User Tools

Site Tools


electrical:solar:rationing

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revision Previous revision
Next revision
Previous revision
Next revision Both sides next revision
electrical:solar:rationing [2017/10/26 12:18]
frater_secessus [unusual conditions]
electrical:solar:rationing [2019/09/28 17:09]
frater_secessus [minimizing loads]
Line 1: Line 1:
 +[[lifestyle:words_of_wisdom|Words of Wisdom]]: It is **cheaper and easier to use less power** than it is to make more power. -- highdesertranger((paraphrased))
 +
 ====== Rationing solar power ====== ====== Rationing solar power ======
  
-Sometimes normal awareness is not enough to keep a solar setup functioning with usable power.  In these situations one might need to take steps to minimize loads and maximize power intake.+Sometimes normal awareness is not enough to keep a solar setup functioning with usable power.  In these situations one might need to take steps to minimize loads and maximize power generation. 
 + 
 +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 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
  
  
Line 7: Line 21:
  
   * 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:solar:nonessential|to periods of excess power]]+  * timeshift charging of phones, laptops, etc [[electrical:solar:nonessential|to periods of excess power]]
   * 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 earlysleep late :-)+  * go to bed with the sunrise 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 use of an inverter +  * 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.  Oversizing wastes power because bigger inverters have more parasitic draw.  It may be worthwhile to have a small inverter for small loads and a big inverter for big loads;  this stops the inefficient use of small loads on a big inverter.  
 +    * use MSW unless your intended uses need PSW;  MSW have lower parasitic draws. 
 +  * open your [[food:refrigeration|refrigerator]] as little as possible after sundown 
 +  * [[food:cooking|cook]] with propane instead of electricty
  
  
Line 20: Line 40:
 ===== maximizing solar harvest ===== ===== maximizing solar harvest =====
  
-  * ensure the panels are not shaded by natural obstructions:  move out from under trees, overhangs, etc. +  * ensure the panels are not shaded by //natural// obstructions:  move out from under trees, overhangs, etc. 
-  * 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 //manmade// 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.
   * 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;  panel output drops as cell temperature rises.   * ensure no tarps, awnings or other obstructions are preventing cooling breezes from passing under/over the panels;  panel output drops as cell temperature rises.
 +  * framed panels (mono and poly) should be mounted with some space underneath them for cooling airflow.  Cell temperature affects panel voltage output.
   * clean the solar panels.  Dust or dirt on the panels can decrease panel output by 5-10% in some cases.((http://www.lwd.com/solar/deratingfactors.htm))   * clean the solar panels.  Dust or dirt on the panels can decrease panel output by 5-10% in some cases.((http://www.lwd.com/solar/deratingfactors.htm))
 +  * [[electrical:solar:pwm_tweaking|tweak your PWM controller]] to produce more power, and be //ruthless// about not running loads until the battery bank is out of bulk mode.
 +  * invest in [[electrical:solar:charge_controller#mppt|an mppt controller]] if you can, and [[electrical:solar:charge_controller_setpoints|configure it]] to battery manufacturer specifications
 +  * install [[electrical:12v:alternator|an isolator]] for alternator charging
 +  * use [[electrical:shore_power|shore power]] charging (via [[electrical:converter|converter]]) anytime it is available
  
  
  
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-===== small systems ===== 
- 
- 
-===== unusual conditions ===== 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-FIXME 
electrical/solar/rationing.txt · Last modified: 2020/10/11 19:48 (external edit)