I'm working on a DIY garden and cabin project and I'm on a really tight budget. I need a solar setup that can power at least two outlets for a few hours each day. While I've seen some generator kits, I'm really looking for something where I can swap out batteries and charge them.
3 Answers
If you're looking for a simple solution, I really like Victron products. I created a setup with a 500 watt inverter, a car battery, and a Victron MPPT controller. It's enough to power most common electronics and lights. Just remember, measuring your devices with a watt meter could save you from overspending on unnecessary power capacity!
To give you the best advice, we need a bit more detail. For instance, when you say "two outlets for a few hours," are we talking about needing 1000 watts for two hours, or maybe just 500 watts for four hours? Also, how much power will you actually be using daily? Keep in mind that solar production in winter is way less than in summer, so your battery and solar panel size will vary based on that.
What exactly will you be plugging into those two outlets? Knowing the power draw will help us understand what kind of setup you really need. Plus, consider putting a couple of solar panels on the shed's roof; they can keep your battery charged, even when you're not around!
Absolutely! A watt meter is a game-changer. I learned that the hard way, thinking I needed way more capacity than I actually did.