off-grid solar for camp

[ArlyA]

The generator will remain in the generator shed along with the LiFePO4 batteries, controls etc etc. This will be next to the panels and not far from the cabin. Batteries will be in the floor if possible.

 

[airbiscuit]

So, the refrigerator runs 24 hrs/day?

 

[ArlyA]

So, the refrigerator runs 24 hrs/day?

You must know they cycle off and on? We plan to have it powered, something like May to October.

 

[airbiscuit]

So average, not actual watts?

 

[D'oh]

So, the refrigerator runs 24 hrs/day?

And 100 Watts on Start Up?

Go ahead and try it. More like 1000w Start surge, 700w running

I was using a 1000w Pure Sine inverter and a 8cu/ft Chest Freezer. But the 12v 11cu/ft Fridge actually burn less amps and is far more convenient to use.

As stated 4, 100w panels on the roof (SW), 1, 195w panel for morning sun (SE). the fridge stays on all summer. A little help when we are using more, however it would run Weekends (in sunny conditions). 6, 6V LA Golf Cart Batteries.

I have a Great wind potential (supplement) , but haven't went down that road yet.

 

[JasperFrank]

I believe its called dry ice.

 

[D'oh]

I believe its called dry ice.

I used Ice for many years, after a close call with a Propane fridge. It works, but a Pain in the AXX hauling everything back every weekend.

Since then, a Lake Neighbour paid with his Life for a Propane Fridge. So I am perfectly happy with this set up.

Most of the "Fly In Outpost Camps" up here, run 300w array for Fridge only. No more flying in 100lb Propane Tanks or Propane Certified Tech for an Inspection every year.

 

[ArlyA]

We will get a 120ac or 12v-40vdc fridge. Not propane or dry ice.

 

[cholland]

if you have wind, some of the smaller wind generators are not too pricey. But you need a pretty consistent 20mph to make it really consistently reliable.

 

[ArlyA]

Below is what my solar pro guy is thinking and the fridge was properly calculated, all the numbers he sent me just weren't updated
---------------------------------------------------------
Here is 12v refrigerator consumption.
12-volt compressor refrigerator/freezers typically consume between
30 to 60 watts while the compressor is running. However, because they cycle on and off, average daily consumption is much lower, generally ranging from 240Wh to 600Wh per day depending on ambient temperature, insulation, and usage

100 amp hour needed battery if mostly summer only fridge use.
3 panels -- 1200 watts but 4 panels would be OK for extra.

 

[ArlyA]

if you have wind, some of the smaller wind generators are not too pricey. But you need a pretty consistent 20mph to make it really consistently reliable.

Not much wind

 

[ponytug]

Below is what my solar pro guy is thinking and the fridge was properly calculated, all the numbers he sent me just weren't updated
---------------------------------------------------------
Here is 12v refrigerator consumption.
12-volt compressor refrigerator/freezers typically consume between
30 to 60 watts while the compressor is running. However, because they cycle on and off, average daily consumption is much lower, generally ranging from 240Wh to 600Wh per day depending on ambient temperature, insulation, and usage

100 amp hour needed battery if mostly summer only fridge use.
3 panels -- 1200 watts but 4 panels would be OK for extra.

If it were me, I'd go for four, but I would also focus on finding a place for them in full sun for as much of the day as possible, 10-2pm especially.

All the best, Peter

 

[D'oh]

Below is what my solar pro guy is thinking and the fridge was properly calculated, all the numbers he sent me just weren't updated
---------------------------------------------------------
Here is 12v refrigerator consumption.
12-volt compressor refrigerator/freezers typically consume between
30 to 60 watts while the compressor is running. However, because they cycle on and off, average daily consumption is much lower, generally ranging from 240Wh to 600Wh per day depending on ambient temperature, insulation, and usage

100 amp hour needed battery if mostly summer only fridge use.
3 panels -- 1200 watts but 4 panels would be OK for extra.

My 10.3 Cu/Ft Fridge Actully draws 72w 6A@12V while running. 12' 10awg wire run

 

[ArlyA]

If it were me, I'd go for four, but I would also focus on finding a place for them in full sun for as much of the day as possible, 10-2pm especially.

All the best, Peter

We have NO problem cutting all trees in the way.

 

[ArlyA]

If it were me, I'd go for four, but I would also focus on finding a place for them in full sun for as much of the day as possible, 10-2pm especially.

All the best, Peter

I should have mentioned that we do plan on 4 panels.

 

[nyone]

But the 12v 11cu/ft Fridge actually burn less amps and is far more convenient to use.

Your forgetting the money factor. 12v fridges cost alot more. So the KW savings really may not be here vs the 120v version.

 

[alexpops]

I've had good luck with outback radian inverters, but the price seems to have increased dramatically since I bought 5-6 years ago. I use 6V golf cart batteries in series, but the outbacks seem to be battery agnostic as long as the voltages match the inverter. Depending on what you want/need they used to be pretty easy to custom configure in terms of bells/whistles/monitoring options and they can be set up in parallel if you need/want more power over time (bug zappers/AC/dehumidifiers/TV/etc.). The pre-configured versions are heavy, but if you don't mind doing the work of removing/reinstalling or ordering the parts separate and installing yourself, it's more manageable to lift in place & mount. I use a 4kw/48V and 8kw/48v at 2 different houses for 120/240 back-up that can be charged from grid/solar/generator/or wind, but they also have 12 and 24V set-ups available, just don't know the charger or output options on those. From when I was doing the research, the higher output models seemed to use better components than the entry level lower in/out versions (across all brands) & better warranties on the higher end units. For the panels, I have 24V 260 watt panels in series so charging is easy. IIRC the efficiency is listed at 92-96% depending on load, and pure sine wave output so sensitive electronics (reason I needed) have no issues. I would guess the savings on the fridge cost going to regular AC would help offset the differential in inverter costs. Plus, you'd have additional available power if necessary for things like battery chargers for tractor/sno machine/air compressor/welder/.../ anything else you might want/need in shop/etc. so repairs could be done at camp instead of hauling home & back.

 

[ArlyA]

We of course have looked at the dc fridge pricing..... We will be using LiFePO4 batteries and some dc/ac converter. I've got a fellow working on all this who is and "expert" were as I am not..

 

[rontaki]

A compressor fridge is going to be a lot more effective than a heater driven (ammonia cycle) fridge, such as those that can run on propane. Probably a lot more efficient as well.
There are also "solid state" fridges that use a thermal junction device to move heat, also not very powerful at cooling.

 

[DGZRT]

Good watch !