RE: Apocalyptic Homesteading (Day 1234)
(Edited)
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I was thinking about doing solar instead but am unsure if the site gets enough sun to make it worthwhile.
I was already planning on setting up the solar panels that I have but a much larger system would be ideal. The down side is that if the system is too big (like one large enough for a residence) it would need its own permit. I am unsure if it would require a septic to be in place also.
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Yes the location is so important. We are waiting to decide between two spots until after the winter solstice, we want to be sure that even at the solar minimum there is enough sun to at least get by.
But as for the size of the system I was really surprised at how much smaller and more effiecient everything has gotten since I last checked two years ago. The batteries still have a long way to go but we need only two solar panels to charge our power tools, bikes, and a fridge, or at least that is the claim. we will just have to see! I really hope I can also use my sewing machine!!
Yep it is always best to wait and watch to see if it is viable for a large installation. Unless of course you can get a solar survey done by a solar installer.
Plenty of cheap panels are available these days which makes it less of a financial hurdle than it once was. I agree about the batteries having a long way to go but some of those power banks (just for solar) are really nice and maybe a better investment because they can have the charge controller, inverter, fuses and breakers all built into them.
Currently I have a small solar panel (for battery maintenance) and a large panel that I have used extensively in the past to get me by. It is just enough to keep a phone charged and provide me with lights at night but it sure beats no power. I gotta get new batteries though because mine are all trash.