0

The electricity where I live is pretty expensive at about almost 30 cents a KWh, so I'm considering setting up a solar system. I got 3 100 Watt Polycrystalline solar panels a while ago, pretty cheap. I live in the Caribbean, so I have access to a lot of sun. I am planning to connect my 1 HP well pump to the system. It runs about 350 Watts and starts at about 800 Watts. I plan to maybe connect my refrigerator later on which runs at about the same wattage.

I was thinking of getting an MPPT Solar Controller. Not sure if 60 amps is too much. I plan to get more solar panels later on with higher wattage. Also thinking of getting either a 2,000 or 3,000 Power Inverter. Still not sure which battery to get.

Could you guys give me some recommendations on a good setup for what I plan to power and some room to grow.

Thanks.

Improve this question
2
  • Is grid-tie an option where you're at? That's going to be a major determinant here...also, how concerned are you about first-cost when it comes to batteries? – ThreePhaseEel Nov 29 '19 at 6:04
  • Unfortunately, "shopping" questions are off-topic here. – Daniel Griscom Nov 29 '19 at 11:46
1

There are two types of problems you'll need to overcome:

  • High instantaneous loads, such as compressors and some well pumps, require high-output batteries and inverter. Though you state startup requires 800 W, for a second or so, it might draw several times as much power. A 3 kW inverter probably can handle that, using a few batteries in parallel. This should work, since well pumps run intermittently and likely won't deplete the battery in the long run.
  • Refrigeration loads run frequently, and are often the biggest energy consumer in a household. You'd need a large photovoltaic array to charge in daylight, and large capacity batteries to run the fridge at night and when the sun is not at optimum angle. You might be better off using a small automotive refrigerator or marine refrigerator, designed to run directly from batteries sans inverter. They have less room, and likely cannot keep ice cream solid, but are generally more practical off-the-grid.

A home rerigerator might use ~30-150 kW-Hours/mo, ~1-5 kW-hours/day, and you'd need about three times that capacity in solar generation, because panels are rated for peak output, in direct, perpendicular, sunlight. You'll also need additional storage capacity for rainy periods. For a 0.4 cubic meter (14 cubic foot) high-efficiency home refrigerator, that comes to ~3,000 watts in photovoltaic panels, and ~3,000 watt/hours (250 ampere-hours at 12 volts) in batteries to run just the fridge daily and for two rainy days. You can perform the same calculations for a specific high-efficiency automotive or marine refrigerator. If you have access to cold ocean water, some marine fridges can use that to cool the condenser unit, making the device more efficient.

Hint: If the power fails, eat the ice cream first. ;-)

However, if you're already wired into a local energy supplier, can you sell back any excess electricity generated? That obviates the need for expensive storage batteries with limited life-span. In the USA, for example, "With a grid-connected system, when your renewable energy system generates more electricity than you can use at that moment, the electricity goes onto the electric grid for your utility to use elsewhere. The Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act... requires power providers to purchase excess power..." Look into option this in the Caribbean, where you live,

Improve this answer
3
  • 1
    I do agree with a utility interactive system since the kWh cost is high this is one place I would expect it to pay for itself. Grid interactive would save more because of battery limited life and you are grid tied already, all but one of the systems I have installed have been grid tied and when you are not using all the power you generate reduces your bill. In some cases the utility is required to pay more than the thirty cents per kWh since it is clean power (something to check into) as a 1 hp motor the fla would be 746w and the starting current should be 3-5x , but it may not be true 1 hp + – Ed Beal Nov 29 '19 at 4:05
  • I don't plan to sell back any electricity to the grid. The Electric utility buys back at less than than 10 cents a KWh and the hassle to get a meter and certifications are not worth it all. – Rick Nov 29 '19 at 13:01
  • @Rick, then see the info on energy use for a fridge that I've added. – DrMoishe Pippik Nov 29 '19 at 18:50

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.