Solar Power
We live off the grid and use only the power that is harvested from our solar panels. As solar enthusiasts, we never miss a chance to collaborate on solar power projects with our friends and neighbors, or share ideas with other homesteaders.
- Our Current Power System
- Our current power system consists of five solar panels (totaling 615 watts), six AGM batteries, a 60 amp charge controller and a 2000 watt inverter. As we designed and constructed this evolution of our solar power system we incorporated as much equipment as possible from our previous system.
- 375 Watt Solar Power System
- Our 375 watt solar power system consisted of three solar panels, three AGM batteries, a 30 amp charge controller and a 2000 watt inverter. This particular system was upgraded 3 times in our first year here, as we added to it piece by piece.
- Installing Solar Panels
- In February 2006 Patrick installed 2 panels for a friend of ours. This is a brief overview of that process.
- Upgrading Our 375 Watt Solar Power System
- In the fall of 2005 Patrick redesigned our solar power system to be more efficient and capable of powering our trailer's 12 volt DC furnace. We added 3 new AGM batteries, a fused power distribution panel and greatly reduced the length of wire in our entire system.
- Building a Solar Panel
- Alternative Energy Club Project - August '06
- Installing a 2000 Watt Inverter
- In January of 2006 we purchased and installed a 2000 Watt Inverter so that we could power our new (and small) microwave oven.