Breaking Out The Old Solar Setups On The Homestead
I am back at it on the homestead this week, trying to make things just a bit more self sufficient every day. I was cleaning up and organizing while making some plans inside the lab, and decided to make things more energy efficient as well. I got the solar panels out of the corner that they were sitting in collecting dust and dog hair and got them working and farming some power!
I have the old lithium battery packs that I used during my 4 years living the van life, and figured out that I they are powerful enough to really do a lot of the things I need, like lighting, and even running my new dremel tool on the finishing table. I would need way more than I have to cover the power that I use with all the 3D printers, but hey, it's something to work to!
I have a couple of differnt types of panels, all of them are portable. I have the foldable 80W panel that has a little built on controller that I can plug in a 12V DC barrel connector or USB directly into the panel. This one is great for camping, or having in your car on the go. It folds up all nice and neat and can be hung up on hooks or using clips. It was my main go-to panel in the vanlife after the flexable panel I had attached to the roof ended up going bad on me after the first year and a half. This little camping one has been a beast and just keeps on producing power!
The other is a full on folding metal and glass 100W Renogy panel. This one is a bit more heavy duty. It does have a PWM charge controller attached and long cables with aligator clips that I have connected to a 100AH deep cycle RV battery. This rig is what I am going to be using for my greenhouse when I get it all set up because it can handle being out in the weather. I also have another flexable 200W panel, and plan on using it as a travel setup for trade shows and farmers markets.
The whole point of this homestead adventure on my family farm is to be as self reliant as possible. There are some things I will always need to be tied in for like internet obviously, but if I can produce my own power, food, and supplies, well, then I am pretty well on the way to my goal!
Now to start making some money from all this, lol... But there is a plan there as well, I am just having to be patient and grateful for the family supporting me getting back up on my feet and getting this new journey of my life underway!
Until next time...
Be cool, be real, and always abide my dudes!
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I just watched a video about vertical double sided PV having some extra efficiency. They can double as fencing. Hopefully the tech mature and becomes more affordable.
It's fairly affordable, I just wish it were more efficient for what you are paying. There are some films being produced and tested that I am interested in. Apparently you are supposed to be able to print it, which I am down with. Give me a solar film printer, lol.
Thank you for demonstrating that alternative energies can be used by everyone
Hey man, it's super cool to see that you're also making your farm more self-sufficient!
I've been following you for a while. I miss some of your articles, but not all.
I myself have a 385W solar panel that I use to power my converted van (lights, internet, pc, phone, etc.), but I haven't had a chance to use it on my land yet. In fact, I'm thinking of buying a new one second-hand. Prices are getting lower and lower for this kind of purchase. So I'm going to take advantage of it.
How much electricity do your solar panels produce? Also, I can't wait to see how you monetize your project. Do you have any ideas yet 😀
As stated in the post, the one main panel is only 100W and the little folding one is 80W.
The plan is to grow the system as I can earn more money to help power the 3D printers, or at least use a grid tie inverter to offset some of the costs. Would like to get to 1KW at least.
As far as monetizing, I am making self watering planters and hydroponic towers that I plan to makers and sell both online and at trade shows and farmer's markets. I also plan on trying to eventually grow enough food that I have extra to sell. The primary goal is to take care of and feeding the family and myself first.
I would rather teach and produce the tools for people to grow their own food at home. I feel that is a more sustainable mission for everyone.
Gotta love free electric..
Yeah it’s quite nice.