SolarDIY is a vibrant community dedicated to embracing the power of solar energy. Here, we encourage you to showcase your ingenious ideas, innovative projects, and inspiring stories, while also seeking valuable advice, fresh ideas, and fostering meaningful connections.
Our passion lies in witnessing the remarkable achievements of individuals who have harnessed the potential of solar energy. Whether you have successfully wired your entire house with solar panels, created a portable solar-powered generator, or crafted an efficient solar pool heater, we are eager to learn from your experiences and celebrate your accomplishments.
Join us on this empowering journey as we explore the endless possibilities of solar energy and inspire one another to make a positive impact on our environment and our lives. Together, we can unlock the full potential of solar power and shape a sustainable future.
Share your DIY solar projects, exchange knowledge, and let your creativity shine!
I've added an inverter sizing calculator to my website WattBuild. The goal is to establish what devices will be used, and to calculate continuous and surge power requirements using typical loads from our device research.
Open to any feedback!
cross-posted from: https://natur.23.nu/post/12050
I wanted to park my bikes - or depending on the Season - my Renault Twizy somewhat protected and easy accessible.
After adjusting the yard fence to form a pocket I put a frame aluminium profiles on top. On top of that is a second frame which is angled at 10 degrees and on that are the solar panels.
10 degrees seem to be a viable compromise between self cleaning, sun capture, construction height and openings to the elements on the side.
It was much more challenging than i thought to find solar modules with a form factor fitting the shed.
4 Standard modules where far to big. So I choose two modern 410 Wp modules and 3 130 Wp “camping” modules.
I got two 600 W dyne (“Bosswerk”) Micro-inverters cheap, because everybody want’s 800 W now and they have a regulatory issue with a missing relay.
The 130 kWp panels are cabled serially but still seem to have issues getting enough voltage to start the inverter in the morning.
I’m happy with the project. Things in the shed are getting much less wet during rain und not baking hot during sunshine.
I might close the gaps between the panels obe day but that is low priority- the thing was never meant to be totally watertight.
I also like it being some kind of Solarpunk landmark in our street.
Hey guys I am planning to do my own solar and am looking into some kits and prices. I was quoted $22k for a 7.4kw system but I'm thinking of doing a 12.7kw one myself without the bloat of a loan and contractor install.
The problem I'm currently having is trying to pair up a premium panel with Enphase microinverter. I see that REC is highly regarded as one of the best, but the REC 420 is only compatible with the IQ8X which together will run me over 14k for just the panels and inverters, let alone the rest of the infrastructure. But the REC 400 is compatible with the IQ8A.
Suntansolar has some pretty nice kits, one of which has the ZNshine 410's that run a little longer but I should have the space, as well as the Iq8a micros. But I'm not familiar with that brand.
Does anyone have experience with a good combo set of panels and inverters? I think generally the consensus has been that microinverters are the way to go.
Can I connect a 5w 5w solar panel directly into a 10k mAh portable battery bank safely via USB 2.0, or does it need some sort of protection in-between like a solar charge controller or a schottky diode?
Example of battery bank (except one with usb 2.0 input): https://www.anker.com/ca/products/a1229
Example of solar panel: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006012344670.html
