even small refrigerators now that run on 12VDC.

You talked about needing air conditioning and that can be done with a portable generator at less cost than trying to get it from a small solar set up.

If you need heat, consider kerosene or propane, both of which can be carried in by vehicle as needed.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Or just buy a small, older, used camper trailer, screw some solar panels to the roof, set a small genny outside.

Pull it to the location a month before hunting season, pull it home after season is over. If you're not leaving it on site year 'round, you don't have to worry about "undocumented folks" finding it and using/trashing it during the long periods of time that it will be left unsupervised.

Why all the drama?

Or just plan on rebuilding the hunting shack every year. New windows, door, lights, solar panels, batteries, etc. Anything of value will get "lost" or destroyed. Been there, done that, brought home the T-shirts.

 

[kenacp]

I have 1200watts in panels, run 24vt dc to inverter and use Trojan golf cart batteries for my place in Mississippi. I got the equipment from my son in law, who worked for a solar dist. co. (so not too expensive).

Works great. Runs LED lights, tv, dvd, fans, small coffee maker, microwave on med., small a/c will drain batteries. Use propane to heat, cook and hot water.
My advise is to get a Honda EU 2000. Much cheaper.

 

[hayden]

Do you think you will run the AC 24x7 every day? Or just part of the time, and if so how much?

I ask because AC typically mandates a generator, and if you have a generator, then you don't need solar or anything else. If you need the AC running most of the time, then maybe just run it anytime you need power and be done. For periodic use, it's probably the easiest and simplest approach.

And +1 on insulation. It makes a huge difference in the heat gain in a building, and the resulting AC load.

Now before anyone squawks at me, it's not that I'm opposed to solar. Just the opposite as I have an off-grid solar home. I'm just trying to be practical about the application and what's needed.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I agree with Hayden, why put all the expense of solar into a short duration use hunting cabin and still need a generator to run AC, microwave etc. Just get a generator sized to run the whole shebang at once if needed. Bring in enough fuel to last your expected stay then load it up and take it home with you when you are through hunting. Nothing left to vandalize except the cabin itself.
Perhaps even better would be a self-contained camper that you could haul in and out so no issue of "temp residents" or vandals to deal with.

Solar or wind power is still not developed enough to be practical monetarily for the individual to use for temporary quarters. If you are attempting to live off the grid full time, it is still high dollar but necessarily can be done more cost effectively than for temporary dwelling.

 

[skipperbrown]

I'd go with 2 honda 2000 generators paired together for 4000 watts. This will run your a/c and each generator and more and can easily be handled by 1 person and 2 2000w Hondas are cheaper than one 4000w. The power units are quiet and sip gas. AND you will have 2 generators for use at home or in the field. Solar doesn't work very well at night or during rainy days, doesn't supply a lot of juice for the $ and you'll be replacing heavy, expensive batteries every 5 yrs or sooner if someone decides they need your batteries more than you do.

 

[Diggin It]

I'll have to agree that the inexpensive solar systems are suitable for limited use of a few lights or to charge things. I don't see them as useful for any sort of long term use.

Then as someone mentioned, if you leave that kind of thing out there, will it be there when you return? You know the potential for misdeeds in that area better than any of us.