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electrical:solar:rationing [2017/10/26 12:18] frater_secessus [unusual conditions] |
electrical:solar:rationing [2019/09/28 17:09] frater_secessus [minimizing loads] |
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====== Rationing solar power ====== | ====== Rationing solar power ====== | ||
- | Sometimes normal awareness is not enough to keep a solar setup functioning with usable power. | + | Sometimes normal awareness is not enough to keep a solar setup functioning with usable power. |
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+ | Here are some examples: | ||
+ | * a stretch of rainy days | ||
+ | * a forest campsite with no good access to sunlight | ||
+ | * smoke from forest fires | ||
+ | * very short winter days | ||
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* find and eliminate parasitic loads | * find and eliminate parasitic loads | ||
- | * turn off anything you don't need right now | + | * make it a habit to turn off anything you don't need //right now//. Channel your Inner Dad who says "turn off the lights when you leave the room!" |
- | * shift charging of phones, laptops, etc [[electrical: | + | * timeshift |
* charge light sources during full sun and use them at night | * charge light sources during full sun and use them at night | ||
- | * go to bed early, sleep late :-) | + | * go to bed with the sun, rise with the sun |
* use low-power entertaining like reading instead of power-hungry entertainment like TV, gaming console, etc | * use low-power entertaining like reading instead of power-hungry entertainment like TV, gaming console, etc | ||
- | * reduce or eliminate | + | * turn down screen brightness on phones, tablets, TVs |
- | * open your refrigerator as little as possible after sundown | + | * Inverters |
+ | * minimize the use of inverters by using 12v appliances and adapters when possible | ||
+ | * turn inverters off when not in use | ||
+ | * size the inverter to meet the needs of your biggest loads. | ||
+ | * use MSW unless your intended uses need PSW; MSW have lower parasitic draws. | ||
+ | * open your [[food: | ||
+ | * [[food: | ||
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===== maximizing solar harvest ===== | ===== maximizing solar harvest ===== | ||
- | * ensure the panels are not shaded by natural obstructions: | + | * ensure the panels are not shaded by //natural// obstructions: |
- | * ensure the panels are not shaded by obstructions on your own RV: antennas, A/C units, vents, etc. One way to minimize shading is to park so that the **greatest expanse of panel is facing south** and any obstructions are on the north side of the van. | + | * ensure the panels are not shaded by // |
* tilt panels if possible | * tilt panels if possible | ||
* ensure no tarps, awnings or other obstructions are preventing cooling breezes from passing under/over the panels; | * ensure no tarps, awnings or other obstructions are preventing cooling breezes from passing under/over the panels; | ||
+ | * framed panels (mono and poly) should be mounted with some space underneath them for cooling airflow. | ||
* clean the solar panels. | * clean the solar panels. | ||
+ | * [[electrical: | ||
+ | * invest in [[electrical: | ||
+ | * install [[electrical: | ||
+ | * use [[electrical: | ||
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- | ===== small systems ===== | ||
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- | ===== unusual conditions ===== | ||
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- | FIXME |