I've been living off-grid for a while now, and I'm ready to set up my first solar power system. I've been browsing solar panel kits online, particularly the one from Harbour Freight, but I'm feeling a bit lost with the information on batteries and inverters. Right now, I just need enough power to charge my phone, laptop, run a small fan (max 40 watts), and a mini fridge (max 120 watts). I'm hoping to get some recommendations on where to start. In the future, I plan to power a small water heater and Starlink for wifi (which I believe needs about 75 watts). Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
To kick things off, I suggest watching some instructional videos. Will Prowse has some great content on solar panel installs that can give you a solid foundation. Make sure to assess your actual power needs using something like a Kill-A-Watt meter over 24 hours. For a basic setup, you need panels, a charge controller, a battery, and an inverter. I recently put together a project for about $600, and it powers my tools and devices well!
If you're looking at solar power, remember that a water heater can use up a lot of resources, so you might want to consider something like a tankless propane water heater for efficiency. Also, think about using a 12v compressor cooler instead of a regular fridge since they tend to be more energy-friendly. Your current needs are right on the edge of simple power stations, but if you DIY, you'll save in the long run!
A big part of starting your solar setup is understanding watts versus watt-hours. Think of watts like horsepower and watt-hours like your gas tank. Charging a phone typically consumes around 20Wh per charge, while a fridge could use about 750Wh daily. Just keep in mind that heating elements use way more power than you might expect, so that could affect your overall setup.
I've been using a tankless propane water heater for a few years, and it's been a game changer! It runs off D batteries for ignition, plus you get tons of hot water from just a little propane. Definitely vent it outdoors! Check out eBay for options.