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Solar Charging and Power

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by lusso64, Oct 14, 2005.

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  1. lusso64

    lusso64 Formula 3

    Apr 12, 2004
    1,535
    Simi Valley
    Full Name:
    David
    #1 lusso64, Oct 14, 2005
    I need to provide power to my home irrigation system controller that the PO installed in the middle of the yard. Rather than dig a long trench or string a wire up, I want to power this thing by solar power - you know - do my bit for the environment and all....

    The controller requires 28V AC, so I need a small inverter from the 12VDC of the cell/battery. Rather than run down to Fry's and buy junk, can anyone recommend any suppliers/brands they have had good experiences with?

    In summary, I am planning a cell, regulator/charger, 12VDC lead gel, and a 12VDC to 28VAC inverter.

    thanks in advance, Dave

    BTW - I am in SoCal, so local advice would be awesome!
     
  2. BWS550

    BWS550 Wants to be a mod

    Apr 1, 2002
    8,933
    NEW JERSEY
    Full Name:
    BRUCE WELLINGTON
    #2 BWS550, Oct 14, 2005


    FOR A GREAT BRAND, I RECOMMEND TRACE OR TRIPPLITE....

    BRUCE
     
  3. lusso64

    lusso64 Formula 3

    Apr 12, 2004
    1,535
    Simi Valley
    Full Name:
    David
    #3 lusso64, Oct 14, 2005
    Bruce, do you sell 'em?

    Dave
     
  4. BWS550

    BWS550 Wants to be a mod

    Apr 1, 2002
    8,933
    NEW JERSEY
    Full Name:
    BRUCE WELLINGTON
    #4 BWS550, Oct 14, 2005
    WOULD GO WITH TRIPPLITE

    WWW.TRIPPLITE.COM

    CAN BE WRONG BUT GOGGLE THEM

    CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE AND FIND AN INVERTER

    I CAN GET IT FOR YOU..

    BRUCE
     
  5. 356racing

    356racing Formula Junior

    Sep 24, 2004
    541
    Paradise Valley, AZ
    #5 356racing, Oct 14, 2005
    Forget solar and go for the Toro Remote Series products. The valves are about $200 and the remote to program them is $300. I used them at a property I owned that did not have power and they worked great.
     
  6. TimN88

    TimN88 F1 Veteran

    Jun 12, 2001
    5,054
    Northeast
    Full Name:
    Tim
    #6 TimN88, Oct 14, 2005
    Do you know the power requirements of the irrigation system? That will dictate the size/amount of the photovoltaic collectors you will need.
    Also, have you spoken with anyone about collector placement?
    I have some knowledge about solar energy and solar engineering. Proper orientation is crucial to making a system that is not only economical, but one that is even functional to begin with. Some collectors dont work AT ALL if any part of them is shaded.
    It doesnt make sense to use a tracking system for your application, so i would just recommend angling them equal to the latitude of wherever you are, which is standard practice for fixed collectors.
     
  7. lusso64

    lusso64 Formula 3

    Apr 12, 2004
    1,535
    Simi Valley
    Full Name:
    David
    #7 lusso64, Oct 14, 2005
    Tim,

    It has an AC transformer at present (110-28) and it draws less than 10 mA on standby, and up to 2 amps whenever the srinklers are on. Time at this rate is less than 15 minutes per day. I am looking at a 12V cell rated at between 4 and 6 amps, battery at 20AH, and will use the excess capacity to run the automatic gates once I get them. Hence the large battery. The gate vendor indicates a 4 amp cell and 20AH battery will yield 20-30 gate cycles per day in SoCal. I don't think we'd ever need more than 10.

    The real killer with this is getting a 12VDC to 28VAC inverter. It's looking like I'll have to get a standard 12VDC - 110VAC inverter and plug in the transformer. I was hoping to avoid this, but I think it is going to be the cheapest route, and besides, I can always find a use for a 110VAC outlet in the middle of the yard....

    Dave
     
  8. BWS550

    BWS550 Wants to be a mod

    Apr 1, 2002
    8,933
    NEW JERSEY
    Full Name:
    BRUCE WELLINGTON
    #8 BWS550, Oct 14, 2005


    DAVE

    I HAVE A 12 V 7 AMP GELL CELL (SEALED LEAD ACID) BATTERY IF YOU NEED

    BRUCE
     

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