Hey everyone! I'm totally new to solar setups and I'm in need of advice. I want to create a battery and solar system that can run a 250W appliance for 24 hours during emergencies. This means I need to store around 6 kWh of energy and recharge fully with solar panels during the day. I'm eyeing the Anker Solid F3800 with an expansion battery for a total of 7.6 kWh, plus two 400W portable solar panels, but that'll set me back about $5,100. Since this is a DIY community, I'm hoping you all might have some tips or alternatives that can help me achieve the same goal but at a lower cost. I'm looking for quality components, not just cheap stuff. Thanks a ton!
4 Answers
Before diving in, you might want to double-check if you really need 250W continuous. Many appliances don't run constantly at full power; they cycle on and off. Using a watt meter can give you a clearer picture of your daily energy usage. Also, consider systems like the Eco-worthy SL3500 — it’s half the price of what you’re looking at. Just remember to factor in inverter losses, as you’ll need more than 7.6 kWh of storage to cover that.
Also, check out the AFERIY Labor Day sale for potential savings on solar equipment. It could reduce your costs significantly!
You should check out Will Prowse's YouTube channel; he's got loads of valuable info on DIY solar setups. A lot of people have built mobile solar carts using his designs, which are budget-friendly and pretty straightforward to make. You could save a good chunk of cash that way!
Keep in mind that two 400W panels will give you around 3 kWh on a good day. If you need 6 kWh daily, you might need to bump up your solar panel size. If it’s a fridge you're powering, check whether it has a low duty cycle; that could help manage your needs more effectively.
Absolutely! Building something based on his ideas is both cost-effective and rewarding. Plus, you'll learn a lot along the way.