Extra Solor

[pkveazey]

I had 1 extra 100 watt solor panel to use for a small project. Never got around to it. Then I bought 2 more LiFePo 100AH spare that were on sale for a lot less money than those three Battleborn 100AH batteries in case I needed them. Then I found 2 more Renogy 100Watt panels on sale for small projects. Hmmmm.... Then I needed charge controllers for them, so I bought two 10 Amp charge controllers and one 600watt 120 volt inverter. Now I have a total of seven 100watt solar panels, one 5000watt 240 volt inverter, one 500watt 120 volt inverter, and one 600 watt 120volt inverter and two 30 Amp charge controllers. The 500 watt inverter is in the SUV but I've never bothered to connect it to the battery. When the SHTF, I'll bet that I get off my butt and connect all that stuff up. So far, I have mounted 4 solar panels to the South facing back deck just in case I need to do a quick connect to the House.

[Jackalope]

It?s always nice to have spare equipment, especially solar equipment.  This past week I noticed that my system wasn?t producing as much power that it normally does.  I have three strings, that are comprised of four 100 watt panels, for a total of 1200 watts. It turns out that one string of four panels only had one panel that was fully functional.  These panels were all purchased within the past year.  We had a nearby lightning strike which probably damaged the panels.

Fortunately, we have spare panels, so it?s not a major problem.  I just need to find the time to swap out the defective panels.  I?ll need to order some more spares soon.  Better to order them now, while the supply chain is still intact.

[JohnyMac]

With our recent storm, we just used our 5kwh system. Never touched a generator.

Okay, this is as good a place as anywhere else. Our cabin was designed with a grid down event happening. Our propane range is lit with a piolet light. Lighting is by a combination of Aladdin kerosene and battery lamps. Separate from my main solar and battery system for my ham radios, water supply, Sirius radio, and water heater.

Add to the above our Jotul wood stove for our winter heat.

I could go on and on however, I have covered this before ad nauseum.