Solar, as in, electrically

[Eel Freak]

Hi!

I have a VorTech MP40w like many of us do and was thinking about the battery back-up when I had a thought. VorTechs have that AC/DC adapter that goes from 120v AC to 24v DC and into the controller... Solar panels produce DC current... Living in the Sunshine State, I had the thought of, "what would it take to make my VorTech solar-energy-driven?" Now, I am not the best as far as electrical math (I know the basics, but that is about it...) so I was wondering if anyone here could get me started in the right direction? I know so far that I need a panel, I think I need two 12v Deep Cycle batteries to get the 24v needed, and I definitely need overcharge protection. If anyone could get me pointed the right way, that would be awesome. Thanks in advance!

 

[Eel Freak]

I have found some 12v -> 24v step-up converters... (this specifically: http://www.current-logic.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=9) In theory would I be able to then hook up a car battery at 12v with this in-line and plug it into the normal 24v current spot on the controller? TIA!

 

[fragboy94]

dang never thought abt tht people are always finding ways to go green

 

[crazylegs]

Car batteries arent deep cycle. But other than that, you are on the right track. You'll need some type of limiting switch to direct electricity from the batteries when they are charged. You'll then need some kind of power sink, because the panels will keep producing electricity as long as there is light. I've seen small wind generator builds where they used a couple of incandescent lights as the sink when the batteries are full.

 

[chimmike]

harbor freight has a solar system that you can use to charge up marine deep cycle batteries, run a dc/ac converter to the vortech. not cheap no matter how you slice it.

 

[moparace]

EBAY!!! there everything on ebay

 

[b16drag]

Thought about doing the same thing but with the entire tank.

I'd really avoid buying solar panels or system from harbor freight, HD, or lowes.. most of those are pretty low quality stuff. The internet will have much better options and at lower prices. I think you can get deep cycle batteries for cheap prices at usbattery.com


I've been eyeing the solar panels from solar-deals.com for our house. They had even better prices than ebay.

I forgot to add that you may need more than just 1 panel simply because it will take quite a bit of time to recharge both the battery. The more panels the quicker it will recharge. Just an FYI.

Other option is to find a converter that goes from 12V to 24V, instead of using 2 deep cycle batteries.

 

[pszemol]

Remember - each conversion step, as efficient they are, you are still loosing energy.

I would rather connect two smaller deep cycle marine batteries to get 24V instead of step up converters. Added bonus is double capacity.

You can wire solar pannels & chargers easily the way you can charge two 12V batteries in series, directly.

 

[PurdueWaterGuy]

Go to the bookstore and find a copy of "Home Power" magazine. They have all sorts of archives on line as well. Totally dedicated to exactly what you want to accomplish.

Look up AGM batteries, they are the best to use for a floating backup. Sealed so you don't have to worry about acid getting out, long lifetime, low internal resistance, all around the best choice for backup work.

I've harvested all sorts of good info from "Home Power". It's helped me figure out how to maintain the big pile of batteries that keep four radio repeaters going for the campus ham radio club.

Oh, don't forget to read up on battery boxes and fusing - big batteries have lots of energy tied up inside, and an accidental short can be catastrophic.

Tim

@ home, 90 gallon tank, dry, waiting for the remodelling to be over
@ work, 19,000 gallon per day RO