| | | OT Solar: I finally installed 8 x 200AH LiFePO4 batteries (aka prismatic 'cells') on my modest 4 x 215W, 24V solar panels -- kind of a 'lab experiment' to learn the real-life intricacies of solar power. (Besides, I've always wanted a solar panel system!) What an improvement over flooded deep discharge lead acid! Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (aka LFP) are nearly the 'perfect' battery except for their upfront cost! 'Life cycle cost' really isn't too bad -- they can last 8000+ charge cycles over 10+ years, and you can use 80% of their amp-hour (AH) capacity. I just installed two Cell Balancers on the batteries (one services 4 cells) to keep the cells' charge curves aligned at the top of charge. This is important.
My system produces enough power to adequately run (not 100% of the time, mind you) my refrigerator, freezer, NG furnace, and satellite TV, PC, or Ham Radio. In summer it might run a very small window AC part-time, but a better use is to make lots of ice in the frig and freezer and cool off with a cold drink! Or have a frosty mug of beer! But it is just a modest-size system.
A portable Honda 2000W inverter generator was my original backup solution and remains my last resort (especially in winter), but then you need spare fuel cans and a means to syphon gasoline from car and truck tanks. Fuel is the limiting factor for any generator, even NG* or LP. I chose the little Honda because it was so fuel efficient -- stretching 1 gallon over 5-7 hours (a week or more of run time from a vehicle's fuel tank). At 50 lbs I can also pick it up and take it with me.
-MDH
*NG generators are nice unless your greater area experiences a disaster such as a flood or freeze (think: Texas). Without electricity to run NG pipeline control electronics, valves, and pumps, NG availability may only be a few days to a week or so. |
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