TOMDUALLY
Silver Member
could you use an alunimum tool box that fits under the bed of a flat bed truck? they're waterproof, just lay them on thier back so that the lid opens up instead of out
Battery Box Needed, underground, watertight
- Thread starter RichNJKubota
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fractal
Gold Member
It is true that 250 ft of #6 wire required for 100amps of 48v will be more pricey than 250 ft of #10 for 30 amps of 220v, but I would still be reluctant to put the batteries in a sealed box in the ground, even sealed lead acid batteries which as you say do not vent under normal circumstances. The batteries will still heat up as they charge and they do require ventilation for cooling.
Likewise, your inverter is going to require a substantial amount of cooling. The one grid tie inverter system I have had experience with used to derate on sunny days due to the inverters overheating. A large fan blowing on the heat sinks of the inverters took care of that problem. Again, this needed ventilation.
I second (or is it third) the advice of a small above ground structure big enough to enclose the batteries and to mount the inverters. Big enough that you won't be too uncomfortable every few years when you have to replace the batteries, but small enough that it is not obstructive.
Anything below ground is going to collect water unless you install a sump pump or the like unless you seal it, and sealing it will not let it breathe.
Likewise, your inverter is going to require a substantial amount of cooling. The one grid tie inverter system I have had experience with used to derate on sunny days due to the inverters overheating. A large fan blowing on the heat sinks of the inverters took care of that problem. Again, this needed ventilation.
I second (or is it third) the advice of a small above ground structure big enough to enclose the batteries and to mount the inverters. Big enough that you won't be too uncomfortable every few years when you have to replace the batteries, but small enough that it is not obstructive.
Anything below ground is going to collect water unless you install a sump pump or the like unless you seal it, and sealing it will not let it breathe.
have_blue
Veteran Member
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( How come? Cost, inconvenience, problems? )</font>
The small unit instantly paid for itself. It was about 1/3 the price of running power from the road. It's all I need for my tractor shed to run my power tools, air compressor, lights, etc.
A larger unit would probably not pay for itself in my lifetime, (at least not in my area) so there's no point spending the money.
But I do enjoy the little unit. It works its little tail off, and doesn't cost a cent. I'll need t buy a pair of golf cart batteries about every 5-7 years, but that's only $100 a pair. $20 a year isn't bad for power!
The small unit instantly paid for itself. It was about 1/3 the price of running power from the road. It's all I need for my tractor shed to run my power tools, air compressor, lights, etc.
A larger unit would probably not pay for itself in my lifetime, (at least not in my area) so there's no point spending the money.
But I do enjoy the little unit. It works its little tail off, and doesn't cost a cent. I'll need t buy a pair of golf cart batteries about every 5-7 years, but that's only $100 a pair. $20 a year isn't bad for power!
MicroPilot
Veteran Member
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( ...A larger unit would probably not pay for itself in my lifetime, (at least not in my area) so there's no point spending the money. ...)</font>
Yea, I would love to get off the grid, but we have some of the lowest electric rates in the country and that makes it hard to justify the cost of a whole house installation.
Yea, I would love to get off the grid, but we have some of the lowest electric rates in the country and that makes it hard to justify the cost of a whole house installation.