I'm just starting out on building a basic solar power station for backup during outages. So far, I've gathered a few components: a 100Ah LifePO4 battery, two Renogy 100W panels, a 2000 Watt Giandel Pure Sine Wave inverter, two 200 amp ANL fuses with holders, a 30 amp Wanderer charge controller, and some 2 AWG cables. I'm curious if anyone has suggestions on what additional equipment I might need. I find the fuses, battery disconnects, and circuit breaker parts a bit intimidating, so please explain it like I'm five!
4 Answers
Just assemble everything and give it a test run! The fuses are there to keep you safe; they’ll blow if there’s a short circuit, preventing damage or fires to your equipment or wiring.
Make sure to check your charge controller manual, but it's crucial that you connect the battery to the charge controller before hooking up the solar panels.
Regarding your setup, with 100Ah, you should be able to run a fridge for 2-3 days, depending on the temperature. However, with just two solar panels, your charging might be slow. If you have the space, consider expanding to 400-800W and using an MPPT charger instead.
Do you have a wiring diagram you're following? It can really help to visualize how everything connects together.