I'm trying to figure out how to use solar power to run a room efficiently. I want to make sure my setup can keep essential devices like a fan, lights, a computer, and a 3D printer running during the day. The goal is to hedge against power outages since I've lost work in the past when the power went out. I'm open to spending some money on a setup, but I want to know what options are out there that won't break the bank. Any advice on what I need to get started?
3 Answers
It sounds like you want a mix of battery backup for outages and solar panels for everyday use. If you're mainly concerned about power outages, I'd recommend getting a good UPS for your computer gear. It'll give you time to save your work before anything goes down. For longer outages, a solar generator could help power your essentials. You can also use it for camping or tailgating! Just remember, solar setups can get pricey, so weigh your options carefully depending on your needs.
You should really consider how much energy you use daily. For example, I have a small off-grid setup with two 400W solar panels feeding into a 3.6 kWh generator. This setup works well for charging daily, even if I’m not running every gadget constantly. For your situation, think about powering lights, fans, and maybe that 3D printer during the day. The gaming PC might draw too much—it's worth doing some quick calculations to see what your daily needs will be!
If you can switch to using a laptop, that can save you power too! A laptop generally only needs about 500 watts. LED lights are super efficient, and you can find cheap RV fans that run on 12V. For a full workday, you'll likely need around 500 watt-hours, so a good solar generator would help. Just plan for some cloudy days!
Thanks for sharing your setup! Yeah, I mainly want to power smaller stuff like lights and my printer. The gaming PC can wait for a full house setup later on.