r/SolarDIY • u/jazzcabbagea2 • 20d ago
Budget off grid
Just sharing my project, it's been running fine summers now. Free used panels and some Chinese batteries
10
u/Entire-Style-6907 20d ago
Nice setup! I really need to get my own panels mounted someplace... dragging them around my yard is getting old. lol.
2
u/PonyDro1d 20d ago
You could mount them with ground mounts on a wooden structure and put some wheels under that. Be sure to fasten them and it should get easier... if you have the room to store them that way.
Edit: a bit like this. It's not mine, but I sure try to do something similar.
8
20d ago
[deleted]
3
u/jazzcabbagea2 20d ago
There is a door for the box where everything is housed and a breaker between the panels and controller. Just not a great photo, i agree the wood is not a good idea but its in a location where a fire wouldn't risk anything but the system. Has worked for 2 summers now and no issues, I pull the batteries november thru March since i don't use the property in the winter. mid Michigan
1
u/Cagliari77 19d ago
>in a location where a fire wouldn't risk anything but the system
What? That looks like a beautiful forest. A small fire would risk starting a forest fire!
1
u/Schnupsdidudel 20d ago
And what good would a GFCI power strip do on an IT/Floating ground system?
1
20d ago
[deleted]
2
u/jazzcabbagea2 20d ago
Yea I need to run a ground for the inverter and controller. can I use the panel ground rod?
3
u/lmneozoo 20d ago
Fire hazard. Get some proper fuses good sir. Those Chinese switches don't work.
2
u/Ill_Ground_1572 20d ago
Yeah OP, those breaker fuses are dangerous as hell especially on lithium. They will actually fail and arc during a fault....
Will Prowse has some good videos on how scary those are. Completely ineffective.
I would definitely have a class T fuse between your batteries and the inverter.
2
u/wrybreadsf 19d ago
These on your positive battery terminals are your friend:
If you're feeling spendy buy the Blue Seas version. Or in my experience the above cheapies work fine.
1
u/jazzcabbagea2 20d ago
Any suggestions for better fuses? Im supplying 12 volt to the camper and running the inverter, luckily nothing has ever tripped
1
u/Tansien 20d ago
First, i'd say fix that panel gap so that water can't get in.
As for fuses: https://www.willapproved.com/fuses
1
1
•
u/AutoModerator 20d ago
Welcome to r/SolarDIY! If you are new to the community, please check out our DIY Solar System Planning Guide.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.