I'm on the lookout for a solar generator and battery system that can keep a fan running almost 24/7 in my shed, which I've turned into a makeshift barn for my goats. The fan I want to use has a maximum output of around 60-85 watts, depending on the speed. I've browsed through Amazon and some hardware stores, but it seems like many options can't charge and output power at the same time. I'm not very knowledgeable about this stuff, so any recommendations would be appreciated!
2 Answers
You mentioned wanting it to run 24/7, but is that realistic for the whole year? Also, where are you located? In certain regions, winter can make solar power pretty tricky without a large system.
I'd recommend going for a 12V LFP battery, around 50 Ah. This setup would give you roughly 500-600 Wh of runtime for the cloudy days. To simplify things, opt for a DC fan instead of an AC one, as that cuts down on the conversion losses. A good fit might be an RV or camper roof fan. Pair it with a 100W solar panel to power the fan during the day and charge up that battery. If you find that setup isn't cutting it, you could always add another 100W panel later. Don't forget a budget-friendly MPPT solar charge controller too!
Thanks for the advice! Do you have any specific system recommendations I can look into?
I should have been clearer: I'm only aiming for summer use. My shed gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day then. If it’s too tough for a budget option, I’ll just have to rethink my plans.