The Island View Coop (Picture heavy)

[LPeaslee]

Here is the newest addition to the coop.
I installed a Renogy 60watt solar off-grid kit, then added a few extras.

Here is the 26"x30" panel, mounted on the roof.

All of the controllers are mounted in an Orbit irrigation box.

The two volt meters indicate the current panel voltage and battery voltage.
Next to the volt meters is a photo cell to keep the exterior flood lights from being activated during the day.
Top right is the Renogy 10amp charge controller.
Below the charge controller are timers for the pop door (motor not installed yet), and the timer for the internal flood light; got to keep those hens laying during the short winter days.
Below the timers are switches to disable and override the sensors and timers.
And on the bottom left is of course the fuse block.

The sun has set so the panel voltage is low, but it still puts out 13+ volts until the sun is gone over the horizon.

Here is the coop all lit up. Sure makes feeding in the morning, before work much easier.

 

[JanetS]

Wow! Very Nice.

 

[jdlong27]

Here is the newest addition to the coop.
I installed a Renogy 60watt solar off-grid kit, then added a few extras.

Here is the 26"x30" panel, mounted on the roof.

All of the controllers are mounted in an Orbit irrigation box.

The two volt meters indicate the current panel voltage and battery voltage.
Next to the volt meters is a photo cell to keep the exterior flood lights from being activated during the day.
Top right is the Renogy 10amp charge controller.
Below the charge controller are timers for the pop door (motor not installed yet), and the timer for the internal flood light; got to keep those hens laying during the short winter days.
Below the timers are switches to disable and override the sensors and timers.
And on the bottom left is of course the fuse block.

The sun has set so the panel voltage is low, but it still puts out 13+ volts until the sun is gone over the horizon.

Here is the coop all lit up. Sure makes feeding in the morning, before work much easier.

Really nice build overall! Do you happen to have any sketches of the schematics for that solar setup? I really like that you added voltage indicators and kill switches. Also, what type of battery(ies) are you running/type of lights (led 12v?) and how long are you getting without dropping more than 50% on stored power?

Sorry for all the questions but I've done a fair amount of research on this very thing and still can't seem to get my head around it all.

Outstanding job!

 

[LPeaslee]

Really nice build overall! Do you happen to have any sketches of the schematics for that solar setup? I really like that you added voltage indicators and kill switches. Also, what type of battery(ies) are you running/type of lights (led 12v?) and how long are you getting without dropping more than 50% on stored power?

Sorry for all the questions but I've done a fair amount of research on this very thing and still can't seem to get my head around it all.

Outstanding job!

I deviate from my original plan, so i'll work on a new schematic and post it when it's done.
I'm current using a 12v, 35amp deep cycle battery. I will see how it holds up when the weather turns bad, but I can add additional batteries if needed. The lowest drop in stored power was down to 12.3v.
Everything is running on the 12v DC, as I felt running a converter to get 110v AC wouldn't be as efficient.

 

[SunkenRoadFarms]

Awesome setup!

 

[jdlong27]

Thanks @LPeaslee

 

[LPeaslee]

Thanks @LPeaslee

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RioRand
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Amico DC 12V Digital LCD Power Programmable Timer Time Switch Relay 16A Amps
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HELLA H84960091 6-Way Lateral Single Fuse Box
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DC 12V Photoelectric Switch Sensor Relay Module 50mmx25mm w 2 Cable
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RENOGY

Solar Panel Starter Kit 60W Monocrystalline: One 60W Mono Solar Panel UL 1703 Listed+One 10Amp PWM Charge Controller+One pair of 20Ft MC4 Solar Adaptor Kit with Male and Female Connector+ One Set of Uniquely Designed Z Bracket Mounts
by Renogy
Link: http://amzn.com/B00JMMBA7E


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Orbit Outdoor Waterproof Sprinkler Timer Cabinet for Indoor Timers
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Link: http://amzn.com/B000VYGMF2


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12 Volt, 35 Ah Sealed Lead Acid Battery
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Link: http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt-35-ah-sealed-lead-acid-battery-68680.html


2x
2Pcs 3A Barrel Diodes
By Radioshack
Link: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062577

 

[jdlong27]

@LPeaslee THANK YOU!

That is awesome of you to take the time and do that. I wish there was a donate feature on here!

I have to finish my coop before this step, but will post back here when I get to use this information (which I will definitely do).

All the best to you!

 

[3bird]

Any update? We're looking at installing the Renogy 100 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit to our coop.