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electrical:solar:rationing [2017/11/19 19:18]
frater_secessus [maximizing solar harvest]
electrical:solar:rationing [2020/10/11 19:48] (current)
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 +[[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: 
 +  
 +  * smaller solar installations 
 +  * 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: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
  
  
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 ===== 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.   * 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
  
  
  
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-===== small systems ===== 
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-FIXME 
-===== unusual conditions ===== 
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-FIXME 
electrical/solar/rationing.1511137101.txt.gz · Last modified: 2020/10/11 19:48 (external edit)