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Alternative power

  • 17-09-2015 1:42pm
    #1
    ShadowFox
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,111 ✭✭✭


    I'm looking into a backup power source for running a chest freezer and larder fridge with the start up I need around 2000 watts a day. So far I have 6 12v batteries which are recharged by mains power which will give me 3 days power. Is anyone running solar panels in Ireland that could give some advice on what size panel would suit


Comments

  • #2
    hexosan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,740 ✭✭✭hexosan


    Constructionpv owner posts on the c&p renewables forum. Quentin


  • #3
    my3cents
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,764 ✭✭✭my3cents


    ShadowFox wrote: »
    I'm looking into a backup power source for running a chest freezer and larder fridge with the start up I need around 2000 watts a day. So far I have 6 12v batteries which are recharged by mains power which will give me 3 days power. Is anyone running solar panels in Ireland that could give some advice on what size panel would suit

    As I've said I'm thinking of playing with PV solar power and I say playing because the figures I have seen so far don't make it viable at many (any) levels. Put some panel size figures into this website and it will give you an idea on what you would need. Note you need to set an exact location each time or you get the wrong figures.

    From my calculations to provide 2000 Watts of power in the winter you need 2000 Watts worth of panels because our winter worst peak sun hours are just less than ONE. In other words you get no more than one hours worth of the panels rating in a day.

    I think you need to assume that anytime you need to use a solar power backup its going to be at the worst time of year for producing power and that you are going to be off for more than just a day. If you just want to cover yourself for a day or two then its a different calculation and you are calculating the minimum power of panels necessary to charge batteries that will run your equipment for the relevant time span.


  • #4
    my3cents
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,764 ✭✭✭my3cents


    Hmmm, think I missread the OP or at least mistranslated what was meant by 2000 Watts because thinking about it that must include the stating power. So the actual Watts used when running is likely to be far less than that. So take the power used when running as a starting point for the sizing the panels add a bit on say 25% for the power used to start the motor so I would think that something in the 400Watt range might just do it all year round.


  • #5
    ShadowFox
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,111 ✭✭✭ShadowFox


    my3cents wrote: »
    Hmmm, think I missread the OP or at least mistranslated what was meant by 2000 Watts because thinking about it that must include the stating power. So the actual Watts used when running is likely to be far less than that. So take the power used when running as a starting point for the sizing the panels add a bit on say 25% for the power used to start the motor so I would think that something in the 400Watt range might just do it all year round.

    Start up power doesn't come into it as the power is coming from the batteries what I need is panels to recharge a minimum of 2 batteries in a day more if possible


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