Solar Powered Coop

[kloverdarling]

Definitely still in test phases here on this one. I can actually see blue skies today, for the first time since I put this project together. I checked the battery just a bit ago and it was at 12.3... I have to locate the paperwork for the inverter, it has apparently grown legs and walked off. I want to figure out some math on what I'm running so that I can accurately get some feedback and see if and or what I have to change or not change to get an effective system going.

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

I looked online and one B&D 500 W inverter said 3.6 watts idle load. If you are producing 20 watts for 8 hours a day the inverter will use up 10.8 of those over 24 hours in idle mode.

 

[kloverdarling]

So does that give me 9.2w of useable energy? If producing under those circumstances.

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

Yes, that would seem to be the case.

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

Just to keep going with the math on this, your light runs for 2 hours at 25 watts. That will use 6.25 (25x2÷8) of those 9.2 watts. Inverters are not 100% efficient so it will be more than 6.25. Your coop door likely uses electricity in idle mode plus the actual opening and closing.

 

[kloverdarling]

So will probably need more panel? This is my own little project and trying to learn as much as possible thanks for your input!

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

Just rethinking this one: 25 watts at 120 volts is the same as 250 watts at 12 volts. (I think that is correct.) That would put you in a pretty significant deficit.

 

[kloverdarling]

Ok. Changing the light would be in my best interest it seems.

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

Sorry, I take back the 25 watts at 120 v is the same as 250 at 12v. I dont think that is correct.

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

If you can get a lower wattage 12 volt light (and timer?) that is still bright enough, I would get that. I think you will struggle to get much use out of your inverter without overtaxing your panel and battery. I would return it. Just a suggestion.